Young Horse Education
I believe in starting a horses education as a weanling and building a solid foundation from the ground up which carries over into more advanced training as they get older. The first experiences can either set the stage for positive learning, or it can set them up with fear and lack of confidence which can be very challenging to overcome. Most of the time if people wait until a horse is two or three years old to start training they may become fearful, pushy, or hard to handle.
The groundwork is designed to set up the communication cues for when they are older and start under saddle making them more marketable. Foundation training can make a huge difference to a horse into their adult riding career. I believe that building a strong foundation is like having a strong foundation for your house as you want it to last a lifetime. It does not matter what discipline you choose if you build a solid foundation!
More and more studies are being done that the first few years of a horse’s life are the most important in his mental and physical development. I believe in taking the time from the beginning to build a solid foundation and not rushing them.
The programs below are accomplished using positive reinforcement, and basic in hand exercises as well as having the youngsters go through the obstacle course. These programs develop the youngsters to be light and responsive to directions that will last a lifetime. It also develops their confidence and prepares them for when they are ready to start under saddle. The programs below are based upon 60 days but we understand that each horse is an individual and there are exceptions to every rule as some horses will progress faster and others will need more time. Some horses are naturally quiet and gentle while others are sensitive and high strung.
If you build a proper foundation it will last a lifetime! Weanling Program (must be weaned and at least 6 months of age)
- Easy to catch
- Haltering
- Lead respectfully
- Stand tied
- Clipper work
- Bathing
- Pick up all four feet well and can be trimmed
- Will easily load and unload from the trailer
- Backup (short distances), Go Forward and Stop
- Trotting beside you
- Some obstacle course work and spooky objects
Yearling Program
- Easy to catch
- Haltering and Head Lowering/Calm Down
- Lead respectfully
- Stand tied
- Clipper work
- Bathing
- Pick up all four feet well and can be trimmed
- Will easily load and unload from the trailer
- Accept a rope bit quietly
- Accepting a bareback pad and surcingle
- Lunge both directions
- Obstacle course work and spooky objects
- Backup, Go Forward and Stop
- Will move away from pressure
- Disengage HQ’s
- Move Fore Quarter’s
- Understand sidepassing
- Get above them on the fence
- Lateral Flexion
- Vertical Flexion
- Neck Reining
- Trotting beside you
I believe that leadership does not transfer therefore I feel it is very important that the owner know what we do with their horses and that is why we stress the importance of owners taking a few lessons as we are all about being fair to the horse. You will still be working with the horse long after I have finished my work and I want you to be successful with your horse.
