Training Tip: How to Progress Through the Method

Question: I’ve been doing the Method on my 2-year-old. Are the riding sections of the Intermediate and Advanced suitable for a 2-year-old? Or should the horse be older?

Answer: Good on you for progressing your horse’s training and not getting stuck in the Fundamentals. I’ve seen that all too often in my career. The short answer is, yes, the riding exercises from Fundamentals through Advanced are for any horse that’s able to be ridden. Of course, if your horse has any physical limitations or if there is any reason why you’re concerned about his ability to handle the exercises, you need to consult with your veterinarian and follow their recommendations.

At the ranch, it takes us roughly three months to start our colts and take them through the Advanced riding exercises. Working with horses that are blank slates, meaning they have no baggage from humans working with them, allows for their training to progress quickly. There are no bad habits or learned behaviors in place that we need to fix. They’re like sponges, ready to learn whatever we throw at them. Keep up the good work with your horse.

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