Moving a Colt Forward After Saddling

By Kelly Murphy-Alley

After you saddle your colt, taking that first step is an important part of the training process. When you move on to lunging on a line, the colt may buck or try to run. You want to keep him as close to you as you can and still stay safe.

Step to his hip and ask him to move forward. A nice walk is perfect at first. Let him get used to everything - breast collar, back cinch, etc.

Once he's gotten a chance to take a breather, tighten the saddle a little more. Usually when you saddle them, they blow out a little bit.

Then watch that first step moving forward again.

It is important to keep forward motion. It doesn't matter if they go in a perfect circle or if they are all over the round pen at first - as long as they are still moving forward.

It's a little easier to move them forward with a lunge whip if you can access one safely. Watch for wide eyes, space between the saddle and his back, for signs that he's still nervous. Once they've gotten comfortable and lose the hump in their back going around in one direction, switch and have the go the opposite direction around the pen. When you do that, it will be like starting all over again - left brain, right brain.

Stay calm and keep it a positive experience. Talk to the colt and reassure him that everything is alright.

Don't ask a colt to lope on a short line. It's too much to ask at this point.

Kelly Murphy-Alley

Striking KMA Performance Horses

Wilmore KY