In 2005 I purchased Izzy from a local breeder. She was a yearling ASH filly. At this stage she could lead, tie up and float, have her feet done, and was great
to handle. So most the the work was already done for me. This photo is about a week after I got her. Please excuse the sexy outfit I am wearing.
As a two year old she was shown at the local shows to get her out and seeing things. I did the usual preparation in getting her ready for this, washing, rugging, some mouthing so that she could wear a bridle and teaching to lead with me on the outside of her. This was a little more difficult than I had expected.
In April of 2007 she sustained an injury to her off hind leg. To the surprise of the vet. This ended up developing into oesteomylitis (infection of the bone). We were not sure if she would have to be put down. This was such a stressful and awful time.
In November 2007 I began breaking her in. The first thing I did was hobble train her. Using a front leg strap, stockmans hobbles, and a back leg strap.
I then introduced her to a roller. Once comfortable in that I started the mouthing process. I first worked on a lateral mouth by using one rope. Later once established I worked on the front breaks using two ropes. Towards the end of the mouthing process, I would put the saddle on for short periods to allow her to get used to it.
The mouthing process and hobble training took approximately two weeks.
Once I was happy with her mouth, it was time to hop on. Below is a photo of our first ride, again please excuse the terrible outfit.
I spent about three days in the round yard establishing one rein stops, rein backs, stops with the front breaks and getting her to go forward.
She was very responsive and was listening to seat on about the 3rd day. I never rode her for longer than 15min in this time
After this I took her to the large arena and followed another horse around for a couple of days.
I decided not to lead this filly from another horse (which I do usually do). She is very bold, and was very responsive to my aids. She had been all around the countryside and never had a problem, so I did not feel I needed to.
After about 3 days in the arena I started trail riding with my old boy. Had about 4 lovely rides out with him. She was very cute, as soon as we left the gate she popped herself at the front and was off exploring (very bold).
After this I started riding out by myself, just small distances at first increasing the time and distance as her confidence grew.
I will come back and add more later, you are probably bored already.
If any one has anything they would like me to elaborate on or explain, I am more than happy to.
As a two year old she was shown at the local shows to get her out and seeing things. I did the usual preparation in getting her ready for this, washing, rugging, some mouthing so that she could wear a bridle and teaching to lead with me on the outside of her. This was a little more difficult than I had expected.
In April of 2007 she sustained an injury to her off hind leg. To the surprise of the vet. This ended up developing into oesteomylitis (infection of the bone). We were not sure if she would have to be put down. This was such a stressful and awful time.
In November 2007 I began breaking her in. The first thing I did was hobble train her. Using a front leg strap, stockmans hobbles, and a back leg strap.
I then introduced her to a roller. Once comfortable in that I started the mouthing process. I first worked on a lateral mouth by using one rope. Later once established I worked on the front breaks using two ropes. Towards the end of the mouthing process, I would put the saddle on for short periods to allow her to get used to it.
The mouthing process and hobble training took approximately two weeks.
Once I was happy with her mouth, it was time to hop on. Below is a photo of our first ride, again please excuse the terrible outfit.
I spent about three days in the round yard establishing one rein stops, rein backs, stops with the front breaks and getting her to go forward.
She was very responsive and was listening to seat on about the 3rd day. I never rode her for longer than 15min in this time
After this I took her to the large arena and followed another horse around for a couple of days.
I decided not to lead this filly from another horse (which I do usually do). She is very bold, and was very responsive to my aids. She had been all around the countryside and never had a problem, so I did not feel I needed to.
After about 3 days in the arena I started trail riding with my old boy. Had about 4 lovely rides out with him. She was very cute, as soon as we left the gate she popped herself at the front and was off exploring (very bold).
After this I started riding out by myself, just small distances at first increasing the time and distance as her confidence grew.
I will come back and add more later, you are probably bored already.
If any one has anything they would like me to elaborate on or explain, I am more than happy to.
