As a trainer, I don't subscribe to one certain method- equines are not a one size fits all. I collect various principals, methods, and techniques from different resources to combine them into my own constantly evolving style. As a rider, trainer, and coach I believe in continuously learning and expanding my knowledge through hands on experiences, clinics, videos, offsite lessons, showing, books, podcasts, and directly from other professionals in the industry. Some of my influences include Warwick Schiller, Monty Roberts, John Lyons, Carson James, Robbie Potter, Tik Maynard, Buck Brannaman, and Ray Hunt. I maintain a vast collection of literature in our tack room which is available for clients and students to sign out for continuing education. They range in topic such as rehabilitation exercises, an in-depth look at hooves, bits, or equine psychology to name a few!
Training Philosophies 1) Ensuring equines are physically, mentally, and emotionally ready to work with the approval of industry professionals. 2) Building a trust based partnership based on continuous positive experiences. 3) Starting from the humble beginning of basics regardless of breed, gender, age, size, experience, or discipline. 4) Create an in-depth understanding of expectations on the ground before attempting work undersaddle. 5) Setting consistent, clear, and fair boundaries on the ground and undersaddle.
Starting Undersaddle Equines are not 'broken', they're started! The first 30 to 90 days of any mount's journey under saddle influences the rest of their lives. I strive to make the beginning of their journey positive and do not believe in 'riding through the nonsense'. I focus heavily on ground work particularly driving from the draft, to warmblood, or donkey. Essential work is done on the ground prior to riding so 30 days of training does not equal 30 rides. Equines understand voice commands and aids before the first sit occurs making the transition to working undersaddle as smooth as possible. Each animal is treated as an individual and foundational training is the focus before specialization. The typical schedule for starting undersaddle after the initial groundwork is (5) rides a week, (1) day of ground work, and (1) day off. Owner's must be able to produce a negative Coggins, a record of shots, the date of the their last dental float, vet and farrier approval to start the equine under saddle, and a signed Training Agreement we go through together prior to the equine arriving onsite for training.
'Problem' Equines If feasible, equines go through an initial evaluation at their farm prior to arriving on the property. Once on property, they go through an even more thorough evaluation beginning with the basics. During this evaluation holes in the animal's training are identified and communicated to the owner along with an action plan to resolve them before further training begins.
Consignment Sales While your equine is immersed in a structured training program, I can help you sell them. I can handle everything from photos and videos, to the advertising and showing appointments. At the end of the sale, the owner is responsible for paying a predetermined commission fee stated upfront in our Training Agreement.
Onsite Visits If you have an equine onsite, I have an open door policy where owners are always welcome on the property. However, due to scheduling I require at least 24 hours notice if you wish to join in on a training session with your equine. In addition to in person visits, I 'm happy to provide updates including phone calls, texts, videos, and photos of your mount in action.
Daily progress reports complete with pre and post session notes are live updated on a Google Sheets document with 24/7 access granted. Any owner interested in viewing this sheet just needs to provide their email on the initial Training Agreement we fill out prior to the equine arriving onsite. A link will arrive in your email inbox for you to regularly check at your convenience.
Considering where to send your equine for training is an important decision. I'm an advocate for facilitating farm tours prior to your equine arriving onsite. If you're interested in a farm tour, please reach out via the information on the CONTACT page above.
Training Packages Full Training Board Packages start at $850 Owner provides hay and grain or we are happy to supply at cost. For hay we feed fescue/orchard mix square bales and grain is Nutrena Triump Senior or Triumph 12-8 along with Purina Enrich. Any additional feed or services required is paid for at the owner's expense. We are happy to put on and take off owner supplied blankets and/or fly gear. Stalls are provided for inclement weather only but can be aviable at owner's expense. Any additional feed or services required such as vetinary and farrier care is paid for at the owner's expense.
