I'd like to introduce you all to Oakie's little sister Ophelia. One foal crop behind Oakie, this filly is here being started. Glad to have another Clark Farms Quarter Horses here to ride. Side note, I love riding my young horses in a hackamore. What's your go to tool for young horses?
A clip from the clinic today at Asbury Equestrian Center getting this colt ready for a first ride! Excited for day 2 tomorrow. Heidi Chamberlain
Here's another view of the same process on a different colt I have in here.
I had a few people ask to follow up on the clip I posted yesterday of Cliff Schadt Jr. Getting on a colt for the first time. Here's the first steps to broke for one of the colts I have in right now. I want them to feel balanced when I get on, so I teach them to brace their front legs by shifting the saddle back and forth. Once I am on I want them to feel comfortable unbracing and moving their feet starting with the hind end. Notice I am not pulling his head around but I am lifting the rein up along his throat latch and using my leg to push his hip. Once he releases quietly I can let go then start again. Once he feels confident unbracing his feet, I rock my saddle to get him balanced for me to get off. First "ride" in the books!
Working on developing these colts before the rain comes in!
What do you think about using horses to help each other?
Got to take the new saddle for a test drive. I think we are both liking it! Thanks Terry Clibborn! Now time to start getting fit
"Shoulder by shoulder and side by side we'll start these young horses to ride."
I heard these words from my friend Cliff Schadt Jr. every time we'd get on a touchy colt or started to work a group of first rides. I always loved it and it made me sit tall in the saddle and give these horses the most confident first experiences that set them up for the rest of their future careers. I'm glad that through the years of growth and development that some things remain the same.
The other day my 3 year old filly, Oakie, got to try her hand at helping to move some young warmbloods around for their first experiences. It's Oakie's 11th ride and first time flagging and this colts 2nd ride. I'm pretty proud of this example of Babies helping babies and friends helping friends. I'm proud of every time I step into the pen to work alongside of my friends and help these horses.
#oakiesjourney
About a week since our last ride and here's an Oakie update! At this point she has had just shy of 10 rides. I want a horse to feel confident, balanced, and relaxed no matter where I direct their feet. This is where I set that foundation. I'm not working on starting or introducing any maneuver. Instead I'm working on directing her with my seat, leg, and hand until she feels soft and balanced then letting her go.
#oakiesjourney
