Steps in Preparing an 8yr old horse to be Ridden

What should you check before putting a horse under saddle — especially when you don’t know everything about its previous training? In this episode, Mark answers questions about taking an eight-year-old mare through the early stages of starting, helping a horse become comfortable with girth pressure, and addressing anxiety when a horse begins to struggle once a float ramp is closed or the vehicle starts moving. Listen to find out why good preparation is about much more than simply getting a horse to stand still or accept a saddle, how to recognise anxiety and tension before they become bigger problems, and why developing softness, mobility and understanding can make horses safer and more confident as their education progresses. Mark also explains why previous experiences can influence how horses respond to training, how to assess what a horse already understands, and why the horse’s education needs to stay ahead of the challenges you are asking it to handle. Want to apply Mark’s approach with your own horse? Join Mark Langley Online for access to the complete training library, detailed step-by-step groundwork and ridden exercises, and regular member Q&A support to help you better understand your horse’s behaviour, training and emotional responses.