Major Training

Major (my horse) is very difficult to mount because of fear issues that he has. I really want to help him get over it, but in trying to help him I have ended up fearful of the mounting process myself. I am only sending him for a month (which I hope is enough time) and the trainer guarantees her work. I'm going to have her work with him on mounting and dismounting (which she said would take about 2 weeks) then just generally riding him and getting him calmer about being rode. Is there anything else I should have her teach him? He is going to be a trail horse.

As far as what a trail horse ought to know, That's a pretty broad topic. I really recommend Rhonda Hart Poe's book on trail riding. It has some training tips and extensive lists for horses and riders of what to know and how to handle trail riding.

I should have read my post more carefully. It should say that I have decided to send Major to a professional horse trainer.

Do you know why he is afraid of being mounted? Did something happen to him?

No....he's been hard to mount every since I've had him. I probably did make it worse though....one day while I was mounting a rotted piece of leather on my saddle broke, sending me and the saddle both on the ground. He even acts goofy about being dismounted....unless I ride him out really good. He is a nervous, high-strung kind of horse anyway. I