Kindergarden Under Saddle

Quantum Leaps 6th ride

My priorities for horses under saddle are listed above in the above paragraph, however, there are few items that are worth noting for very very green horses:

• I start horses in a bitless bridle until they are confident, forward, and reasonably straight
• Young horses learn to yield their bodies to pressure (head, neck, ribcage, shoulders, and haunches) BEFORE going into a bit, and before being asked to go in a frame. These are basic “ABC’s” of horse training and I teach them first thing.
• “Kindergarteners” carry a bit while working off a bitless bridle (off of nose pressure), and slowly transition to a bit. This ensures a stress free and gentle way for horses to learn about bitted bridles.
• I do not use tie-downs, chambons, martingales, draw reins or devices other than plain or sliding side reins.