Introduction
The basic training of the horse is very important independent of which discipline he will perform in the future. Many horses with great possibilities of being good do not reach full potential due to incorrect starting. The purpose of this manual is to give the horse owner an extra resource to rely upon when the horse is taken back home.

During many years, we have been observing the behaviors of young horses and used different techniques on them. The system we developed is based on observation and practice. Many horses accommodate to the system without any problem, however, when a horse does not respond initially, we look for an alternative method so that later we can return to the system.

We have observed that if initially a bit of discipline is forced on a young horse, later it is more responsive to teaching, and rarely punishment is needed. Most important is to keep attentive to the training stages, and if at any time complications arise, return to the previous training stage. Minimize problems by applying sequential training of every stage.

We observe that slow going is better - do not be tempted with obtaining fast results. Sometimes we hurry to place a saddle on a young horse, which surely causes problems later on.

The goal during the first year is to develop a gentle and relaxed horse. With easy advance, hand contact, work on the three gates to achieve good balance, the correct work on its back, and teaching it to take the first lateral steps without tension; if we obtain good results we can later specialize the horse for the selected discipline.

First week on the stable

The first thing we do when a young horse begins its training is a detailed inspection to make sure there are no preexisting conditions that will interfere with the beginning training. Look for injuries, testicles, bone mass and condition, and check the mouth for problem. The ideal way to do this procedure is with a veterinarian by your side.

After the inspection, designate a responsible trainer for each young horse; the trainer takes charge of the training initiation for the first few months under the supervision of an experienced trainer.

Dedicate the first week to teaching a horse to walk by your side, on both sides, so

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that later, when training the lunge he will not try to move away every time he gets scared. Walking can be in an open place or in a ring,

Use a halter or cabezon. If the young horse is immature and had never walked, best use a halter to avoid hurting him. If he already walks a little, choose any option.

Also in the first week, start to lift his front or quarter legs to clean its hooves. This action will condition the horse for shoeing in the future. If there is resistance, do not use force. One option is to use a longer rope in order to start raising the legs and hands with the rope until we can later do it with our own hands.
Give the horse a good bath. It is hygienic and calming. Be careful when watering the head, the ears are very sensitive and can create a trauma at the beginning of the training. Start form the front and work backwards.
During the first days tie the young horses loosely, pass the rope through the ring and then hold it in hand. Do this to avoid possible accidents.
The person that goes into the stall, whether to clean or feed, must not scare the young horse. Do the tasks with calm so the horse gets used to the new routine. The objective is keeping the atmosphere in the stable quiet, tidy and peaceful for the best management of the young horses.

Lunge work without rider (APPROXIMATELY Three Months)
Training on the lunge begins when the young horse is accustomed to walking by the trainer’s side. Generally, a horse is outfitted with a cabezon for better control, later with a bridle. It is very important to accustom the young horse to the tools use.
Start by walking the horse by the hand round the picket while another stays in the middle of the circle. Little by little, give it rope and urge it forward until it starts to trot around the circle. Do this exercise for a few laps one way then reversed. During the first days of work, repeat the exercise but only for a short while increasing the time gradually.