We start your horse’s foundation with Trust and Communication while maintaining the horse’s well being and equine/rider safety. Your horse’s safety is of number one importance in our program and we would never do anything or use anything that may put unnecessary stress on your equine companion.

As we move through the levels of training our next step is to obtain Rhythm and Relaxation. This step and the first step are the two most important steps in our training process. Without either one working in conjunction with one another you cannot advance any further in your training program. We use this step to obtain Rhythm and Relaxation in all three gaits. We use your horse’s natural movements in this development to keep them looking natural and not circus like.

The next step in our training program is to obtain Suppleness. This is gaining relaxation throughout the entire body of the horse while being ridden. This step is the building block in building the proper balance and strength needed to move laterally and longitudinally without resistance or tension. At this point we will introduce ground poles and gymnastics to help you horse build his strength.

Once we have gained Trust, Communication, Rhythm, Relaxation and Suppleness, we ask for Contact.  In this part of the program we ask for the horse and rider to move as one. From the bit to the rein to the hand to the arm, elbow and shoulder move as one. From your back to your seat to the saddle through your legs and down to your heal you move as one with your horse. The horse and rider communicate effectively and listen to one another.

Now that we have Contact we can gain Impulsion. Your horse can now effectively and has the strength to move off his hind end without falling onto the forehand.  They move forward without resistance or tension. This is where you feel the push of your horse instead of the pull.

While most people strive their horse to move straight right from the beginning we understand without the strength and correctness of your aids that is not possible. This is why we wait to worry about going straight after we establish everything you’ve read above. Horses naturally do not travel in straight lines nor are they equal on both sides of their body. The development of your aids plays an important role in this stage of training. It is now the responsibility of the rider to communicate straightness with proper aids and help your horse build the strength and balance to continue to move forward and straight.

Our final step in our training program is Collection. Here the horse can support himself fully. His weight is completely rocked back onto his hindquarters and can shift is weight off his front shoulders. Here the horse is completely in tuned with his rider while he maintains self confidence, expression and grace. Here your horse is completely relaxed obedient but also performing absolute power and confidence.

This program cannot be completed in 90 days. It takes many years to build up to true collection with your horse.  Our program is designed to help get you and your horse there with time.

Our 90 day program is broken down into 30 day increments.

The first 30 days we work on obtaining trust and communication. We establish ground manners, teach your horse to lunge, establish voice commands and the use of your aids and give them their first ride.

The next 30 days we continue building your horses trust on their back and establish our riding aids. We work on finding their rhythm and relaxation in all three gaits.

The final 30 days we continue to work on the horse’s rhythm and relaxation in all three gaits and work towards suppleness. By the end of the 90 days your horse will be quiet, relaxed and a well balanced animal that will be enjoyable to ride. They should be able to hack out quietly alone or in a group, they should be responsive and willing and ready to continue their education.

We take our training program slow and steady to avoid injury and lameness in their later life. We want to help develop your horse correctly as they grow into their adult body.   

Ground Driving: a great way to to teach your horse rein aids prior to getting on their back.