Broke Horse Guide

Traditionally, a horse that is trained to be ridden or driven pulling a vehicle will be called broke. Many people don't like the term "broke" because it suggests training done by force or by breaking the horse’s spirit. When horses were rounded up off the range and "bucked out" by a rough rider who wanted to quickly make them useful, this might have been true. The bronc busters of yesteryear may have been motivated by the need to replace a horse quickly so that they could get back to working cattle.

Most trainers these days, however, know that it’s better to train horses well and it is acceptable to take the time to do that. The terms broke, breaking in, or breaking has stuck around regardless. Today, a broke horse is considered a horse that can be ridden or driven. There is no need to break a horse’s spirit by rough riding and handling. A well broke horse is one that is well trained and

 understands more than just the basics of "go" and "whoa" and there are many kinds of broke horses.

Unbroke

Unbroke means the horse has not yet been trained to carry a rider, pull a vehicle, behave well, or follow the directions of its trainer.

Saddle, Harness, and Halter Broke

A horse that is said to be broke to saddle or harness indicates what the horse has been trained for. Saddle breaking is training a horse to carry a rider, and harness breaking is training the horse to pull a vehicle.

Young horses or foals are often halter broke. This means they are trained to be accustomed to wearing a halter and will walk obediently on a lead rope beside the handler.