New Horse Training, Just started

[MyBrigs]

Hello I am new here and I wanted to ask some advise on a new horse I just got, He is an arab gelding, 2 1/2 yr old, Sweet as can be, has little to NO training, just taken from barn to pasture daily etc. I decided to hire a trainer seeing that I have really never train a horse on my own, I have 2 other horse on my farm, one is a 13y QH that is Bombproofed and very very forgiving, the other a 10 Morgan Stud that is alittle work within himself, But I have learned to handle him and he no longer tests me.
I stated visiting Brigs ( the new arab) and just taken him out on lead to round pen, he wanted to walk on top of you and didn;t know how to give you your space, so with a little pushing andthe chain he now know "my" space. When I went into pen with him and turn loose he wants to play chicken with me and I shoo him away, he does run around like the young horse he is and when is circles around me, not close enough to make any comtact he will kick out towards me just like he would play with another horse no ear pinning or anything like that so I am hoping that I am right that he just doesn't know any better and this is no cause for alarm?
I was VERY please with the first training season with trainer, he really seems to learn respect quickly and really paid attanchen to trainer, reading his voice and body very very well. We are going to follow with 3 seasons a week and when the times comes I am hoping that he respects me like he does the trainer? Seems to have not temperment problems, I am more worried about me messing him up, I sometimes do not have much confidence when it is just me and him alone, and afraid he can pick up on this, I feel more at ease when someone else is around and I seem to do much better then when alone, So I am seeking any kind of advise on this,
It's still really early in the process but I don;t want to do anything wrong.
Thanks
Gina

[shirley]

We took on a three year old over three years ago. Like yourself never having started a youngster, but we had bought her knowing that we had support of our instructor who also trains horses as well. So felt well supported. We went about getting respect from the ground, as you say respecting your space and getting to know you are the dominent one in the partnership. Not by punishment but using positive reinforcement methods. We started leading her around in a halter and teaching her the verbal words for stand, walk on and trot on, on both reins and leading from both sides as well (this should then not make them one sided i.e. doing everything from their lefts but alternating it between left and right equally). Also grooming her, being able to touch her all over, getting her used to being handled all over and knowing her tickly points. We did find that she was particularly sensative in one area using a dandy brush, so we bought a less denser brush, more finer brush and used this and gradually she got used to this and now we can use the normal dandy brush and she loves it. We taught her to lunge with using one on the inside giving the commands and a helper on the outside leading her and gradually she learnt that the words stand etc could be transferred to lunge commands as well. We also long reined her to get her used to the weight of reins on the bit of bridle. Again using a really soft bit to begin with and small light weight saddle, again walked her and trotted her up in these NEVER lead from bit rings doing this, put lead rein on the back of cavasson nose band and then lunging with these on and long reining.
Other things we have done is leading her from my much older cob, with whom she has pair bonded and she trusts. This got her used to seeing someone above her and over her, so when we did come to getting on her for the first time it was not so scary.
Getting her used to standing for several seconds next to a mounting box (this we used clicker training method for). Standing on the mounting block and patting her side and over her other side etc.
Basically building up each step little by very little, so there were not surprises, not major steps to deal with mentally etc. We also made things as little and as often as possible, better to do five good minutes and stop, then labour with 15 and feel frustrated. Lessons were done for several days and then we left her for a couple to take new things in. Different I know to them learning altogether and then being turned away for a period of time as is traditional method.
We also played with our mare, teaching her tricks. Also just spending time with her in the field and stable, not doing anything except perhaps talking to her and grooming her and often just standing next to her stroking her and spending the time of day.
We backed her when she was four and half and as she is my daughters pony, she has bought her on bit by very little bit.
We also started taking her to local in hand shows and last year to first ridden show, small jumps and this year will be her first dressage.
All in all it has and still is one of the most wonderful things we have done together as a family. Our instructor / trainer has been our best friend throughout this experience. She is a truely wonderful mare, with character, is cheeky to some extent, but not a bad bone in her body. Needless to say we love her loads and loads.
So hope this rather long long post helps, but we gradually built up our confidence and if we can do this then I beleive anyone can, just give yourself time and enjoy yourself, even if you do make a mistake, I am certain because of the relationship you will have with your horse they will be forgiving, just as you will with them!!!
Good luck and keep us posted of progress.

[Harry Hobbes]

MyBrigs,

Try to learn as much as possible about handling the horse from that trainer. In fact, if you can get the trainer to train you on the principles, concepts, methods and techniques, then you will be in a good position to continue the training of the horse after the trainer completes his/her training.

In addition, there are a variety of training programs available to teach the human how to effectively teach and maintain acceptable behaviors in the horse.

Best regards,
Harry

[MyBrigs]

Thanks for the info. Yes I am with the trainer the whole time he works with Brig's and I do ask a lot of questions. But luckly the trainer is a really nice guy and explains everything. When he is done his part he will then work with me to teach me what I need to know.
Looking Forward to a GREAT outcome!!
Next lesson is tomorrow!!
Thanks Again
Gina;)