Training Rates:

Partial Training: 3 training sessions per week = $300/month + cost of board
Full Training: 5 training sessions per week = $500/month + cost of board

How will my horse and I benefit from training?
The #1 benefit of horse training is a more enjoyable horse ownership experience! People put their horses in professional training for many different reasons. Most higher level show horses are in continous training with a professional through-out the year. The owners of these horses recognize that a qualfied trainer can maximize the potential of their horse and keep them performing at top knotch. A horse can only be expected to perform at the level it's rider is capable of producing. In other words, over time, a horse will always digress to the level of it's rider. This is the reason why 30 day "tune-ups" rarely last for long and do little to bring about long term solutions to problems. Even for the non-competitive rider, regular horse training has many benefits. Your horse will be a more willing partner and a better teacher when it is receiving consistant training from a qualified trainer. Young horses require this consistancy in their first 5-7 years. In the absence of it, problems will arise when the horse becomes confused or frustrated with a rider who does not have the skills to help the horse along. Finally, many riders simply do not have the time to ride their horse as often as is needed to keep their horse in good mental and physical shape.

Shorter term training periods may be suitable in certain situations. Such as when working through a specific problem with a horse that otherwise has a good foundation and a rider who is qualified to continue the job, starting a young horse for a rider qualifed to continue the work, or preparing a horse for sale. Each situation is different and each horse/rider combo will have different needs. With each new horse accepted into training, the first 30 days will be considered an evaluation period from which a long term plan can be developed to address the needs of each horse/rider combo. Often times it is only after the horse has been in training for a few weeks that a full assessment can be made of the horse's current level of training, personality, aptitude for the work, physical soundness, and rate of learning. This assessment will be necessary for determining if the riders goals for the horse (and the training) are achievable and in what length of time they might be achieved.

Classical Dressage Training
Horses are accepted for training at all levels from unstarted on up. Which training program is best suited to each horse will be determined on an individual basis. Showing can be included in the training package. Please call or email for more information.

Young Horse Training
Unstarted horses are accepted on a limited basis due to the time consuming nature of starting a horse. Horses are started using the methods of vaquero horsemanship. They are taught to respond to pressure in all forms beginning with a rope halter and moving on to the rider's aids as training progresses. Once they are going under saddle and understand the basic aids, dressage training can begin. Dressage training is the foundation of all other training. The beginnings of dressage training require establishing consistent rythem at all three gaits, relaxation and a swinging back, suppleness both laterally (side to side) and longitudinally (flexion), and obediance to the rider.

Training for Specific Problems
Please inquire about training for specific problems you are having with your horse.