Many people thing the first ride is a case of separating the men from the boys, or separating the trainers from the bronc riders. But it doesn't have to be a rodeo. Everything we have done up to this point is preparation for the horse to be ridden. Horses progress through school just the way youngsters do. Kids can't go to the sixth grade if they can't pass the fifth. For your colt to pass from ground work to being ridden, he must be able to do all the lessons we have talked about.