Hi!

I haven't been on the forum for a long while, due to lots of work, both the bad and the horse-related! But, a few days ago I had the best day of my life, and I just had to share (sorry if this is in the wrong forum lol, feel free to move)

So, basically, I had scheduled the day off and decided to spend it with working with my young, untrained, 3-year-old quarter horse filly, named Mikki. I'd only had her for a few months, and had the whole time been working with her in the halter, building trust and introducing her to some life skills, like loading and having a saddle pad put on her.

It was a great calm day, with nothing going on really, and she was super quiet and relaxed about everything, so me and the lady I bought her from and who is teaching me to train her (as I've never trained a horse before) decided it was time to introduce her to a saddle. So we let her investigate it, and she was very calm and collected about it, so we gently put it on her. Still relaxed, almost sleepy, so we did it up just enough to hold it on, and let her loose in the round pen to let her investigate and see what would happen. We were so amazed, she just wandered around, looking for something to graze on! No bucking, no kicking, no running or being alarmed at all!

So, we ended up putting a headstall with a bit on her for the first time, and she was still calm! I was glowing with pride for her, she just stood there mouthing it, completely relaxed!

She did so incredibly well, things started to snowball, and within a couple hours, we had her responding to basic directions, turning both ways to our signals with the bit. Also stopping and backing up! And, then it was time to get on for the very first time! That was one of the happiest days of my life, she was so relaxed and calm abut it all, no issues about it whatsoever, not even when I sat on her! (the first time anyone had ever been on her before!).

This is my first horse, though I have ridden for my whole life. It was the most amazing feeling to finally be on my own horse! I just had to share! Altogether, in about 3 hours, we had put a saddle and bridle on her, taught her basic directions and to follow her nose, got on her for the first time, and started riding her at a walk, albeit with someone leading to reinforce where she was supposed to go, also at the end, it was so hot, we gave her her first bath!

The day after, I was at it again with her, reviewing and riding her some on our own. I am glowing with pride, she has come so far, in so short a time! Its very cute also, she enjoys having a saddle! I never saw that one coming, but enjoy it she does! Haha, come to think of it, it might also be shes such a little star she enjoys the attention being showered on her (lol)

Heres some pics!


Before, just leading her, look at how she listens to me talking to her. Haha, this is one of my favorite pics!



Teaching her to steer, responding to the bit and following her nose.



First time putting all my weight on her, testing the waters before I get on. She's interested, and is listening, but not spooked at all! I was so incredibly proud!



Finally, sitting on her for the first time! I will treasure this picture forever for sure!

Riding, convincing her that yes, I do want her to turn, lol.



And finally her first bath. Actually, the only real thing of the day she was really wary of, though she soon settled down.



What a pretty girl!



Hope you enjoyed! I know I did!

Thats awesome!! I know the feeling of success with a horse, I'm very happy for you! Keep it up

Congratulations! I am training my boy myself as well, there is nothing like knowing that everything they know, you taught!

Hey everyone!

Just an update on Mikki's progress!

She's coming along faster than I would have thought possible. I've been on her every day that I could, and you can just see the progress, especially compared to some other 3 year olds shes around, shes so much calmer and relaxed than anyone else, with basically everything! Haha, its like I can see her maturing before my eyes.

Now I've ridden her 4 times, and spent a couple days just going back over the basics and making sure shes solid. She now turns at the lightest touch on the reins, and is really improving at stopping, backing up, and moving off when shes told. We also started work at trotting circles, which she is doing beautifully on. Also, lots of the riding now is without anyone leading, which she was a little bit confused by but now is all comfy doing.

I'm just so proud, this is my first horse ever and knowing that everything she knows I taught her is the most amazing feeling! Now I just cant wait to get back to work with her (lol) not that she minds, it is so funny how she looks forward to her work-time, she absolutely loves all the attention we've been lavishing on her, along with the oats she gets afterward (lol).

Thanks for all the support and encouragement guys!

Congrats! Isn't it a joy when they want to learn? And here's a little secret.... that's the way it is supposed to work!

That is really great!!! I remember training my first horse.