Requirements

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Returning Clients

• 30 days for refresher/tune up

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New Clients

• 60 days minimum to begin and establish a solid foundation

• 90 days if horse lacks basic ground manners ​​

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Horse Health and Soundness

• UTD on vaccinations and deworming

• UTD on hoof care

• No sickness for past 60 days

• Sound and moving without pain for the past 60 days

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What you can expect in Training

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Philosophy

Each horse is an individual, just as people are. We train at their individual pace and consider their background. The amount of pressure applied during training or handling also depends completely on the horse. We find their comfort zone and slowly encourage them to go outside of their boundary of comfort as training progresses. This creates a good relationship with the horse and a well minded, well behaved, solid horse. 

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Goals. We want to know your personal goals, as well as the goals you have in mind for your horse. While working towards your goals, we may or may not work on all of the topics listed below. That will be decided as we talk and progress in training.

We refuse to start a horse without some ground work first. This process allows both the trainer and horse to get acquainted with each other and learn some ground rules. I don't appreciate getting pushed around, ran over, knocked down, or other aggressive behavior. I'm sure that as the owner/handler, you don't either. Ground work creates mutual respect and trust. When it's time to get on the horse, I sure don't want to have the horse be disrespectful or untrustworthy, very likely leading to various actions  including bucking, rearing, taking off, no control, ramming into things, etc. These actions have a very high probability of hurting both horse and rider, both physically and mentally. If it goes bad, both can lose confidence in themselves and/or each other, break a bone, get a concussion, or worse. I have 3 children to care for, several other animals, a high school equestrian team of teenagers relying on me as their coach, and more. Getting myself injured is definitely not in my best interest and I will do everything in my capabilities to prevent that from happening. In addition, horses are expensive as are vet bills. Plus, I'm sure you love your horse(s) as much as I do and will do everything in your power to ensure they're well cared for. By starting with ground work, you can ensure that I'm also putting your horse's care and best interest to heart.

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Basic Ground Manners includes respect of space, moving off pressure, leading, tying, not being scared/desensitizing, being more calm (less reactive or hypersensitive), picking up feet, backing, and more.

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Prior to starting a horse under saddle, the first 1-4 weeks is all ground work. Amount of time depends on the individual horse and advancement to work under saddle can occur earlier if the horse has some prior experience, training, and/or displays readiness. You can expect the following skills to be learned:​

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• yielding to pressure

• yielding hip ​

• attentiveness to handler

• respect of space

• haunch turns (may not be a perfect pivot but will be willing and easily maneuvered)

• less direct contact

• lunging for respect

  • easily change directions, when asked​

  • stop and yield hindquarters 

  • change speed

• leading etiquette, from both sides​

• hobbling (depending on age and physical health)

• desensitizing to various objects (plastic bags, whips, farm equipment, motorcycles, bicycles, drones, rc cars, other animals, moving and noisy objects, and anything we can think of)

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