Total training time 10 hours
Step six is pretty strange….
In this video I show seven steps that I do before saddling. Each horse is an individual and this list should be added to or modified to best fit the horse. You will hear how I modified the saddle recently for a filly.
1) I review using a rope around Jac’s belly to prepare him for girth pressure, do you see the improvement?
2) I introduce the bareback pad which also involves cinching up for the first time.
3) I use the Weaver Activity Ball to prepare Jac for the stirrups bouncing on his sides. I also teach Jac to stand still for saddling.
PLEASE NOTICE THAT JAC STANDS WILLINGLY BECAUSE HE UNDERSTANDS HE HAS A CHOICE
4) I ground tie Jac and rub the saddle on him
5) I saddle without the pad and without the girth from both sides
6) I pull the saddle off – letting it fall to the ground while standing still and moving
7) I saddle and tighten the girth
8) I move Jac on the lunge line saddled for the first time. Watch Jac’s body language. He is looking to me the whole time for guidance. He isn’t scared but he is experimenting with the saddle. He still responds to every request which is what keeps him safe.
9) I end by teaching him bending to stand with the halter…while saddled.
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[…] you remember Episode 15 of Stacy’s Video Diary: Jac, when I was pulling the saddle off and letting it hit the ground? I have seen many horses kick out […]
Hello Stacy,
I really enjoy watching your video dairies and posts on FB. I can relate to some of your experiences and its nice to learn for someone who has so much experience being a horsewoman and has a career in the horse industry.
I was curious how you made the break threw from first becoming a trainer to eventually being a well known horsewoman?
I finally made a break threw in becoming a self employed trainer soaking up as much info and learning along the way.
Thanks a million,
Lucia
Lucia- My husband and I did a set of podcasts that explained a lot of what you are asking. I think it was 6-7 hours of info! I am looking at putting it together with a PDF, etc to explain the journey. Writing a short version starts to sound cliche; passion, hard work, out working the competition, offering discounts for long term customers, some ignorance (it didn’t occur to me that I was different because I was a woman, lol)
Sorry I can’t do better here! I have a passion for helping people who want to work in this industry. I see a webinar in my future, maybe you will join me?
[…] horses ‘play’ with the bucking like Jac did in Episode 15, which I discouraged. He didn’t even play the next time but if he had I would have really […]
Shared with my dog training community. Just thinking how many “dog bites child” type incidents could be avoided if people practiced some simple desensitizing along with their chosen sport training.
I love your videos with Jac! What is Jac’s Show name?
Jacs Electric Whiz!
Stacy, will you be putting Jac’s training on DVD? I have learned so much with this! THANKS!!
That is the plan….just need to find the time, lol!
I am realizing that my horse has some “holes” in his training…..Am pretty sure a saddle falling would not be pretty! I am in search of a “colt” saddle to use for this:) He is fully trained in reining maneuvers, but not necessarily “broke” to these distractions that would make him a safer horse! Wow, love this!
Terri-Excellent observation (on the saddle and the horse, lol). I enjoy taking older ‘broke’ horses and refreshing and adding to their knowledge. They seem to appreciate the break from the normal routine also. Many of them get a new look in their eye…in a good way.
great class watching his progress
Stacy, I love this lesson. I am a novice who won a 7 month old registered paint in a raffle. About a year later, with very little to no ground work, I put a saddle on to take to the round pen which was over a hundred yards from me. She did well til I stopped to take a picture and she reared thirty to a hundred feet high and I let go of the lead. She bucked and the saddle slipped under her and she was able to buck it off. A few months later I took her to the round pen and showed her the saddle and she bit it. She has bucked me off once bareback and once after four months of training. With a broken hip I haven’t ridden her in over two years. A cowgirl at the barn tried to ride her and did ok until she began to trot and Josie began bucking . The girl controlled her but got off. I am beginning to saddle her and just sit in the parking lot of the barn. I can ground tie her when saddling . I love the saddle falling of Jac and your teaching . You are and excellent communicator to horses and humans. Keep up the excellent work.
Ken in Lake Charles, La.
I’ve broken a lot of thoroughbred race horses to ride. It’s interesting seeing the similarities and differences in styles. Thanks for sharing.
You are so interesting altho I have no horse I love watching you keep up on the good work
I am learning so much from these Jac training episodes. Thank you Stacy, I watch and watch again!
Hey Stacy.
First of all….sorry for my english (I’m from Denmark). I enjoy looking at your videos and get inspired ;0).
I have a 4,5 y.o Thoroughbred mare, which I have made use to sadle, and I have been on her back 5-6 times, with a friend by her side, to hold her in a Line, WHILE I am ridning her (better safe than sorry).
My mare is reasonbly okay with it al…..she is a bit tense at times…but she do have low relaxed neck, and only tence at bit, when a bit of pressure is given by legs.
But my problem is getting up and down !!. I dont have a Ball, but to get her use to getting up, I have been jumping up an down beside her, and she was totally okay with that…. BUT !!.
When i put my foot in the stirrup, from the Ground, she goes sideways !?. And the same happens when I Jump of !?.
So every time I have to get on her, I need a chair, and she is up against a Wall……. PLEASE give som tips so I can get on with my training
Regards Karina
Karina- I think you will get a lot of info out of Episode 16 & 17. Please watch those and see how I get Jac to stand.
I had an injury just while I was starting a young horse. He was very calm and all and I didnt wanna waste time. Because a regular saddle was to heavy for me as well (I had a crutch in the other hand) I borrowed a kids sadddle which did the job perfect as having stirrups and all.