Starting my youngster under saddle taught me three key things:

“Starting my youngster under saddle taught me three key things: patience, responsibility, and most importantly: high hopes, low expectations.

Never let your negative emotions affect your judgement and reactions to your horse. Have high hopes for them, as in, approach every training session with a positive attitude and faith in their capabilities, but at the same time have low expectations – don’t get frustrated if they give you less than you want. Understand they speak a completely different language from you, and be patient.

Another important thing: there’s no such thing as a bad horse. There’s only one that’s uncomfortable, confused, or in pain. They’re not out to ruin your day. Most horses that “test you”, as people may say, are actually trying to tell you something is wrong. LISTEN TO WHAT THEY HAVE TO SAY, and always give them the benefit of the doubt.”