What is a saddle-trained horse?
A “saddle-trained horse” describes a mustang that has been hand selected, brought through and graduated from the Horse Program’s 90 days of training. The training process takes several months and begins with round pen work. The first step is to use the mustang’s natural instincts and behaviour to teach the horse to trust humans. Once this is accomplished, the horse is introduced to the halter, grooming, and eventually to the saddle. The first few rides are short, from 15-30 minutes, and each session ends on a positive note. As the horse becomes accustomed to a rider, it is taught to respond to pressure via verbal commands, leg cues and reins. The horse is started in a snaffle bit and remains in a snaffle bit throughout its training. As the horse becomes more trusting and knowledgeable, it is taken out of the round pen and worked in an open arena for the remainder of its training. When finished, all saddle-trained mustangs: Inmates Training Mustang • Can be caught and haltered easily •
