Starting A Colt "A"

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In last months issue we discussed how horses learn by examples of 1.) The application of pressure and release of pressure, combined with 2.) Timing and consistency to gain desired results from the horse. Again, we are not using force with pressure. We are offering it to the horse and when he gives us the desires results we quickly release the pressure to help him understand he did the right thing.

Now, we are ready to get right into our training program. We are going to work with you and your colt, which has had very little or no handling, through the steps from the very beginning up. I start all my colts in a round pen, a 45-50 ft. is my personal favorite size, however, I have used round pens, or square pens for that matter, that ranged in size 30-65 ft. Size is not as important as safety and good ground footing.

In my first session I turn the young horse into the round pen without halter or lead rope. I step into the middle of the round pen with a 35ft. Nylon rope, about 1inch in diameter. I recommend a very loose or soft braided Nylon because it is easy on the horse, also, Nylon is heavier in weight.

Remember each horse is very different and some react quicker to pressure than others. Just by my presence in the middle of the pen some colts will be on the out side ring moving out and others will be trying to walk over the top of me, which will have to end quickly.

My main objectives in this training session are for the horse to acknowledge and respect me and to start getting a basic understanding of pressure and relief of pressure.

If the horse is on top of me I want to step towards him, raise my hand, cluck to him start swinging my rope, whatever it takes to get him to step away and out on the rail. Some horses it will not take much once they are out on the rail moving. I stay facing the pen and start to swing and move the rope in my hand, a little at first. I don’t want to scare the horse, so I watch him closely and back off if need be.

There will be two types of colts, one on each end of the spectrum and every thing in between, each one must be handled differently. One end you will have what I call, the back yard pet, which can be a bit disrespectfull, pushy, sometimes a little more dull in the responsiveness. Then you have one on the other end what I would call, the range colts; which are nervous, flighty, a bit shy of you, and over reactive to pressure.

Each of these we want to handle a bit differently and I am looking for a little different objective in each.

In my backyard pet I am, definitely, looking for respect, that he acknowledges me, he would rather be standing on top of me than working on the rail. As well as accepting the rope and the things I ask of him. I need to sharpen his response to pressure. As I raise my hand, cluck, and step towards him (applying pressure) asking him to move out, I need him to do so immediately, instead of just standing there, looking at me thinking “Do I have to?”. When working with this colt I will step lively toward him, hand in the air, maybe swing my rope, and cluck, I don’t care which direction he goes just as long as he puts himself into motion and moves out. If he does not respond the pressure I will not be afraid to tap him with the rope to move him out.

I want to handle my range colt much differently, he is nervous, unsure of the situation and me and, is most likely, already moving on the rail. With him, I am looking more for acceptance and for him to acknowledge and look at me. I want to keep my movements smaller and much slower with this type of colt; the last thing I want to do is scare him. My main objective with him is to gain his trust and acceptance.

Either colt should be on the rail and moving at a steady pace trotting or loping, both speeds are fine as long as its not too fast. I, then, slowly start swinging my rope and softly tossing it towards them as if I was trying to reach out and touch them. Remember, little bit at a time as they can handle it. If they get too rattled, back down. I keep this process up until I can actually toss the rope and coils over the horse’s back and they accept this without any negative effect.

On your Range colt, remember the 3-S’s, do everything Softly, Slowly, and be quick to Stop pressure, or back off. By using a rope on the range colt it enables you to sack him out sort-a-speak at a safe distance. With the Yard Pet the rope shows the colt you can touch him and control him from 20ft. away helping to gain respect.

At this point, what I want in colts is being able to send them out on the rail while remaining relaxed and moving until I tell them to stop. It is then; I start to watch for signs of acceptance and understanding in the horse.

As they start to accept me they will acknowledge me by keeping their inside ear cocked toward me consistently. Watch for him to start licking his lips, this shows he is starting to understand what is being done. Then, you should see him lower his head and neck for 2 – 4 strides at a trot on the rail, this is showing acceptance and submission. These signs are strongest portrayed on the Range colt type because of being most reactive and responsive, but you will see it on any colt.

This session will generally take anywhere from 15 min.to 45 min.depending on the colt but when all this comes together my first session is complete.

In the next issue we will do more respect training and teaching the horse to look up and focus on me. Also, start softening and more pressure and release exercises.

Until next time, Good Luck and God Bless.

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