Wednesday, July 29, 2009

How should I start riding my mare?

I bought a mare a little over a month ago and haven't ridden her yet. I have been working with getting her to trust me because she has problems with that! Anyways, how should I start riding her? Like, should I just get on her?
Answers:
Yes, though I wouldn't recommend trying to jump on her back out of a second-story window until the two of you have built up a good rapport.
with grate trepadation
You didn't mention if she was saddle broke yet or not? I am assuming that she is already saddle broke, if yes, then it sounds like you have waited long enough to get on her, but make sure to wear a helmet and you should probably do it in a round pen or another enclosed space.
If your horse is not yet saddle broke, please don't get on her without the supervision of a professional.
da way u star ridin her is u have 2 let her no dat ur not goin 2 hurt her. then u slowly walk up 2 her. n if she lets u pet her then she trustes u. thats mostly when u can ride her. only if she trust u then u just ride her.
She's saddle broken, right? You've worked her on a lead, right? If so, yes... just make sure you get on when someone else is with you and when you are in a small pasture or pen. Take it easy at first. She will need to get accustomed to your weight and the way you " seat the saddle".
I would start with saddling and longeing her. or doing round pen work with a saddle. then just act like shes never been broke get up on one side get off get up on the other side get off. if shes ok get on her trot her around a little and call it a day. ALWAYS end on a good note or your horses will associate what ever you did that day with bad consequences.
If you are building up trust you will know when. If you don't feel it's time, don't let anyone else persuade you. When you're both ready you'll just do it and it will be easy.
If the horse has been broken and you are the one who is scared, then try some ground work. Start with working her in a round pen, yielding her hind quarters, her forequarters, lunging, etc.. Do this until she pays attention to you and make sure you give her a lot of reward. (taking the pressure off rewards horses). I would saddle her up and do the same things over again. When you are both confident, put one boot in the stirrup and don't mount her yet. Just stand there for a second and test her reaction. Then try it again for a longer period of time with more weight. You can even bounce up and down on the one stirrup. Just don't throw your leg over to the other side. Be ready to dismount. When she is standing ready and still when you are doing this, then go to putting pressure weight on the saddle by leaning over a little on it. After you have accomplished this, then throw your leg over and ride her in the round pen for a while. Do this everyday until she is responding to your direction. I wouldn't start out riding her in an big open area, since you do not know the horse that well.
This isn't very specific. I am asuming you mean she isn't saddle broke... because if she is what could be stopping you? You should probably get a trainer if she isn't especially if you haven't been around horses that much. I don't know if you have been around horses, so I could be totally wrong. If you have been and your horse is saddle broke go ahead and ride her. Good luck!
I think the best thing would be for you to take your horse or to have a trainer come to your place and give you lessons on the horse. That way, there is no questions on how the horse is started and you are left to wonder if you are doing the right thing.
You learn sooooo much more when you learn on your horse under someones guidance. Its way more safer for you and the horse too.
try with a saddle first 2 see how she will do( if shes relaxed soo you can have a idea if she starts 2 buck what ur dealing wit) and if shes good and calm start bareback.
Tie her up tight(to something strong) Then start putting your foot in the sturrip.See what kind of reaction that gets-Do that until you're comfortable to throw your leg all the way over-Move all over in the saddle-rub your hands all over her rump, her neck etc., let her know you're up there, and mean no harm to her.If she's at any point, putting her ears back,shes mad about some part of the proceedure.
If your horse has trust problems and you have over come them then put the saddle on her. She might be spooky and might look at things a little differantly with a saddle on her back. Walk her around with a lead rope and halter with the saddle on her back. Pet her the entire time making sure your tellign her that its ok. The next time you see your horse, do the same thing but do it as a warm up before just sitting on her. Dont kick or walk just sit there. Then the third time i woudl try to walk. But its your horse, do what ever you think is right for her.
Good luck

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