In this final session of our 7-part colt starting series, I'll be putting the second ride on my colt and introducing him to the snaffle bit.
Beginning the Session
As in past sessions, I'll start out by reminding the colt of the lessons he's learned up to this point (I can move his feet, he needs to focus on me, and he doesn't need to be afraid of me or the objects I bring to him).
Bucking
If your horse gets to bucking in the second session, educate him and let him know that's not okay. Stop his feet and have him face you, then move him off again. If he bucks again, repeat.
Introducing the Bit
Ask him to soften his face just as you did in the halter. When he flexes laterally and vertically, release. If he also disengages his hindquarters, that's great, let him have that. A big part of keeping your horse soft is recognizing when he does something right and letting him know. If he moves his hindquarters but doesn't soften, stay with his movement until he does soften.
The Second Ride
A lot of people ask, "What does the second ride look like?" And what I tell people is that it looks like the first ride, it just takes less time. I like to remember that at this point in the training, I am a passenger and a guest - I don't start moving all the furniture around. I remember to stay loose and relaxed. If the horse spooks, he spooks, just stay with it.
Another question I frequently get asked is, "When do you start using your legs?" In short, once my horse is moving out comfortably and consistently, I'll start to bump him a little when I know he's going to move. It may be day 3, 4, or 5, but I introduce the idea slowly.
Take your time, and build on your progress just one step at a time, and you'll have a safe, fun, colt start.
Until next time, may God bless the trails you ride,
- Ken McNabb