[savvylover112]

Well I have started out with my basically untouched three year old and I am having great progress with him. He just seems to get it if you know what I mean. He is the first horse I have ever started so I may make mistakes along the way but if you guys want to give me any helpful advice I would love to hear from you.

I have been using a bit of everything on him as far as natural horsemanship and I feel the friendly game from Parelli has done him the world of good. He used to be afraid of everything that he saw and now I can safely throw the lead rope over his back without him moving and the same with the savvy string of my carrot stick. He has had the saddle on him now three times without any hassle and he loves the bridle. I lunged him for the first time yesterday and he was a bit confused at first but then he started to get it. I have achieved all of this within less than two weeks of working with him and I am hoping to be long lining him to get a soft mouth on him by next week.

So do you think we are going well? Do you think it is a good idea to start long lining next week when he is familier with lunging?
How long does it normally take you to get your horse started undersaddle?

 

[savvylover112]

anyone have any opinions to share?

 

[savvylover112]

anybody?

 

[Nature2horses]

When you say long lines do you mean "ground driving". I think a week is a little too fast because you just started lunging him. He may be fine. This is a basic form you should follow. Throughout the hole process introducing him to new things and places is always good. The training should be based on trust and respect-respect also from the person.
1)horse is calm
2) walks on lead
3)walk and trot on lunge
4)walk,trot, canter on lunge
5)Listens to voice commands
6)Ground driving
7)Leaning in saddle
8 )Sitting in saddle
9)Walking while in the saddle with person holding horse
10)Riding on the lunge
11)Riding off the lunge at walk +trot
12)Riding off the lunge

The time will vary between all horses. In each step (1 through 12) The horse should completely understand what they are being asked.

 

[NittanyEquestrian]

I would put very loose side reins on him and get him used to bit pressure before long lining him. Also, I would try long lining him with the lines attached to a halter but with the bridle over it. So he gets used to turning when pressure is added to the side of the mouth instead of the bridle. Greenies tend to learn to back as soon as bit pressure is added when long lining and you don't want to lose their willingness to go forward. Getting him used to long lining from easy pressure on the sides of the halter is a good way to slide into long lining with the bit and eventually riding. Keep it slow and steady and back off if he gets confused and do simple things. Keep it fun and don't push too hard. Let him come to you for more instead of pushing him forward. Enjoy your greenie, working with a clean slate is always a pleasure!