Thinking of training own horse(first time owner)

Training a yearling would be a really neat experience but I would not suggest doing it alone. I have seen plenty of brand new people do this however they boarded the horse at the trainers and paid the trainer to do most of the work. They learned as the colt learned, however it was done under the watchful eye of an experienced instructor.

Have you had riding lessons? If you have not then you need to focus on that before even thinking about training a horse to ride. If you don't have the skill-sets then you are only headed for disaster. However if you are a current rider with no horse care and training experience. That's different. I also would reccomend boarding (even if you buy a ready-to-ride horse) because you need to learn the ins and outs of proper nutrition along with the ability to spot problems such as injuries and illness.

Good luck to you!

OP- you've been given some fantastic advice. I would also like to advise in buying a well-trained horse as your first, also. Do you have any riding experience? That will change what kind of horse you'll look for. A push-button horse or one that keeps you on your toes.

I made the mistake of training my filly (who was only a miniature!) from the beginning myself, and I made MANY mistakes that have taken months to correct. Some of them have even carried out until now, and I've had her for two and a half years. I'll think we're doing great, then all of a sudden some incorrect method I used will pop it's ugly little head up, and erase months of work.

I've been working with horses for almost four and a half years, (I am fifteen, just as you are) and I do train horses, but I ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS work with a more experienced trainer above me, whether Im cart training a mini or saddle breaking a thoroughbred. This way, they can correct me if I'm teaching my horse incorrectly, and help me improve my skills as I work with each horse. I can always go to them to ask questions, and I sorely wish that I'd had someone like my head trainer when I first started working with saddle.


I have learned in the past year that it's two completely different things to be a good rider and to be a good trainer. For training, you have to be a very quick thinker- always thinking ahead. You have to be extremely patient, and capable of teaching in the least confusing way possible. It's like with math. You can be good at algebra or geometry, but it takes a special person to be an algebra teacher. I've met people who are BEAUTIFUL riders, but when training- they just don't have what it takes, at it usually ends up messing the horse up.

Get a good instructor, have them help you find a suitable horse- and learn learn learn! You will only get better with experience. And who knows? Maybe in four or five years time, you WILL be ready to train your own horse!

Even with a push button horse you better know how to push the buttons.

OP, if you're positive that you want to train a horse, might I suggest something? Buy a horse that has it's groundwork and basic training down, but needs some finishing. Hire a trainer to work with you and show you the ropes. That way, you get the thrill of working with a horse without the risk of ruining the horse, getting injured yourself or any number of things that can happen with an unbroken horse.

Aim for a horse about 5 years old that has it's training in place, but needs miles. You'll stay safe, you'll learn lots and the horse will already have a pretty good idea of what it needs to do.