I think to look around for what other do and experience shows a willingness to learn, an open mind and interest in the welfare of your horse, to try to pick up any little or great detail that may help the process is very sensible.
I lead, lunge, longrein [ but never on the road,] and lead out the horse inhand for miles on the roads, over motorway bridges, this is the basis of the horses breaking the time spent, loads of it going through these things is the best investment, there is no timescale, no pressure.
the leading inhand continues into the lunging, which physically conditions the horse and builds muscle to carry the rider and gets the horse to move forward when asked, and learn the voice commands, and carry the saddle, then the longreins. expect a few tangles, using the voice aids and a light contact proves the horse`s independent understanding of what he will be asked to do next, to walk on, trot on, turn and halt.
I always back in a stable, very high roof, no saddle, I stand on something high like a dustbin and stroke the horses neck and back, always talking to him, then I lean against him, if he takes no notice I put my arm over his back, but still no weight is put on him, at all stages if he doesn't like it I would revert to previous level, [ but never need too] next I put arm over back and lean a little weight on him, in a week or so, I start put my body weight over him when he is happy with this I move onto cocking over my leg and sitting on him without kicking him in the process, make great fuss,
I feel it not a good idea to let the horse move forward while leaning over because you are an unstable load, better to wait until you are sitting on the horse with the saddle, and are responsible for your own body weight and can react to any forward movement by following it and containing it even moulding it with your seat and hands.
when everything is in place and the horse is thoroughly confident and you are happy also is the time to get on the horse and ride it forwards, it already knows all it needs to, you have to listen to that little voice inside that tells you now is the moment, to go for it, no one holding the horse from day one you get on the horse ask with your legs allow with you hands, and bingo, calmness, confidence, trust, knowledge of what is being asked is the key to success.
