Redefining Horsemanship
harmony, not hierarchy.
Colt Starting
Safe, Gradual, and Positive Experiences
Training a young horse (usually 2-3 years old) to accept basic handling, groundwork, saddle training, and eventually a rider. The goal is to introduce the horse to these experiences in a safe, gradual, and positive manner to set a strong foundation for future training.
- Prepare young horses for various disciplines.
- Establish safe and reliable behavior for future handling and riding.
- Identify and address potential behavioral issues early in a horse’s training journey.
- Build a strong foundation that will make advanced training easier and safer.
Solid Foundation
Proper starting lays down the proper groundwork for advanced training in various disciplines.
Safety
Ensures that young horses are prepared to interact safely with humans and respond appropriately to handling and riding cues.
Build Respect and Trust
Helps young horses become confident and willing partners through clear and consistent communication.
Mental & Physical Development
Encourages the colt’s emotional maturity and physical fitness in preparation for future work.
Colt Starting Training
Groundwork Foundation: Teach the basics such as leading, yielding, lunging, and standing calmly.
Desensitization: Introduce your horse to various stimuli like saddles, bridles, tarps, and other potentially startling objects.
Saddle Training: Gradually get your horse accustomed to wearing a saddle, feeling its weight, and moving with it on their back.
Introduce the Rider: Carefully mount and dismount to ensure the colt remains calm and confident.
Progressive Training: Ensure each new step is thoroughly understood before moving on to more advanced tasks.
Lunari Equestrian Approach
At Lunari Equestrian, we believe colt starting is about building trust, respect, and understanding from the ground up. Our approach focuses on developing a young horse’s confidence through gradual, consistent training techniques that emphasize communication and positive reinforcement. By ensuring the colt feels safe and supported during each step of the process, we set them up for a lifetime of successful training and partnership.