Horseback Riding
Horse Training Articles from Nancy Butler
It's time to start riding your horse! You have him accepting
your weight in the saddle and he is comfortable with you mounting and dismounting
from both sides. You can bridle and unbridle, move him around with the
pressure of the bit and he is comfortable with you and the equipment. Mount
as usual, and get comfortable.
Since you have been kissing to him to move him around the pen, he should make the connection in a short time. It will be confusing to him at first because he is used to seeing you when he is moving around the pen, and looking at you when he does your commands. Take your time.
If you have taught him to move off pressure, then it will be easier to have him move off of your leg pressure while mounted. Release rein pressure, kiss, and squeeze with the calves of your legs. If he even acts like he's thinking about moving, stop what you're doing and tell him "Good Job", and pet him.
Take a second to relax, let him think about what just happened. You may need to pull his nose around to one side or the other at the same time you kiss and squeeze, this will help give him a direction and also it will be a leading command, along with moving off pressure cue.
You don't want to confuse him with a lot of different cues, but ask enough to get a movement or a thought of movement. We are just looking for the right thought process at this time.
Continue by pulling his nose from side to side to get a movement. Always start out with the release of reins, kiss, and squeeze with the calves of your legs. As soon as you get your movement, release and stop asking. Let him know that is what you wanted......(continue)