BREAKING IN MY HORSE // From unbroken to first jumps

I finally got time to put all these clips together and do a voiceover of Dali's journey from unbroken, to first ride, to first jumps! Hope you enjoy the video!
›› Hey, my name is Holly and welcome to my channel! I post all sorts of equestrian videos like show vlogs, training videos, barn vlogs and more. If you want to keep up to date with me and the horses then be sure to hit that subscribe button :)
›› My Horses:
Welbeck: 16h chestnut 12 yr old Irish sport horse mare
Jack: 14.1h dun 12 yr old connemara gelding
Khal: 16.1h bay 6yr old ISHxKWPN gelding
Fiona: 17h bay 12yr old ISH mare
Dali: 17.1h bay 4yr old ISHxKWPN gelding
›› Social Media:
Email (Business Inquiries Only): [e-mail]
Instagram: @hollylenahan / hollylenahan
Blog: hollylenahan.com
Facebook: / hollylenahansj
Mackey Ireland: / mackeyireland / mackeyequestrianireland
›› Camera Info:
Nikon d5500
iPhone 8
Final Cut Pro X

[@kenz2956]

You can really see how comfortable he is once he gets into the rhythm, so nice to compare the first and last jump scene. Have fun with him! 🥳

[@eleanorbourne2325]

My dad looked over my shoulder while I was watching this and said "Is that a draft horse???" No dad, it's just a very large fluffy (and amazing 😉) baby warmblood XD Love your videos, and your horses btw 😊

[@HollyLenahanSJ]

Hahah just wait until his summer coat comes out, he’s going to go from draft horse to sleek showjumper (hopefully! 😉)

[@eleanorbourne2325]

@@HollyLenahanSJ No doubt! He's gorgeous even when he's fluffy 😍

[@nolomoussy9407]

when you said he was 17.2 i was so surprised! he doesnt look that big under saddle, great job with him

[@nicolep1504]

His gaits are gorgous! You did so well with him!

[@a.jaydeb.7441]

That bailing twine to introduce contact is actually an amazing idea! It snaps super easy so I'm actually interested to try it on my young horse, I don't always use contact but I to want to help him carry himself better and build more muscles atop his neck.

[@LaurenAllport]

Love these kinds of voice over videos 💖💖💖 you’ve done a super job with this lad!

[@Patti-1962]

You really make this look so easy, Holly. And we know it isn't! You most certainly have a knack for it....and I think being patient and not rushing the process is the key. This obviously takes great discipline not to do too much in one training session. Congratulations on a job WELL DONE. I am so looking forward to seeing how he continues to progress!!

[@HollyLenahanSJ]

Thanks so much! Definitely patience is so important! ☺️

[@andystpierre6086]

I love seeing you and Dali, he really seems like a chill horse to ride and he’s so young too, that shows what an amazing rider you are. Thanks for keeping us entertained during the quarantine and I hope everyone stay safe!

[@HollyLenahanSJ]

Thanks so much! Stay safe ❤️

[@gillianlillis1984]

I haven’t made that much progress with my horse in the last 11 years 😂

[@ellinlouisemillersnoxell7170]

Ommmg yes so glad this has come out. I was supposed to get my first project in a week but due to Corona virus they have been put on hold- ugh. Hope we can find a 'safe' loophole to get him. Hope everyone stays safe during this time

[@lifeinthesandschool599]

Ellin Louise Miller Snoxell I feel so sorry for you when you do get your project best of luck

[@ellinlouisemillersnoxell7170]

@@lifeinthesandschool599 thank you. Its a bit of a bummer i was so exited to finally buy a project for myself (i shared a few projects in the past with people but never had one solely)

[@HollyLenahanSJ]

I’m so sorry to hear that! Hopefully you get to pick him up soon ❤️

[@ellinlouisemillersnoxell7170]

@@HollyLenahanSJ Thank you Holly if everything goes to plan i still might be able to next week 🤞

[@ellenohara2770]

Update?

[@nicoleES-5678]

It is going to be amazing to see Dali come into his own, over the next couple years! What an amazing mover now... Especially given his size and youth... But in a couple more years, with more maturity and muscle, he is going to be stunning!! You can see the flash building already! Congratulations, Holly, and well done both of you🙌💛

[@e.m.lumesound1070]

He has such a cracking overtrack! Also seems very sweet and diligent, what a good boy!

