Colt Starting

Here at Flying Star when we start young stock. We spend a great deal of time with them asking them to "release to pressure", while learning to lead confidently. This unfolds into the basics of learning to tie and accept tack quietly. Then when this is secure we begin bitting up and lounging. Often youngsters are weak and lack the strength required to lounge so "ponying" is a perfect segway to lounging and long lining. A good criteria before backing is to establish turning right and left softly on the long lines thru walk and trot and cantering with balance both ways.

While a youngster is developing basic skills it is nice to build on one thing they DO WELL! Finding and establishing that is important so there is always something to come back too if they loose condifence in an exercise. Trot poles, lungeing in the field are tools we use to provide gymnastic exercises to strengthen and challenge the youngster's development. Owners should be prepared for the time it takes to organize a young horse. Lying over the horse then taking walk steps are an important step in learning to accept a riders weight

The horse is really the only one who can let us know when they are ready for this step. Typically 2 to 3 months is standard to take a young horse from really green to walk trot canter under saddle. We utilized basic dressage movements after "some steering is installed" to improve the horses understanding of leg, seat and hand aids. Work on the ground increases in difficulty daily during the youngsters stay as they improve in stamina and comprehension. It is critical to address dental and shoeing needs during this taxing time, with their bodies changing rapidly. You are always welcome to come observe the young horses during their sessions. Bathing and trailer loading are part of the routine of becoming a confident young mount.

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