When referring to the ridden horse, there are a couple of terms used to denote the level of training or hours under saddle that the horse has had. A young and unstarted (unridden) horse, whether it be a filly, a colt or a gelding, for ease of reference is called a Colt. This simply is a general term for any unridden horse and may even refer to an older mare for example. Once a horse has had it’s initial rides, it is referred to as ‘Green’. This just means it has had a few rides but as yet does not have any foundations set. From here the horse is taken through the training to build it’s foundations ... in the QS programme the Levels of our Foundation Programme; Levels 1, 2 and 3. It takes a certain amount of time clocking up those hours, for a horse to no longer be considered Green. That is, time for the horse to truly accept the rider, the saddle and what is being asked of it and to have the foundations set solidly. For a horse to no longer be considered Green takes around 300 – 350 hrs. A truly ‘finished’ horse is one that has gone beyond Green, has solid foundations and is polished in all areas. This horse would be a Level 3 graduate.
Now let’s look at humans. For a human to truly know and understand what he is doing, have an independent seat and be harmonious with a horse; in other words to no longer be considered Green, takes around 1500 hours. That’s roughly four times longer than a horse. To go beyond this level and have something to offer to a horse, to have rapport and ride fluidly, would take the rider to Level 4, the first Level of the Horseman’s Programme.
Have you ever seen someone riding who really stands out from the crowd? Someone who looks as though they were a part of the horse, that looks as natural riding as most people look on their own two feet; or better! There’s just something special about them, horse and human move together lightly and effortlessly as if the horse’s feet were the riders own. This is the kind of polish that we are talking about when we talk of a true horseman. The overall picture is one of grace, ease and poise with a happy and willing horse. To look this good and make things look this easy, takes a lot of work, effort and commitment.
When we talk about clocking up 1500 hours in the saddle, this means real riding, the kind you’d do when working through the Quantum Savvy programme. Not just hanging out with your horse or going for a stroll, but constructive riding that has a purpose. Let’s take a look at time frames. If the average person actually rides for 4 hours on a weekend for 50 weeks of the year, it would take them 7½ years to no longer be Green. It would take the horse 1¾ years to come through the Green stage. On the other side of Green, is a place where you’ll know exactly what his feet are doing at all gaits; what lead he is on before his feet even touch the ground. You’ll be aware of every muscle in his body and what his thoughts are before he acts. You’ll feel that your horse’s legs are your own. It’s a pretty nice place to reach.
How many people and horses do you know that are still Green?
Read More Road To Horsemanship articles.
- By Meredith Ransley, Quantum Savvy.