Horse Training
All of our horses are started according to John Lyons natural horsemanship principles combined with European methods based on the German training scale. The horses first gain a foundation in the round pen to instil initial respect and trust on the ground, which then carries over to the saddle. They are taught to give to pressure, respect your space, and immediately and calmly respond to the rider or handler without using methods of force or fear tactics. This ensures that in any unfamiliar scenario the rider/handler is able to quickly regain control no matter what scenario they are confronted with.
The young horses we start are not forced into anything or over-faced, we gradually introduce them to new tasks and stimuli following 'give-and-release' principles in order to build confidence and trust. Typically by the first ride the horses are comfortable and familiar with what is being asked of them which ensures everything goes smoothly and their training progresses steadily. While every horse is different, most horses that come to us to be started are going confidently walk, trot and canter under saddle at 30 days of training. However, we recommend a minimum of 60 days training for all horses coming to be started.
Young Horse Starting:
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Horses are worked with for ~1-2 hours per day, 5-6 days/week
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All breeds, sizes and disciplines are welcome
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Includes extensive groundwork, long-lining and lunging, introduction to the bridle and saddle, teaching basic cues under saddle, and exposure to various stimuli and obstacles
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As horses progress they will be taught basic lateral cues and brought up along the principles of the German training scale to develop a properly balanced, soft and responsive athlete that is able to excel in any directio
Advanced Training, for horses already going w/t/c:
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Horses are ridden 5-6 days/week with a focus on developing rhythm, suppleness, straightness, balance and collection
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Proper groundwork skills are instilled daily
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Each horse is treated individually to identify areas of improvement needed or where training needs to be furthered.
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The horses will develop a correct top-line and balanced muscling in order to ensure soundness and optimal performance in their given discipline.
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Can include:
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Introduction to jumping including exposure to various "spooky" obstacles (i.e: liver pool, boxes etc)
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Furthering jumping skills for horses already jumping: developing correct rhythm, technique and confidence over fences
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Preparation for the jumper, dressage, hunter or equitation show rings
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Advancing flatwork skills: developing suppleness and balance, teaching simple &/or flying changes, correcting muscle imbalances and problems with leads, advanced lateral work, prompt transitions, and developing collection and extension at all three gaits
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Trailering to other locations for exposure to unfamiliar settings and stimuli (additional trailering fees may apply)
"There are only two emotions that belong in the saddle, one is a sense of humour and the other is patience." -John Lyons
The German Training Scale
"There is no such thing as problem horses, only problem riders." - Lendon Grey
Behavioural Problem Training:
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We have extensive experience rehabbing horses and ponies that have developed various behavioural problems both under saddle and on the ground
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Addressing of behavioural problems such as: kicking, bucking, rearing, spinning, in-gate problems, poor ground manners, evasion of work, trailering issues etc.
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Will thoroughly evaluate saddle fit and soundness
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Please contact for more information