[@HollyLenahanSJ]

He’s always had the most floaty trot 😍

[@e.m.lumesound1070]

@@HollyLenahanSJ excited to see where he takes you! Have a broken ankle myself at the moment, so just binging all my fav equestrian channels and tv shows 🤣 I don't think the horses mind to be honest, mini holiday for them+

[@maddie6512]

He looks like a great boy! You’ve done well with him☺️

[@sheenashapland3394]

Wonderful video Holly, you’ve done an amazing job.

[@courtneyjones9090]

Aw I love seeing the process💗 you’ve done so well with him🥰

[@burningabove]

What a beautiful guy! Really enjoy seeing the starting process, love the way you ride and handle your horses, very nice!

[@ivjo19]

Yes!! I am so excited to watch this! Been backing my young mare and am now getting closer to properly ride her!! ❤️

[@saoirsehealy6601]

Yes I've been waiting for this video for so long ...BTW well done with him I think u did a great job

[@luizafonseca_]

He is amazing! Super happy to see his progress ❤️ he is going to be a super star with time 😍

[@boomama72]

Thanks Holly. Really informative and your detail about your training methods are brilliant!

[@romyc5445]

such a quick journey, what an amazing horse. you've done well x

[@louiseshowjumping8280]

I’m loving it so far 😆😍😍

[@whitneystanek5081]

Love love love his headset & way of going! Awesome job all around 💖

[@annabursell8372]

You’re such a talented rider!😍👏🏻

[@Rachel-qn3le]

Omg Dali is wonderful hes a better jumper than my 8 year old mare but shes getting there thank god .

[@aquaxaquaxx880]

your such an inspiration to me and im sure many others to train horses and ur such a good rider i hope everything goes well with him and all ur other horses❤️

[@beccahope7990]

he has a really beautiful next when he trots in my opinion. hes done so well and its amazing to see how much progress hes made in a few days.

[@HollyLenahanSJ]

Thank you ☺️

[@priyaequestrian8550]

He’s beautiful Holly, looking forward to seeing more of him x

[@eiry25]

Super job! He’s proving to be a lovely boy!

[@leoparry-paxton4191]

Amazing as usual! xx

[@ginaraspberry5634]

This is amazing!! Such an educational video :D I really hope to one day break in and train my own horse so I found this very useful. You are such an amazing rider and trainer!!

[@raythegoth]

Love this Holly! You have such a way with horses! This was very interesting and informative, thanks for sharing!

[@abbebladon]

Just discovered your vlogs after Meg and you blogged together! I’m loving you and your horses!! Can’t wait to see Australis brings xxxxx

[@TheNarnies]

Another horse beautifully started by you Holy! you really do such a great job with your young horses, pleasure to watch, thanks for sharing!

[@HollyLenahanSJ]

Thank you ☺️

[@paulajj3856]

Ive been looking for this video!

[@eril8134]

Your older saddle is so nice I wouldn't have even thought it was your breaking saddle! lol

[@HollyLenahanSJ]

I only used my older saddle when he was left in the saddle on his own, in all these clips, it’s my good saddle! ☺️

[@eril8134]

@@HollyLenahanSJ That makes sense! lol

[@freyagubbins4728]

You did such a good job, he looks amazing 🤩

[@marwanalmehairi6009]

Omg wow this is proof of what amazing training does 😍😍😍 absolutely lovely 🥺

[@HollyLenahanSJ]

Thank you ❤️

[@tequine4138]

You do such a super job with all of the horses!! 💗

[@HollyLenahanSJ]

Thank you ❤️

[@ItsNatashaFFS]

fantastic work with Dali!

[@lucyjabrayan4166]

What a good boy- and good job on him Holly!

[@gailomahony2101]

Ah he looks so easy going. Looking forward to seeing him out competing. 👌👌

[@HollyLenahanSJ]

Me too!

