When you first get in the saddle, don’t immediately go somewhere. Instead, spend a few minutes flexing the horse’s head from side to side. This not only reminds the horse to be soft, but it’s also a great way to remind him that when you get in the saddle, it’s not his cue to immediately walk forward. Too many people swing up in the saddle and then send the horse down the trail. Because horses are great at anticipating us, pretty soon, as soon as you put your foot in the stirrup, he’s already walking off. Teach him to relax and wait by spending a few minutes flexing his head from side to side.
