Ken McNabb: Colt Starting (Part 5 of 7) - Saddling for the First Time

In Part 5 of 7 in this colt starting series, we are going to introduce the saddle.
I always start with a review of what we learned in our previous sessions. Once my colt is locked on to me, calm, and following me, I'll remind him about the work we did with the saddle pad. I'll also go ahead and put a halter on my horse so I can help him out of a bad situation should something come up. When he's okay with the pad, it's time to introduce the saddle.
To Introduce the Saddle:
1. Let your horse see and smell the saddle, just like you did with the pad.
2. Treat him like you would your other horses, and put the saddle on as normal.
3. Make sure the front cinch is TIGHT to keep the saddle from sliding and getting your young horse into trouble.
4. Back away and give the colt a little room to think about things for a moment, then ask him to step off. Let him sit and think again. If he jumps or bucks, it's okay, just stay relaxed.
5. Then ask him to move out a bit more. Take him through every gait. If he bucks, don't just let him buck, work him through it until he quits.
6. Bring him back in and play with the saddle a bit more by tugging on the stirrups and fenders, banging on the back of the saddle, wiggling it around, etc.
7. Send him off and start introducing more while moving under saddle. I like to do this with a rope.
Remember:
-Treat your young horse like an old, broke horse. It will help him get used to real-life situations and the way you normally do things.
- Don't try to make everything perfect, and don't worry if things don't go perfectly. Colt starting is all about TOMORROW, so it's okay to introduce him to situations that aren't perfect.
Until next time, may God bless the trails you ride,
- Ken McNabb

[@dianeyates8524]

Really nice Ken. I like how you pay attention to what he's feeling & don't just force your will on him. He's a beautiful boy.

[@supersonicCoach]

What a demo, timing, respect of the horse. I think I can watch this 100 times and find a new detail every time. Thanks for the lesson.

[@ZoeTacklebox]

Love your vids Ken. Thanks so much 😊

[@smlmentorship1969]

Thank you for sharing colt starting series, there is so much valuable information in all your videos and also like that you write the steps. Very easy to follow instructions and suggestions that are extremely helpful. Also love the fact that you include The Lords blessings in all your videos. Same to you and hope to meet up down the trail some day.

[@smlmentorship1969]

Blessed are the flexible as they will never get bent out of shape- Buck Brenaman. Love your video!!! So realistic 😊

[@roxannee8714]

Thank you for your lesson on horse and life