Starting a horse.....I need advice please

I have a 5 yr old gelding I've had since he was a yr old. He's easy to handle but the only thing that's been done with him is putting on his halter and leading him. He seems eager to learn but I've never trained a horse and want to do it myself. Can some one tell me what kind of bit and bridle I should buy to get him started? I'm not a spring chicken and I love my horse........I really want to bond with him while I train him. Any advice? I would really appreciate it.
Thanks....
Kim

Hi Kim, Welcome to the horse forum.

Let me ask you a question: Would you go out and buy an airplane and then expect to teach yourself how to fly it? That is what you are asking us here. You do not know what you do not know. There is no way you can teach a horse anything except how to misbehave and be spoiled when you do not even know where to start.

If you really wan to ride this horse, the only thing I can do in good conscience is to suggest you find a trainer that will let you hang around and watch the training process and will let you participate where he/she thinks you are able.

I know you do not want to get hurt and I know you do not want your horse to get very spoiled. So, someone is going to have to teach this horse that knows what they are doing and you can learn by watching.

And as far as this bonding crap -- horses operate strictly off of respect. Trust comes from you being a good strong leader that the horse has absolute respect for.

Good luck finding someone to help you that will let you help them.

Cherie

Thank you Cherie, training a horse is hard and demanding if you want a great horse. You can't baby a 1200 pound animal to be your buddy. Someone has to be the leader. So many people think they can give a treat to a horse and all will be fine. Just doesnt work that way.

Hi Kim

I'm a first time horse owner and I do understand how you feel. Please get a trainer to help you. My horse has been spoiled for many years before I owned him.He has learned several bad behavior. He had a couple month of a refresher course with a trainer. I have a trainer work with the both of us twice a week. It has been a struggle. It is easier to get help now and to train him right. Believe me having him trained the right way and he has learned to respect you, your relationship with your horse will be great. Once they are spoiled it is very hard to retrain them.