I just got my first horse, Alfie. He's a pure Arab, but he's pretty calm. I am an English rider, but I dabble in trail riding and barrel racing - just for fun.
Alfie has never done anything other that w/t/c in an arena, so I'd like to know where to start on barrels and trails.
My trainer and I have already taken him out on short, 5 minutes trails with us walking him on a lead rope. These trails never have had dogs, bicyclists, etc. sneak up on him.
Questions:
-What should I do to start decensitizing him
-Should I start by w/t/c around barrels, and build up, or do you have other suggestions?
I appreciate any advice!