[@TiggyGray]

He’s looking so fab! I swear he’s already doing better than my 10 year old 🙈 I was wondering is you have any tips on their mouths? Dali sometimes opens his mouth when you’re riding - do think this is a stress/anxiety thing from not knowing what he’s doing/lack of confidence? It’s just my mare does the same but only when I’m riding (not when hacking or on the lunge though) and I’ve had her teeth checked and want to help her relax and settle with the bit

[@HollyLenahanSJ]

Thank you ☺️ you can see that now compared to when he first started riding he rarely opens his mouth. Horses may do it at the start until they learn to accept the bit and understand what it means. You could also try switching bits to a smaller mouth piece or double jointed on as maybe it’s uncomfortable in your horse’s mouth ☺️

[@NoThankUBeQuiet]

And my 24 year old ;) no shes amazing but certainly more than when she was young. Sometimes they play with the bit if their hind end isn't engaged

[@JustAgirly0]

lmao the chicken

[@cocofiorita4890]

Good morning, I just watched your video for the first time and absolutely loved it. It gave me a lot of insight on how to break my almost three year old war blood. We are in some kind of a funk right now, and certainly do not want to make any long term mistake. Thank you very much, I will stay in touch. Love your calm and patience.

[@MicaelaGutierrez2004]

Very good progress Holly!! Do you have any tips for a horse who was taught to stay off the bit and keeps her head up?? She is also very inconsistent with her head level and if she bends at the poll. She’s become a lot better since the beginning when we looked like a giraffe 😂😂 I’m planning on buying lumber to make poles but for now it’s just lunging. If I try to pick her up at all she gets confused and thinks back up. Thanks, and you and Dali look amazing!!

[@madiavery6921]

his canter is gorgeous omg😍😍

[@jamielynncassidy4110]

I love Dali 😍🥰

[@rachaeli5741]

Wow! He’s come along so well in such a short time! How did he come into work so perfectly in frame! 😍😍😆😫

[@familydaytrading]

Great job!

[@quietriot7132]

I love his headset!

[@b0nedad]

Can’t wait to see him all muscled out and in his summer coat😍

[@HollyLenahanSJ]

Same!! 😍

[@lucyyasdfghjk1433]

so helpful!

[@cyndimcelyea2900]

Dali is such a good boy! I am starting my filly soon and you gave me a few tips not a-lot of people think about when they start a horse. I also use hay bale string to start pressure and release. :)

[@HollyLenahanSJ]

Good luck with your filly! ☺️

[@cyndimcelyea2900]

@@HollyLenahanSJ Thank you! Cant wait to see more of dalis transformation :)

[@angeniczin]

very nice brings me back thank you

[@zlm9922]

haha i can see you really like burgunndy/maroon colors 😂💕 You have done such an incredible job w all of ur horses. keep up the great work because u r my inspiration :) xx

[@HollyLenahanSJ]

Haha it certainly seems that way, I swear I have other clothes! 😂 thank you ❤️

[@zlm9922]

@@HollyLenahanSJ haha i get u cuz the only thing I wear is Red!! thanks so so much for replying Holly, it really made my day!❤️

[@DFpony44]

Just wondering more about how you teach them to canter (on the ground, upward/downward transitions, etc) since he was so lovely in the clip where we first saw him canter after the jump!

[@aresblue8522]

You did a good job with him,you would never know he had only been backed a couple of months 👍

[@thebuckingbandit2162]

He’s amazing! I love his personality! I do have a question, if a horse struggles with cantering to a certain direction..my case to the right.. how do you get them to pick up the correct lead? Vet checked him, no pain or anything. Just fussiness.

[@elliepopdragon28]

Am I the 35,000 view exactly? Wow. But you did amazing with him! He is so level headed for his age!

[@mariahstubbie6874]

He’d be a beautiful dressage horse. You’re so great with your horses!

[@PA-ek3ul]

Both looking good

[@kesalexander4800]

Amazing

[@louiseshowjumping8280]

The 5 dislikes are just jealous of how good u are at breaking in horses 😜😍❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

[@josephinem4484]

Yessssss

[@xEyesToTheSkyx]

lol my dislike is because I think doing the first ride in an enclosed, concrete space is incredibly stupid. The horse needs space to move and if he was to spook/buck etc in a small yard, one or both of them could be seriously injured. I start all mine in an open field and have not once had an issue with it.

