Much is said and written on how to train horses. But today I want to talk about “when” to train horses.
I have always been of the firm opinion that horses will let us know when they are ready to learn new things. The trick is to have the patience – and the wisdom to be able to “see” the readiness in them.
This is our darling Montana Amazing Grace, just over 5 months old Danish warmblood filly by Blue Hors Monte Carlo.
When Montana was born, I decided not to touch her at all. Her mother, Grace, is such a loving mare whom I am very attached to – and she to me. I wanted Grace to bond with her first baby; and to have all the time she needed to settle into her role as a new mom.
The first time I actually touched Montana was about 2 months ago. She walked up to me and let me pet her. When she stepped away, so did I. Each day Montana would inch closer to me for pets and scratches.
Now that Montana is completely comfortable being touched all over, having her feet lifted etc., I decided this week that it was time to get her halter trained (sorry, I just hate the word “broke” as it rubs me the wrong way on so many levels).
To get Montana used to the halter, I started with the lead rope. I put the lead rope on top of Grace’s head with Montana watching intently. Then I just slid the rope off Grace and onto Montana. That was accepted. I tried again and again = accepted. So next day after putting the rope over Montana’s head, shoulders, sliding it off her back, I brought the halter and put it on.
Montana stood still and looked very proud of herself. Of course, Grace tried to help (interfere) with the process 😊
The pictures are from today, our third lesson with the halter. I was so proud of Montana who stood nicely for me to fiddle with the halter. Even when Grace walked away to see if she could mess with the camara, Montana stayed and got the halter on and off like a pro.
Now to teach all the bigger and older horses to stand nicely to get their halters on 😊