Starting Young Horses at Gypsy Woods Farm
by George W. Williams

Our young horses start their training under saddle in the fall of their third year. For me its important that they are developed physically and that their bodies are fairly mature.

First they are all taught to longe. The horse should be quiet, obedient and understand the basic commands. Once this is achieved the saddle, and a bit later the bridle, are introduced. When the horse is comfortable with the tack, especially the bit, a very loose side rein is attached from the girth to the bit. The side rein prepares the horse for the riders hands and the concept of contact.

When the young horse has developed a nice rhythm and is relaxed and swinging through its back seeking the bit, I feel it is ready for a rider. While this may seem like a slow process, Im in no hurry. Its important to me that the horse understands how to use its body; that it is relaxed and is beginning to build muscle over its top line before we ask it to carry the weight of the rider.

I continue the work on the longe with the rider while I slowly transfer the responsibilities of the aids from the longer to the rider. At the point when the horse understands the basic commands given by the rider through his legs, seat and hands then they are ready to go free.

The first year is spent establishing a good walk, trot and canter where the horse goes straight, forward and is relaxed in all three gaits. That to me is the establishment of true basics.