Introducing a young horse to the gate should happen very early on in the beginning stages of training. Some individuals will even begin leading theirs even before a rider has been on it’s back. There are many benefits to using this method. First, it’s easier to control a “spooky” baby if on the ground. And remember, it’s a gradual process. One might want to begin simply grazing their horse around the gate (only if, of course, the gate is in a field or on a breaking farm where other horses are not in training at the moment). By doing this, horses become familiar with the bulky, metal obstruction and learn to accept it as part of the norm.

Let the young horse smell and bite the exterior as to a way to familiarize themselves with it. If your horse is willing, walk halfway into the gate and let his head and shoulders come in. At this point, it’s easier to back them out. Speak softly, push on their chest and say “back” “back”. Then repeat; each time going in a couple more steps than the time before. If on the first day they do not want to enter–no problem; leave it alone. Give them a good experience and they will be eager to reciprocate it again the next day. Remember, lots of praise–love and hugs–when they respond in a positive manner. This is a wonderful exercise to get your young baby used to the gate. Next time we will talk about what to do in the gate with a rider on.