In this episode, Steve Halfpenny explores one of the most important moments in a horse’s life — the very first rides. The way a horse is started under saddle will shape its confidence, trust, and relationship with people for years to come. Too often, young horses are started with methods that rely on domination and pressure, leaving them anxious, defensive, or shut down. Steve shares stories of horses he’s worked with that came back from a rough start and needed months of rebuilding trust — and contrasts that with the smooth, willing progress of horses started with clarity and kindness.