Breaking In: This is the term used when mounting the horse for the first time. After sufficient ground work such as handling, lunging and long reining have been done, then the breaking in process can begin, this way the horse will already have a basic understanding of wearing tack, voice commands, steering and stopping.
Breaking a horse can be very challenging but also very rewarding. Because of the size and strength of a horse, breaking horses can be dangerous if not carried out in the correct way and without knowledge and respect. There are many different methods used to break a horse, some are considered better than others and this guide outlines some of the basic horse breaking methods.
Groundwork: This is one of the first steps in breaking a horse. It involves training the horse so that it accepts the various necessary items of tack such as the saddle and bridle as well as some of the basic commands. It involves working the horse on the ground in a pen using things such as a surcingle, whip, cavesson and side reins amongst other things.
This method of breaking a horse is considered one of the best, despite the extra time and patience it requires because it results in a horse that is very prepared for a rider and is generally well behaved. This kind of training is the key to a steady and successful horse.
Horse Whispering: Another popular modern method, this way of breaking a horse involves taking the horse into a round pen and spending several hours working with him. During these hours, the horse is bridled, saddled and ridden and can prove very successful because it works with the horse’s natural behavior rather than against it.
This method is a successful way to break a horse but it needs to be repeated daily for a long time otherwise the horse will forget the training. It is possible to see positive effects from this horse breaking method within a few hours and with sufficient time and patience, can result in a very well behaved and trained horse.
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