[@anna7203]

@@xEyesToTheSkyx he looks comfortable with it and every horse is different. If she knew that they were both perfectly safe then it is up to her to do what is best for the horse. U don't know the horse so he might prefer enclosed spaces and plus there is no room to bolt so they r both safer in that way. It all depends on the horse and all horses r different ☺️

[@livr3315]

Rewatching this 2yrs later to see how you get him forward 🤣 backed about 12 horses by now but my nieces new pony honestly will just not even walk off the lead rein and couldn’t care less about leg etc 😭 never had anything like him honestly 🙄

[@sophiejbarnett]

You’ve done so well with him. What bit would you recommend when breaking in a young horse? Xx

[@lonia.5283]

So nice how you do it. 👍👍👍🙋

[@abbieg3945]

Hi holly ! I really struggle with my young horse and turning ! He was just broken in.. I have a lot of trouble riding him in the arena as we don’t have a fence around it to guide him.. he really falls out when we are turning right so much so he just will not turn and will go over the side of the arena . I have brought him back to the round yard and when I work on the right side keep my left rein and leg constantly against him to get him to move off it . I have noticed a difference for sure but would appreciate any tips as I don’t want to keep riding him only in the round yard but in the arena I cannot get him to turn 😫

[@beedettebeauty8891]

What do you use for the lunging aid? The little bungee one???

[@heiheicheek3603]

He makes your saddle so small😁😁 also do you have any tips on a lazy horse? Trying to get them to go and keep moving things like that

[@HollyLenahanSJ]

As I was saying in the video, I use the schooling whip to reinforce my leg aid so that they learn to move forward off my leg alone ☺️

[@heiheicheek3603]

@@HollyLenahanSJ thank you so much I'll try this next time I get a chance to ride.

[@kirsty4187]

Hello, I have a 3 year old warmblood and he frets when alone in the stable or field, always wanting to get back to his friends, one horse in particular. I haven't had him long but I believe he was weaned late. Lovely to handle, just frets away from them, would you have any tips please?thanksx

[@lucieanquetil1926]

Great video as always ! I have a question: when you start him at the very beginning, how is your contact ? Do you have no pressure at all in your fingers or a bit ?

[@HollyLenahanSJ]

When I first get on? I have basically no contact as the most important thing for me is for him to go forward ☺️ once I have him going forward, then I start using contact

[@sophiewhite6320]

Hi, love your videos. I have my own horses and have brocken a couple of theme in. I have also broken some in for my local riding stables. I have a young 4 year old who those not like going forward. How do you get theme going so nicely forward? He has a great mind and understands quickly but he is also very stubborn😅 Do you have any tips ? Thank you PS really like you video😊

[@HollyLenahanSJ]

I kind of covered it in the video as Dali was also not very forward going at the start. I used the schooling whip to reinforce my leg aid. So first I squeeze, then I add a bit more leg, and if he still doesn’t move forward, I tapped with the whip. (I find schooling whips much better than normal whips because they add pressure to their hind quarters. Tapping them on the neck is more likely to make them move to the side than move forward). Eventually they should move forward at just a squeeze ☺️

[@jessicat7345]

How did you learn all this? :)

[@tadejalenarcic6891]

How did you introduce him to leg yielding? Did you teach him from the ground first, and how? Ps love your videos and your work with horsies :)

[@HollyLenahanSJ]

No I do it from the saddle. Again just pressure and release. For example I put my right leg on and close my hands to encourage him to go sideways instead of forward. The moment he goes anyway sideways away from my leg, I take my leg off and reward. They usually pick it up pretty quick ☺️

[@mickyms3999]

How long does it usually take you to back a horse ? from start to finish ( incl getting saddle broke )

[@myloveforhorses2725]

Hi holly do u know any ideas to do during lockdown with my pony

[@HollyLenahanSJ]

Hackett equine just made a video on lots of things to do that don’t involve riding, maybe you’ll get some ideas there!

[@manda_za]

he is so good for his age cuz I should no I don't have my own horses but I ride at a stable that likes to put me on young horses who have gust bin backed I have no idea why but I don't mined by the way love your channel

[@summahevans2760]

How did you teach him to turn and stop?

[@amberrose7023]

What bit do you use to start horses? It looks like Dali has a loose ring. Is it double jointed?

[@HollyLenahanSJ]

Yup a loose ring french link snaffle :)

[@greasby1golf871]

How old is he when backed, we’ve a 4yo D had her from a yearling, we are thinking she might be old enough now, just deciding wether we should send her away or do ourselves???

[@brendaswanson6629]

Wow he already knows head placement

[@lirielhotshoot1247]

It looks really wet there. I would not walk(never trot) him on wet concrete the 1st time. I had a horse slip and fall in the Taco Bell Drive-thru once on new asphalt (dry) because he was nervous. After that, I watch the terrain closely when we are riding. P.S. The horse that slipped was a 20 year old retired champion American Saddlebred Reserve Champion in Saddleseat Equitation. I learned that even a veteran horse can have a rough moment or day. The experiences I had make your video more special to me.

