2-year-old Starter Program
First step is identification:
What kind of mind am I dealing with? Insecure, nervous, confident, scared, over
secure, spoiled, etc…
Second step is action / reaction:
How much does it takes to get a reaction thru body motion, voice and physical demand.
Third step is about forward motion and a good stop:
I use a round pen and a lunge line to achieve those two goals. The most
important thing is keeping my commands simple and clear. Once the horse realizes what I want and does it correctly I can move on to 
step four.
Step four is acception:
The acception point is crucial to success; it is the most
important step thru this period of the starting program. Desensitizing the body and
mind can take some horses two days or two weeks depending on the horse.
Step five is saddling up:
This should be a very good experience for them especially not stressful but relaxed. 
Once all those steps are completed and done with confidence, we finally start to
work.
Step six is the mount:
The mount is definitely a significant step. It is the first impression for the horse. It
must be once again relaxed and confident. If the horse doesn’t stand still or if he
moves all the time, he is certainly not ready. I must go back and make sure all steps are solid. I work deeply on both sides of the horse to ensure correct
balance and confidence.
Step seven is finally on his back:
The horse is relaxed, confident and waiting for you. At this point he knows
forward, stop, left, right, and he is totally desensitized. The next step is almost
normal for him. As long I keep things simple, relaxed and confident, success is iminent.
Step eight the first few rides:
The first few rides are extremely important. It’s going to stay with him for a long
time so it has to be good. Right from the beginning, I will work the front quarter (shoulders).
I will reassure the horse
every time by releasing pressure when he lets me take his body where I want it to 
go.
The “whoa” must be very solid to the horse at this point. It is the basis for
everything.
At this point I have a willing horse ready to venture into the world.
mdreiners6@cs.com
71 9 Avenue
Crabtree, Quebec CANADA J0K1B0
972-742-7342