Breaking Horses

Breaking young horses is a passion for us, not a job. There is no better feeling than taking a raw horse and putting in the time and energy to see an animal emerge that understands and enjoys their job.

We break all types of horse, from the athletic sport horse, to the happy hacker, all the way up to thoroughbred racehorses. 

How long does it take?

The answer to this question varies from horse to horse. The variables include, how much handling the horse has had prior to arrival, and to what level you want us to bring them. 

Typically 6 - 8 weeks will see your horse riding and jumping a small course of fences. On their return they will still be classed as green horses, who most likely won’t be suitable for a novice or beginner to ride. If the horse needs more work and experience we can then keep the horse longer and produce it to a higher level after it receives a break.

What is involved?

The health and wellbeing of your horse is always a high priority for us. First thing we do at KES with a young animal is to have its teeth checked by our dentist. Sharp teeth will be filed and wolf teeth will be removed.

Week 1 - Mouthing with a straight bar bit and learning how to lunge and, depending on the individual, we may also introduce the roller and side reins.

Week 2 - Driving & lunging in long reins and introduction of the saddle. At this stage we may also begin loose schooling over small obstacles.

Week 3 - Driving & lunging in long reins, introduction of the broken bit, being driven on the quiet country lanes, being laid-across in the stable. By the end of week 3 we will usually begin sitting up on the horse in the stable and riding around the stable and yard. Loose schooling will continue, depending on whether or not the individual is ready for this step.

Week 4 - Ridden off in the lunge pen, introduction to the arena where we work on rideability and introduce trotting poles. At this stage we typically have our farrier put a set of front shoes on the animal to avoid getting sore feet.

Week 5 - Ridden in the arena, on the quiet country lanes and around the farm and forestry. At this stage we begin crossing poles and other obstacles. Most horses take to this stage like a duck to water and really begin to enjoy the work. Depending on the individual we may also introduce some grid work.

Week 6 - At this stage the horse has gained a huge amount of confidence. Depending on the individual horse and the discipline the owner wishes to pursue we may school them over our cross country course. We also like to bring them away from home to other facilities to broaden their horizons and to gain experience schooling over jumps and hacking in environments they have not seen before. During week 5 and 6 we also like to ride them on their own and in a group of horses. This allows them to both think for themselves when alone and become used to having company.

Its worth noting that the above steps are just a guide to give owners a general idea of what is involved. Some horses will come to hand quicker than others, some may need a little more handling at the beginning of the process, some may need a little longer in long reins, no two horses are the same and each horse has individual needs. Our goal is to complete the process as smoothly as possible for both horse and owner, we keep owners up to date on progress every couple of days via WhatsApp videos - its nice to be part of the process.

When breaking my own horses I like to let them out to grass wormed and coppered at this stage for 5 - 6 weeks, this allows them to develop and take on board what has just happened. When taking them back in and getting 1 - 2 weeks work back into them the transformation can be amazing.

Get in contact us to discuss your requirements 

Conor : 00 353 85 154 2539

Abby : 00 353 87 137 0003