I recently became the owner of a sweet 2 yo Rocky Mountain horse. I have never owned a horse before and Jacoby is relatively new to everything. He wasn't really seen by people until he was about 1 year, (long story). I was wondering what should be the first things we do? So far he will "walk" and put his head down when he see the halter. He likes to work but is still just a babe. I am trying to get him to walk in a circle by pointing and twirling the extra lead rope. I know this is going to be a long road but I was wondering what I should focus on first?

do you have any photos of him you can share??? Is a rocky mountain horse like a mustang????

If you google "rocky Mountain Horse" you can get a great description of them. Generally they are about 15hh and a nice sweet and versatile horse, very curious and good with people. I am trying to post a pic but I can't get it small enough...

Lunging (what you are attempting to do with the lead rope) is a good place to start. If you have never owned a horse before, the best advice anyone can give you is READ READ READ! Read everything you can get your hands on (just what a mom of 3 wants to hear right You will be amazed what is hamful to a horse. Next thing, get an instructional vidoe set. Theres just no way words and describtions can be as helpful as video, especially when you hit your first speed bump. Good luck!

Thanks. I have been reading up a storm. Summer gives me more time for that believe it or not. I am having a hard time finding books at the library though. I think I may have to check out some used books at Amazon. Do you have any recommendations? I am really finding myself in between thoughts on training, if that helps. I am enjoying some good you tube videos as well, I may be able to borrow a Perelli video set from a friend. Right now I would like to get Jacoby to actually circle me and not just pivot around my body!

One website that I have found helpful is myhorse.com They have a lot of training advice that is step by step. Another thing that I had found helpful was to attend a few local clinics (even if you can't bring your horse) the knowledge you walk away with is invaluable. Just remember that when you're doing "natural horse-man-ship" go with what works for you. Parelli does give a lot of knowledge but I find that (personally - no offense intended to anyone who likes Parelli) I have trouble keeping my attention span on how he explains things. Anther trainer would be Clinton Anderson. He doesn't talk as much as Pat Parelli but, as they say, a picture is worth a 1,000 words. Go with what works for you and your Rocky Mountain Gelding.

I have had a Rocky Mountain Horse (A mare - back about 15 years ago now) and they are very quick to learn and inquisitive. Good Luck and keep us posted

Thank you! THe site looks great, and I need all the help I can get! lol

I agree with Lady B. Check out some Anderson videos and techniques first. He has a series on RFD-TV called Downunder Horsemanship that are usually very helpful for starting out colts. He actually has complete series of videos you can get from his website that take you from getting a halteron for the first time all the way up through beginner reining training. His mantra is Respect and Leadership where Parelli is more of the Understanding and communication. After you have Jacoby listening well and repecting you as the leader of the herd, the Parelli is a wonderful addition to a training program.