Initial
Evaluation |
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Initial evaluation will consist of asking the horse to perform basic groundwork and manners: Lowers head, accepts touching all over body, flexes laterally to both sides, yields to basic direct and indirect pressures by yielding hindquarters, moving the forehand, backing, leads up freely, circles on-line, basic desensitizing with flagstick, individual specific assessment requests by owner. We will then write out a short detailed plan of what you and your horse need to accomplish to be foundationally sound Even during this initial first evaluation, you will see some changes in your horse. |
| Initial Evaluation | $25 for 60 minutes (per horse) within 25 mile radius - additional mileage fee may apply |
Colt
Starting |
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| Colt Starting | $400 per month (min. 2 months req) Plus boarding fees and extras |
Hourly
Instruction |
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Regardless of previous training, and in order to ensure quality end results, all horses being trained must go through the basic groundwork curriculum. Only then will the individual training needs be addressed thoroughly. This also includes any owner/rider individual training as well. When working with owner/horse combination, we insist that all owners try their best to perfect the groundwork exercises that we introduce them to. This assures that there is consistency and continuity between the training the horse receives from us and the continued training that the horse will receive at home. We want the transition from training to home to be as seamless as possible. |
| Hourly Instruction | $35 for 60 minutes (per horse) |
Semi
Private Group Instruction |
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This is truly the best of both worlds - individual training and clinic format. With the smaller group we can move quickly through some of the preliminary lecture and study and go straight into the task related groundwork. From there, we can begin addressing the needs of each individual horse and rider. The smaller number of participants allows me to give each person a steady dose of individual attention but the group setting allows us to work in teams and helps to push each other through towards progress. When you sign up for a semi-private group instruction please try to have in mind several goals that you would like to work toward. |
| Semi-Private Group Instruction (4-6 riders required) | $50 per person for 4 hours of instruction |
Problem
Solving |
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Problem solving is rather unique in that we usually have to take a bunch of steps backwards, re-enforce the horse's foundation and then finally direct attention to the specific problem. Sometimes this can be acheived rather quickly, other times this is a drawn out process. Regardless of the length of time, you will find changes in your horse from the very first day we begin. One very important note: we will never advise you to fix a problem by mechanical means. That completely goes against everything we believe in. ALL horse 'problems' fall into one or more of these categories: Self Preservation Trust Respect Communication We believe in finding the root cause of the horse's 'problem' and then address the issue by applying the 12 training principles of natural horsemanship with patience and proper methods. |
| Individual Problem Solving and Re-Training | $45 for 60 minutes (per horse) |
Clinics |
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10 year old student walking her horse calmly through the hanging tarp....bareback and in a rope halter!
Students playing soccer on horseback during playtime...bareback and in halters!
Ground poles, tarps and barrels...walking the obstacles in hand
Participants learn first hand what pressure feels like to a horse with a bit in it's mouth
Our "Less IS More" natural horsemanship philosophy even works on Mules......
and really short legged horses as well !!!
Of course, the greatest proof that our methods and philosophy work is when we can get the horse to desensitize itself with a flagstick and plastic sack...all by itself....while we go have a cup of coffee!!!!!
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The full day clinic format is a great way to test yourself and push your horse's comfort zone. There are a lot of components beginning each clinic day with a short lecture pertaining to the subject of that particular clinic's agenda. I then ask if there are individual goals that may need to be addressed during theclinic. Then it's on to groundwork, groundwork, groundwork...we always perform groundwork at every clinic. No exceptions! Then it is time to mount up and begin basic mounted horsemanship before we ever take a break. After lunch (sometimes the host will provide, or sell, lunch and other times it is a brown bagger) we're back for a quick review of the morning's exercises and drills along with some one-on-one trouble shooting and refiniing. We then move on to intermediate groundwork. Tons of riding or detialed intricate rein/foot maneuvers. If time allows, we try to have some play time. Usually we kick on some really good music to ride to while we play soccoer on horseback, run through challenge courses, obstacle courses, or play cowboy polo, etc. At this point, participants may leave as they wish, but we always make sure that those who need or would like individual attention get the help they need one-on-one. We will stay as late as the participant wants to stay until we get through to some progress. One more thing....in my clinics it is AGAINST THE LAW to pull back with both reins at the same time! Pulling back with both reins gets in the way of good communication. We are here to learn how to better communicate with our equine partners. |
| One Day Clinic | $100 per rider /$10 audit fee |
| Two Day Clinic | $150 per rider / $10 audit per day |
