Ray Hunt says: “Prepare to position for the transition”. Translation: prepare the horse for what is to come/what you want to have them do; and set it up to make it easy for them. Then what you’d like to have happen, just “happens”.
This doesn’t just mean we prepare them when we’re on their back asking for maneuvers.
It means we prepare them for a halter (if we’re halter breaking them).
We prepare them for a saddle if we’re starting them under saddle.
Prepare them to be roped one (by getting them used to ropes etc).
The better prepared we have them the better our chances of success, and a quiet, confident horse.
In these short videos we continue to prepare little Luna for the saddle but don’t actually saddle her. Also, note, I’m training my new assistant, Zoe. She’s learning along with the horse. Since it’s just us here with no fancy film crew what you don’t always see is when I may step in to help her. Overall – we all have to start learning somewhere and when you have a gentle filly and a person with a good attitude, learning from the horse and someone experienced walking them through, it’s usually a recipe for success.
Preparation for the Saddle
Time for the Saddle Pad!
What questions, if any, do you have about this process as you’re watching?
PS. And in case you’re in the market for a well bred, kind filly – well this one is available!