any point in his training, just like your reins
should never be used for this purpose.
You can either attach the reins to the saddle or
you can use a surcingle.
Your training sessions should now be 45 minutes
to 1 hour in total.
Week Five:
You Need:
As for Week Four, plus:
Reins for your bridle.
Lunge line.
Side reins.
Day 1:
Lunge your horse, as during Week Four, but
attach the side reins as discussed on page 11.
Use of a lunge line is suggested. This should not
cause your horse any concern if you continue to
use the verbal and physical commands he is use
to with your daily work up to this point.
After the lunging, remove the side reins and
attach your reins to the bridle. Have your ground
person hold on to the horse while you mount.
Once the horse is calm with you on his back,
have the ground person stand in the center of
the round pen while holding the lunge line.
Ask the horse to walk. Give the verbal command
“walk”, if this is not enough, repeat and cluck to
him just like you do on the ground. Have your
ground person repeat the “walk” command. Give
the seat and leg commands at the same time.
Once the horse starts to walk, praise him and let
him continue to walk. Leave your reins loose.
After you have walked once around the round
pen, ask the horse to stop. Say “whoa” and give
the physical command to stop. Have the ground
person say “whoa” as well. Once the horse has
stopped, give him plenty of praise and reassurance. Repeat going both directions.