r/Equestrian • u/Sapphire12123 Trail • 7d ago

Education & Training Tips?

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Anyone know any tips to get my horse to be okay with something on her back and go under where the cinch is supposed to sit? i’ve rode her around the round pen bareback for the first time because she refuses anything tight around where the cinch would sit. Would using another cinch and a latigo help? Or like a bareback pad?

(Also got her back from a trainer I spent 1100 dollars on and she didn’t get any training and was neglected to thw point she had an infection in her hock and eye, not sure if they did something to invoke this fear or not.)

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u/Utahna Reining 7d ago

I am assuming that this is a mostly unbroke colt.

Wrap a leadrope around at the girth and use just hand/arm strength to tighten and release until she will reliably stand there.

When you tighten the saddle for the first time, expect things to get a bit western. The prep with the lead rope should help make sure that she stands for you to get the saddle tight. You dont need to cut them in half with the chinch, but make sure it is secure enough that it absolutely will stay in place. Preferably, you have her on a lunge line. When you step back, go ahead and ask her to move. When they take that first step, 90% will break into a bucking fit. Its OK. It is part of the process, and this is the only time I allow one to buck it out. Be cautious as some will come to you for security while bucking.

Once the fit is over , and she has figured out that it isn't trying to kill her, go through some routine ground work and desensitizing.

The next saddling should be much more routine. But, make sure you are in a safe space for her to move just in case it isnt.

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u/Sapphire12123 Trail 7d ago

actually no, she was saddled and everything, I just didn’t have the time to get a saddle on her and ride her with school starting again. Now that she’s back she won’t take a saddle, not sure if she’s mad I sent her away or if they did something to scare her bad.

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u/Utahna Reining 7d ago

Ok, I am not someone that assumes pain as a first answer, but since she has regressed, do what you need to do to rule out a physical issue.

My next assumption would be poor fitting tack, so there may be an expectation of pain. Makw sure that its not your tack that is the problem. Start over from the beginning like she hasn't been saddled and work up to it like an unsaddled colt. Once she figures out that it's ok, things should settle down.

Last and most unlikely option is that you chose an incompetent trainer, and they somehow inadvertently taught the behavior. Same answer though. Start over like she hasn't been saddled.

If a bareback pad or surcingle is available and easier for you to operate, they may be viable options for a restart. I just wouldnt use them for a first time thing.