The photo of a rider sitting on a bareback horse—some of you might be wondering, “What is he doing?” This image was sent to us by a farm that Japanoz Stable entrusts with the breaking-in process.

Horses that go through sales auctions have generally already been handled and are accustomed to being led with a halter and a bridle. Therefore, the breaking-in process does not start from complete scratch. Even when a horse is being ridden for the first time, breaking-in is not just about teaching it to respond to rein pressure or follow a rider’s commands. More importantly, it is about building a relationship of trust between the horse and rider.

The photo captures the moment when a rider is sitting on an unbroken horse to familiarize it with the experience. One key aspect of the breaking-in process is getting the horse used to having a person positioned above its eye level. In Australia, traditional horsemanship techniques inherited over the years are deeply rooted. The breaking-in process here is based on a long history of understanding and experience, ensuring a well-balanced and effective approach to working with young horses.