COlin fassotte

General information

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Breaking-in, which I like to call "starting under saddle", is the process of teaching a horse to be ridden. This is an important stage in the life of the saddle horse and can be a great experience for the horse to grow out of, or on the contrary, an experience that lowers its esteem for humans. It is only through good preparation that bad experiences can be avoided and this requires patience.

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The starting under saddle programme is flexible and is composed with you according to your horse and your objectives.

The module will include :

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• Accepting the human as a partner and guide

• Accepting to be touched everywhere

• Ground work

• Accepting the saddle, the girth, the snaffle bit

• Accepting the rider as a passenger and guide (halter then bit)

• Ride at 3 gaits

• Ride indoor and outdoor

• Stand still while tied up, on the lead-rope and in the saddle

• Feet handling

• Introduction to riding with contact

• Introduction to trail riding

• Introduction to working around obstacles

• Introduction to working on the ground with the cavesson

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If the main objectives of the start under saddle are the acceptance of the rider, the 3 gaits and the work on the steering, I like to take the time to initiate the rest of the work (refinement of the steering, changes of environment, work around the obstacles, riding with the contact, work on the ground, ...) to make sure that the basics are solid. Pre-requisites and repetition are two key elements in learning.

The result is one thing and the way to get there is another. I attach great importance to the quality of the process. My aim is that the horse goes through the different stages as calmly and smoothly as possible. As my experiences grow, I understand more and more how much time the horse needs to learn in a sustainable way.

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"A horse needs, usually, about 300 hours to become totally comfortable with a human on its back."

Pat Parelli

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A horse that is not healthy physically cannot be healthy mentally. That's why I ask the horses to be seen by an osteopath and a dentist, before the beginning of training.

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A collaboration with the owner during the education of the horse is essential. I do not prepare your horse for me, but for you because it is together that you will continue the adventure. I expect you to be involved in the process to make a real success out of it. If necessary, I will also be happy to continue to coach you once you are back home.