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Veteran
Posts: 160
 
| Hi! I'm tossing around the idea of starting colts to help pay for my horses when I'm in college. Just one or two at a time. No crazies or outlaws, just starting babies under saddle. I've started my own and feel like I've done a good job and I know what I'm doing. But, with mine, I never had a time limit and benchmarks that needed to be reached by certain days. So, for yall that send yours off, what do you like to have accomplished at:
1. 30 days?
2. 60 days?
3. 90 days?
I know there was a similar thread just recently, but I think it got zapped. Please let me know your opinions and experiences. I want to excel and learn and turn out quality "product."  |
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The Advice Guru
Posts: 6419
 
| I am very spoiled.
In 30 days my horses walk trot lope circles, stop, collect at all gaits, pick up leads when asked on straights. Reverse arc and all gaits. Rode in and outside, hauled to different arenas. Nice 360 with pivot foot in one place. Control of front and hind end.
In 60 days working at the auction opening and closing gates, break away roping, working mechanical flag or mule |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 1100
Location: Southeastern Idaho | I read through the other thread and it got me thinking what I expect from a 30 ride colt. Now I say 30 ride, since you can't get 30 rides in 30 days. But the guy I send my babies too puts 30 rides on them for 600$. So they stay longer than a month. I like this...I want my moneys worth. I have one item I ask for special from the trainer I use, I want my colt to stand while mounting. Many colts will circle (you tip the nose to the inside and some will circle while you get on) and in the past this wasn't a big deal. I have aged and had a bad horse wreck where I have one get on in that hip..if you know what I mean. :) So I ask him to work with them extra to have them comfortable with standing while a person mounts. So far he has done a super job for me. But the other things I expect from 30 rides is:
They saddle without being fearful or humpy
Ride off without a ton of lunging or round pen work
Can walk, trot, lope both directions and do a decent circle in each gait.
Have been ridden outside of the arena (my trainer rides for a grazing allotment so these colts go on the mountain a bit ...love that)
Back up softly
Flex both sides
Starting to carry the head in a softened or tucked position for a few strides.
I don't expect a lot from a 30 rider....mostly I don't want there to be any fear from the colt. I can take a colt from this point and finish it up to suit me. I haven't left one longer than this so I can't answer for the longer periods. But again, this is just my opinion. |
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Veteran
Posts: 160
| Wow! Thank you! All of mine stand while being mounted anyway.. Walking around is disrespect IMO and that doesn't fly.
Another question: Do you expect more than just standard desensitization? Like throwing tarps on them and tying feedbags to the saddle horn? I usually do CA style desensitization (ropes, handy stick, plastic bag) and then if something arises that they're spooky of I work on it in a "when it comes up" fashion. Is more expected? Or is it a personal preference? |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1100
Location: Southeastern Idaho | The trainer I use has them walk over a teeter totter type bridge he built and does lots of tarps and things. He has a tarp on a stick (huge flag basically) that they get used to. Slickers...walk over tarps on the ground..you name it. |
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Veteran
Posts: 160
| Thanks for the replies! Anyone else? Bump for those getting off work. :) |
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  Twin Sister to Queen Boobie
Posts: 13315
Location: East Tennessee but who knows?! | I think a large part of it depends on a couple of things --- one is the horse and the other is how many days a week and how long each ride do you have to invest. I've had colts riding and loping circles on correct leads in 30 days on 2-3 days a week --- but that's working with an easy colt to begin with. I've also had horses that it was tough to make progress with even with riding 4-6 days a week.
I've got some friends that do ranch clinics here. I've seen them get on a goosey colt and lope a really nice circle on the right lead every time on the 2nd ride --- and the first ride was 60+ days prior. That's pretty typical for them. |
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