In this video, we're talking about how to use the round pen to establish a relationship with the horse, especially as it pertains to colt starting.
STEP ONE: Establish Leadership by Moving His Feet
- I like to use a lariat because it allows me to move my horse's feet without having to necessarily move my own.
- I want my horse to keep moving until I ask him to stop.
STEP TWO: Ask for Inside Turns
- Once my horse is moving consistently, I'll start to ask for a change in direction to the inside by stepping my body in front of him.
- If my horse turns to the outside rather than the inside, I'll set him back up the same direction and ask again, and continue until he makes the inside turn.
STEP THREE: Let the Horse Stop While Facing Me
- When I see that my horse is asking for a stop, I will allow him to face me and find a release.
STEP FOUR: Start Sacking Him Out
- I like to start rubbing the horse with my hands first, using an approach-and-retreat method. I make sure to touch his face and ears.
- Then, I like using my lariat to do all the same touches.
- Once my horse is comfortable with my hands and my lariat, I'll introduce a saddle blanket and saddle pad.
HUMILITY
Humility is having an accurate assessment of yourself. In my opinion, the horse is one of the most humble creatures on earth. The horse is way more powerful than I am, and yet he submits himself to my will. The perfect picture of humility is in Jesus Christ, who submitted Himself to the cross for you and me.