Here's my second checklist - Pre-riding basics. What did I forget? The tradition is to teach these things immediately before saddle-training begins, but I see no reason that these basics can't be spread over a year...or two, or more prior to saddle-training.
) Will the horse move away from light pressure? I'm not a big fanatic on the "respect" part we hear from too many NH-types, but there really does need to be a basis of respect. A horse that will run over you is dangerous. (This is more prominent on my radar screen, since I will soon be working with a "wild mustang" who knows nothing about human-horse "manners.") ) Does the horse know how to play the Seven Games with a person (meaning the horse's version of "seven games"... which may or may not be literally the same as Parelli's version) ) Does the horse know some basic words - whoa, back, walk, stop, trot (gait, whatever), canter (can come later), good boy/girl, easy, good, no... ) Will the horse flex and bend quietly and without extreme reactions when cued from the ground-handler? ) Will the horse transition into the next gait quietly and promptly, both as an upward or downward transition? ) Can the horse be steered from the ground? The 7 Games can be a good start, but ground driving/long lining is a big plus. ) Is the horse willing to participate in the learning, with a good attitude? Can you see the "wheels turning" and a light in his eyes? ) When the horse doesn't understand something, does he calmly try to figure it out, without any panic? ) Comfortable with the saddle, pad, etc? Comfortable with stirrups banging on his sides without a rider? ) Comfortable with a person bouncing near his side, leaning over him, etc.? >From both sides? ) Is the horse ready and waiting to come out and play for the next session, or is he reticent about being haltered and/or caught? Karen Thomas, NC
