Vikki89
Well-Known Member
When backing horses yourself do you do all the ground work and then get on them with someone else on the ground helping or do you do the groundwork and have someone else get on them while you stay on the ground?
Backing horses yourself
- Thread starter Vikki89
- Start date
Faro
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Vikki,
When I backed my boys, OH and I had done all of the groundwork between us first - over many months (we didn't rush things!). The day they were backed was the day it simply just felt right - no other way to describe it. It was me who first leaned over, then got on for the first time, but with my OH close to the horse, holding his head and reassuring him.
If the horse hadn't known both of us so well, it may not have worked out so well - perhaps it would have been better for the "known" person to stay by the head and do the reassurance. But in our case, they boys trusted both of us, and I can honestly say all went exceedingly well. (All 3 times - the 3 boys in my signature).
When I backed my boys, OH and I had done all of the groundwork between us first - over many months (we didn't rush things!). The day they were backed was the day it simply just felt right - no other way to describe it. It was me who first leaned over, then got on for the first time, but with my OH close to the horse, holding his head and reassuring him.
If the horse hadn't known both of us so well, it may not have worked out so well - perhaps it would have been better for the "known" person to stay by the head and do the reassurance. But in our case, they boys trusted both of us, and I can honestly say all went exceedingly well. (All 3 times - the 3 boys in my signature).
Fazzie
Well-Known Member
When i broke my homebred arab in I did lots and lots of groundwork and taking her out and about. Then when I felt she was ready had my dad and mum by her head and i just gently sat on her, did a few steps and got off, then built this up everyday x
SophieLouBee
Well-Known Member
The most confident person who knows the horse well should always be on the ground to start with.
A newly backed horse will still look to the person on the ground for reassurance & guidance. Alot easier if the horse is familiar with you and trusts you.
I do this as a business, and if you are at all unsure about anything, get some proffesional advice, you don't want things to go wrong before you have even started you time together
!
A newly backed horse will still look to the person on the ground for reassurance & guidance. Alot easier if the horse is familiar with you and trusts you.
I do this as a business, and if you are at all unsure about anything, get some proffesional advice, you don't want things to go wrong before you have even started you time together
!Allie5
Well-Known Member
When my boy gets to that stage I'm planning to use a quiet, lightweight friend as the intitial "pilot". I want to stay by his head ready to settle him if he is unsure at all. I will have done all the groundwork myself and want to help him understand how it translates to being ridden.
suestowford
Well-Known Member
When I backed mine I had done most of the groundwork but I was also the one who sat on him for the first time. No-one else would do it! I did have a helpe,r who the pony knew, to stand by in case of bother. I also had my old horse nearby as a steadying influence.
Fortunately all went well. He was used to me standing on the mounting block and leaning on his back, so he didn't panic or worry at all about not being able to see me.
Fortunately all went well. He was used to me standing on the mounting block and leaning on his back, so he didn't panic or worry at all about not being able to see me.
Vikki89
Well-Known Member
Oh i'm not unsure, I was just wondering what others do/have done.
I have done all the ground work with my youngster myself and I have been the only one on him, just walked last year, learnt stopping and turning. Not been on him over winter but will be once the evenings are lighter, hopefully all will go well. I do have a helper on the ground and my instructor is only down the road if I need/want and advice or help.
I have done all the ground work with my youngster myself and I have been the only one on him, just walked last year, learnt stopping and turning. Not been on him over winter but will be once the evenings are lighter, hopefully all will go well. I do have a helper on the ground and my instructor is only down the road if I need/want and advice or help.