| you have babies around the farm it is sometimes hard | | | | just getting your movement into a jogging pace. Most |
| to leave them alone and wait until they are old enough | | | | horses will quickly pick up a trot in response to your |
| to start under saddle training. Fortunately there are | | | | movement. If you horse does not pick up on this subtle |
| other things that you can do with your young horses | | | | signal you may need to carry a dressage whip to tap |
| to keep you busy and to prepare them for their future. | | | | him on his quarters to encourage him to move on. |
| Many horse shows offer line classes for young | | | | Similarly you could recruit a helper to use the whip |
| horses. In these classes the horses are led around the | | | | behind him to chase him forward until he gets the idea. |
| ring and are judged on their movement and | | | | Another important thing your baby should learn is how |
| conformation. Additional classes may be offered | | | | to stand. Staying still for any length of time is |
| where the handler is judged for their ability to show off | | | | challenging to any youngster, so start with short |
| the horse on the line. | | | | sessions and gradually lengthen them. Fortunately the |
| If you have a registered horse you may find that there | | | | judge only looks at one horse at a time, so when he is |
| are shows specific to their breed that provide line | | | | not looking at your horse you can allow him to relax if |
| classes for young horses. Some of these classes | | | | he is not happy standing still. |
| even offer good prize money and futurities. Contact | | | | These basic lessons are excellent introductions to the |
| your breed organization to find out what shows they | | | | skills your horse will need once he is going under |
| may have available for your youngster. | | | | saddle. By attending shows with your baby he will learn |
| The first step in preparing your baby to show on the | | | | to relax at different locations and to accept trips on |
| line is to teach them to lead properly. They should walk | | | | the trailer. The time spent braiding and bathing him will |
| beside you with his shoulder at your shoulder. The | | | | prepare him for the many baths and grooming session |
| walk should be forward so that your horse’s | | | | he will enjoy later in life. |
| natural movement is showcased. Depending on your | | | | There is really no need to rush a baby into under |
| breed and discipline you may need to train your horse | | | | saddle training. They need to wait until they have |
| to walk in a bridle or in a halter. Either way he should | | | | sufficiently matured to be able to safely carry a rider, |
| walk calmly with some contact, but not a tight lead, | | | | which isn’t until they are at least three years |
| which could interfere with his movement. | | | | old. In the meantime try training your baby to show on |
| When your youngster is confident at a walk, it is time | | | | the line. It is a fun and rewarding experience that any |
| to teach him to trot in hand. Start up a short jogging | | | | horse owner can enjoy with their youngster. |
| stride beside your horse, not necessarily going fast, | | | | |