Over the years, I’ve gotten a lot more patient about putting the first ride on a horse. Before that first ride, I will spend a significant amount of time on groundwork. I do this because I know that horse has to have a certain amount of trust in me before I attempt to get on its back. By helping my horse be prepared for that first ride, I build that horse’s confidence and reduce any insecurity toward the situation. During the groundwork phase, I want that horse to get to the point where it is able to recognize the release and begins to associate me with that relief.

On this episode, I'm going in-depth into my colt starting process and discussing some of the training methods I use to prepare a colt for its first ride.To learn more about the exercises we use in our colt starting program, check out the Foundation and Fundamentals online training program. You can also check our clinic schedule for upcoming Colt Starting Clinics.