[@evalowen717]

Can you do a video over quarinteen of mabey cleaning out your tack and feed room and mabey doing it up, of painting all your jumps?

[@HollyLenahanSJ]

Actually filming a tack cleaning video tomorrow! And I’m definitely going to be giving the yard a clean up this summer (maybe after I finish exams though ☺️)

[@4nnuk971]

in cm how tall are you? Love how dali has come up!! Do you think he's gonna be a good jumper as Khal? :D

[@HollyLenahanSJ]

I’m 5”8 (you can google how many cm that is 😉). And I hope he will be!

[@horselovinginger]

How much handling did you do with him before you started backing him? Did you do a lot of lead and ground work, or was he mainly left to just grow up and please himself? I’ve struggled getting my ponies to lunge and suspect it’s because I’ve over-handled them, they look at a lunge whip and think it’s something to eat!

[@HollyLenahanSJ]

He was handled well enough to be able to do maintenance stuff like farrier and vet, but never really came in other than that. Then I did about two days of proper ground work before I started lunging

[@ilovetaz8]

What a beautiful mover!! He could be a hack winner for sure

[@HoldingMoneyRansom]

i'm trying to train a horse, do you think you could make a video on tips? She's a very nervous, panicky, but gets annoyed easily.

[@HoldingMoneyRansom]

she doesn't have the best blood line and she's almost 13, hoping i'll be able to breed in a few years, maybe when she's 16-17 i can explain her looks and personality while my sister is just like: oh yeah bay mare, short, and moody while i'm like: Bay mare, no leg markings or body markings, very fluffy unless its June/July, a open to the left star on her forehead, 14'3Hh, wasn't touched for 7-8 years, a happy to go mare unless she knows it's time to work and gallops like a idiot around the field and jumps a tiny stream just to annoy me, she likes to pretend she's gonna kick out but instead just slows down, she isn't the most confident and takes a while for her to calm down, and she doesn't trust me too much yet, she is very soft to leg and mouth which is good and very willing to learn just takes a bit to get over that hill to where she wants to do it.

[@NoThankUBeQuiet]

Can I ask why you chose to start on cement? I assume because it's fairly quiet?

[@HollyLenahanSJ]

This is actually quite a common thing to do, it’s because horses are much less likely to buck or rear on hard ground compared to sand and it’s also a very small enclosed space compared to the arena so if he did bolt, he wouldn’t be able to go very far! ☺️

[@addisonsun2512]

17’2 hh!! I thought he was 15-16hh the whole time Jesus lmao

[@HollyLenahanSJ]

Haha no, he’s huge!

[@evalowen717]

Can u do an updated Q&A 😊

[@HollyLenahanSJ]

I do them on my Instagram story quite often ☺️

[@x.chloeequestrian.x4683]

You’ve done such a great job with him. Have you ever fallen off him??

[@HollyLenahanSJ]

Not yet 🤞🏽😉

[@kateblanchard8990]

would love to have him \\

[@Olivia-qf4rd]

What’s the make of the saddle on him? Xx

[@HollyLenahanSJ]

CWD ☺️

[@laurapotter1178]

When starting your young horses, do you generally stick to lunging or do you introduce long reining or walking in hand? Also, when lunging your young horses, do you do short 10 minute session or do you lunge as long as you would with an established horse? I’ve heard that lunging can be fairly damaging on young horses joints, would love to hear your opinion on this!:)

[@aidamcewen6884]

She said that they were quite short sessions of trotting and then walking I think

[@HollyLenahanSJ]

I just do lunging, everything I did is in the video 👍🏽 and it’s very short, about 10mins or so as you said and not every day because I agree, lunging excessively and every day can lead to injuries ☺️

[@evalowen717]

Do u long rain any of your breakers

[@HollyLenahanSJ]

No, I only do what’s in this video :)

[@londores1855]

Hey... you really made this in about a month? He learned lunging, and all these things? I've got a 4yo horse and I can ride on him, but we're still lunging for months... (sorry for my language (: )

[@HollyLenahanSJ]

Yes, the dates I gave in the video are correct. But every horse progresses at different rates so don’t worry. Better off taking it slow than rushing your horse :)

[@Aila-Garrett]

How old was he in this video?

[@ediemcguinness3053]

yayyy i’m early and first to comment i think 😂❤️ x x

[@aqasim8882]

First one to see the video