green horse.....what approach do you use?

[phoenix21]

I rode a new horse that we have at the stables today, he is broken in to the carriage but is still quite young (i think 4-5) irish draught and has had very very little done with him riding wise. He has been walking out on rides for the past 2 weeks and today i took him out trotting - the second time he'd gone out lead. I havent much experience riding green horses, hes a very honest horse, looks round a lot but instead of spooking - he just looks or stops. His trot is horrendous (sp) and he will benifit from a lot of schooling (which he will be having in the near future)- his trot was like being on a see saw when someone gives you the bumps!!!!!! unbelievably bouncy!

What is the general consenous on young horses - ie how to ride them?

i let him get on on with it, gave him some rein and talked to him lots. hes a bit all over the place in that he doesnt walk straight and i had to keep him going in trot to stop him randomly stopping - is the softly softly approach the best? one of the girls suggested i take a stick with me when i took him out but i really didnt think that that was necessary - especially using it on such a green horse. Hes such a star though - could just see the confused look on his face sometimes so i was reassuring him lots but considering he hasnt done much hes lovely.

[KateWooten]

I use consistency ! One handler, one horse. Without that, I think it's quite difficult for them to build up confidence in their rider. But I do think your instincts are good ones. The stick alone is not agood idea at all. It might be agood idea for you to read around the subject some more. If you take the time to find out what would go into starting a horse from scratch, you'll be in a good position to see things from his point of view.

[phoenix21]

its normally one lass who rides him but she wasnt there today so i took him out. she will be doing all the schooling etc with him but i was just interested really as i havent had a great deal of experience with green horses.

[Pink's lady]

You need to make life simple black and white for them - that the thing you want them to do is clear and plain and following your instruction is the easiest way. Make all your instructors plain and simple and loud and don't get frustrated when they don't understand. Praise lavishly when they get it right or make an effort.

It's difficult when it's not your own horse but make the right action easy and the wrong action hard and you won't go far wrong.

[skye06]

I agree with Kate, consistancy is key. The best way to learn though is experience and if the girl who is schooling him is ok with you watching and helping jump at the chance.

[oldbushy]

Because he is a good honest horse with no nasty habits set in DON'T TAKE THE STICK.. That's cruel not to let them just learn first If you use a stick when all it is is that he just doesn't understand what is wanted of him then he will become a mean horse. Always end the lesson or ride on a good note with lots of praise you keep him calm you keep him positive and he looks forward to next time. Not dreading it. I read somewhere that this swervyness is a green (young) horse thing My unbroken babyboy couldn't walk straight if our lives depended on it. I just laugh, persist and let him relax and be a "kid" .I find it builds up trust which gives you confidence and pleasure in riding them