Ken McNabb: Colt Starting (Part 6 of 7) - The First Ride

This is Part 6 of a 7-session series on colt starting. In this session, I'll put the first ride on my colt.
One of the questions I get asked most often is, "Should I start my horse in a halter, a snaffle, or a bosal?" My answer is, "What are you comfortable with?" In this session, I'll be using a rope halter, tying a knot under the chin to make it like a hackamore.
The First Ride:
1. Begin by reviewing what you worked on in past sessions, with a particular emphasis on softening the nose and disengaging the hindquarters. This acts as your emergency brake.
2. Take your foot and add weight in the stirrup on both sides.
3. Step up in the stirrup and step down. Don't stay too long.
4. Step up in the stirrup and then rub and pet on your horse.
5. When you think the horse is ready for you to get on, step away and ask yourself, "Is he really ready?" Your answer needs to be "100% YES."
6. Step up, sit down, hop right off. Repeat on both sides.
7. Spend a little longer time in the saddle. Sit in the saddle and rock it back and forth before stepping off.
8. Soften his nose and ask him to move by kissing to him. Don't start using your legs as aids straight away.
Remember:
DON'T STAY TOO LONG.
FOLLOW YOUR GUT.
STAY RELAXED.
The session doesn't need to be too long. Make some progress, keep things relaxed, and end on a positive note, and you'll be making strides.
Colt starting reminds me of STEWARDSHIP. When I am starting a colt's training, it is my responsibility to prepare him for the world he lives in and set him up for success. It's both a privilege and a burden, and it's something I try to remember every day as I care for my horses.
Until next time, may God bless the trails you ride,
- Ken McNabb

[@faithfarmforever4795]

glad to have this video to watch..I'm 52 starting a mustang..the only 2 other horses I ever started are 22 yrs old now..I like hearing trust your gut..I have one hole for now and that's getting him softer in his face - Mt seat ISNT what it used to be so I Know if he gets worked up and I use my hands thru my fear it will not be good for either of us..I put my foot in the stirrup tonight 1st time good 3rd time he yielded his butt away from me..for some reason he wasn't sure he was okay with it. no worries..I did it a time or 2 more he stayed quiet I said good boy and ended the session. they'll tell you what they are ready for and this video was a good reminder..who knows maybe I'll never ride him - I hope too soon but we'll I'm trusting God to lead me there..until then I'll keep taking care of him and teaching him people are okay..Miss watching you on rfdtv

[@hadleyalvarez5322]

thank you ken mcnabb

[@stephaniesmith5974]

This helped me sooo much! I have been doing these things on the ground but rushed things under saddle-so wreck as u say. I got on and off yesterday and wiggled saddle. Thank you again! Please make more videos like this!

[@BibigulS]

Thank you so much Ken! Your videos not only helping to teach yang horse, but to understand there language and hole psychology. I m breaking horse alone for first time in life but it goes so smoothly. To be honest I didn't believe that this stallion you're riding is not riden before. I thought it's a bit of untruth and yang new horse will react nervous and dangerous! But everything works! My horse reactions are almost the same! just following all your advises I feel like super professional

[@roxannee8714]

I love your horse and life lessons. Thank you for being such a wonderful human

[@soniakudalsky6214]

Great video. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@WillowAcresPonyTime]

Watching the video, good information, but wonderin what those things are floating around? We guessed snow, cotton, wood shavings, moths or bugs.

[@roxannee8714]

Watch it longer and he'll say it in video 😉

[@aldapp5519]

STEWARDSHIP 🙏👍⭐⭐🥳🥳🎅👼

[@gerrycoleman7290]

Why are you riding a colt? The horse has not finished growing yet.

[@okie2992]

The horse is 3

[@gerrycoleman7290]

@@okie2992 The horse has not finished growing until 5 or 6 years old. It is irresponsible to ride that young a horse.

[@okie2992]

@@gerrycoleman7290 you obviously don’t know one end of a horse from the other so idk why you’re even watching this video.

[@gerrycoleman7290]

@@okie2992 Pay attention. You are exposing your ignorance and selfishness. It should be about what is in the best interests of the horse, not all about you.