What is my program all about?
I am probably not what most people envision when they think of a horse trainer. I don’t work out of a large barn with 15, 20 or more horses in full-time training. I don’t have assistants or grooms who tack and warm up the horses for me; I don’t haul my clients to shows every weekend and my passion is not in creating champions.
I am, however, passionate about developing the CORE of the horse and rider team. My program focuses on three fundamentals: teaching the horse, teaching the rider to teach the horse, and developing the horse physically. My program is universal and adaptable to any breed, any discipline; and any age, gender or ability of the rider.
My program is custom and specific to each individual horse and rider, but always incorporates the following principles for BOTH horse and rider:
Additionally, there are some things to know about my program from the business end.
I am, however, passionate about developing the CORE of the horse and rider team. My program focuses on three fundamentals: teaching the horse, teaching the rider to teach the horse, and developing the horse physically. My program is universal and adaptable to any breed, any discipline; and any age, gender or ability of the rider.
My program is custom and specific to each individual horse and rider, but always incorporates the following principles for BOTH horse and rider:
- Respect and safety are always #1. The horse should always respect his handler, BUT this requires us to help him understand what that means. So, the handler needs to practice fairness, and and set clear, consistent and attainable expectations. We keep our horse safe, and he is expected to keep us safe.
- Trust. For the horse to truly relax and be happy in his job, he has to trust that we will protect him, and that we will listen and attend to his needs. to create space for this, we have to know when/how to give him OUR trust.
- Dialog is key! I encourage questions and discussion before, during and after our sessions. If you're able to understand what, why, and how you're doing something, chances are you will remember it better.
- I believe in taking the time to do things right. I move forward when the horse and rider are ready -- both mentally and physically. Rushing creates unnecessary stress, as well as allowing for mistakes to be made. Some horses move quickly in their learning, others more slowly. The same is true for riders, so give yourself a break too.
- I don’t believe in the use of artificial aids such as martingales, draw reins, tie-downs -- even spurs or crops in MOST situations. Those items are used to create a quick fix, not lasting results. So about 95% of my work will NOT include these items; if it’s decided we should use an artificial aid, I make sure the rider is educated on when, how and why to use them, and usage is temporary (so as not to become a crutch).
- I focus on bettering the rider, not just the horse. I can fix your horse all day long… but until you also improve your skills, your horse's good training will soon be lost.
- I don’t care if you ride english or western, whether you ride hunters, work cows or just like to love your horse. The techniques and philosophies of good horsemanship are universal; they are only inhibited by your own biases and limited beliefs.
- YOU are ultimately responsible for your own success. The more you learn, the more you know; the more you practice what you know, the more you can achieve with your horse. I understand we all have busy lives, and I will work hard to help you find both space and grace on the journey of growth. Many times it comes down to consistency and prioritizing a small number of ideas at a time.
- I am always learning and evolving my program. I love to learn and I LOVE to teach! I have helped clients with everything from saddle-fitting to how to pull a trailer, to making ones’ barn more efficient. I’ve spent time learning and working with all different breeds and disciplines, ages and abilities (both horse and rider); if there is something I don’t know, you can bet I will be learning about it in order to help YOU.
Additionally, there are some things to know about my program from the business end.
- I give each of my clients a range of package options based on their needs and finances. Realistic goals and timelines are discussed based on the amount of time spent training.
- I work to make sure each session is successful and positive, for both horse and rider.
- My sessions are scheduled by the hour, but I work on the horses’ timeline. Sometimes we end early, sometimes we run long. If you or I are on a tight schedule one day, I will ensure the days’ program doesn’t include teaching things that could cause us to go over time.
- I value the time you take to be in training, so I do my very best to be on time to each session. If am running late, you will know about it, and I expect the same from you.
