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Starting a Horse in Four-Reins
Before starting a horse in Four-Reins, get a simple bar bit (not a snaffle) without shanks.
This bit should not be stainless steel. I use one made from what we Peruvians call "sweet metal."
Put it on a simple headstall without the reins about a month or six weeks before you intend
starting the horse in Four-Reins training. Slather the bit with molasses and gently put it
in the horse's mouth in the correct position - do this often. You can use it when you are
riding the horse in bozal or while he stands tied, but as much as possible.
This simple procedure will aid your horse in accepting the bit better and faster when it is
time to start the Four-Reins phase of training. When you start Four-Reins, change to a regular
Peruvian bit, but continue to slather it with molasses. With this method, your horse will love
the bit!
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Starting a Horse in Four-Reins (Part 2)
About two weeks before you anticipate finishing the 4 reins stage of training, change the
heavy bozal reins for a pair of very light reins. Make all of your last corrections using
these light weight reins. You do this so you are not pulling excessively on the bit. This
will make sure your horse is ready for the bit alone.
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Walk Your Horse
When you are first breaking and riding a horse always walk the horse for the
first 4 weeks to two months of training. Do circles, figures eights, backing,
stops - everything you want to do with your horse - do at the walk. Your horse
will learn faster, get used to the weight of the rider and will strengthen its
ligaments and tendons with very little risk of injury.
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Stopping Your Horse
If you are having a hard time sit stopping your horse, work him along a fence.
Pull in the rein closest to the fence so the horse turns his face towards the fence
and stop at the same time. The horse should stop with his rear leg closest to the fence,
farther ahead than the other.
Repeat this exercise to both sides and when your horse does it correctly then start
pulling both reins at the same time and have your horse stop with his two rear legs
under his body. Do this exercise first at the walk, then faster and faster until you
get to the speed you desire.
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Nervous Horse?
If your horse is very nervous and jumpy when you are working with him, give
him more time at liberty. If you keep your horse in a stall or small paddock, put
him out to play for 1 to 2 hours everyday. It is better to do this before you work him.
This is more helpful during the winter. This time at liberty will help release some of
his excess energy. Little by little you can decrease play time until the horse learns to
release his energy while working.