Saddling Misty, Continued If a saddle has both front and rear cinches, we typically start the horse out with both cinches. The horse might as well get used to the rear cinch and it does help keep the saddle from slapping if the horse gets busy. Misty was no exception. As soon as she was quiet on the line we started moving the stirrups around, slapping her lightly, moving the saddle around, etc., while encouraging her to stay quiet.

Moving quietly

Slapping the stirrups

Rocking the saddle

Next we needed Misty to move about and get used to seeing and feeling the saddle on her back. This involved some changes of directions as we moved so she would pick up the saddle movement in one eye, then the other. One time she got busy and bucked a few times when the stirrups slapped against her but she quickly regained control and got used to the look and feel of the saddle.

Backing up on the line

Moving in patterns

Fairly relaxed about it all

The last element of the session was unsaddling. We wanted Misty's final experience to be positive. We were quiet with the unsaddling although we did let the off side stirrup drag across her back as it would in future sessions. She was OK with it all. To be continued... Return to Part Three Press "Back" to return to the page that brought you here Return to Case Study Section Return to Lucky Horse Project Return to Training Section Return to Wild Horse Mentors Return to KBR World of Wild Horses and Burros Go To KBR Horse Net KBR Horse Training Information, © 2001 Lamm's Kickin' Back Ranch and Willis & Sharon Lamm. All rights reserved. Duplication of any of this material for commercial use is prohibited without express written permission. This prohibition is not intended to extend to personal non-commercial use, including sharing with others for safety and learning purposes, provided this copyright notice is attached. Email us to submit comments or request reproduction permission.