TRAINING HORSES

I strive to train horses so that not just professionals will be able to ride them. Professionals are talented and strong and can make horses go the way they want. However a less experienced or amateur rider cannot even come close to reproducing the same thing. So my primary goal is to give a horse a good foundation in the basics so it can go well for nearly every kind of rider and have a happy future. In order to do that they need to be able to three key things: be light to the leg and hand, be responsive to the aids, and look for jumps. I spend a lot of time teaching the horse to be relaxed, confident, and independent and always try to communicate clearly and consistently so the horse learns to trust his rider, too.

TEACHING RIDERS

Today I live and work at a beautiful farm with incredible horses, but that hasn’t always been my life. I have been a working student, barn hand, groom, head rider, professional rider, and all of those things at the same time! I have learned how to take care of all aspects of horses. I try to teach my riders/students the same. None of my students just show up to ride their already prepared horse. They learn to care for their horses. Show up for your horse and it will show up for you! Riders have to be well rounded in the saddle, too. I teach riders to maintain a correct, safe, effective position and to have enough body awareness to keep things simple, stay soft, hold a good balance, and allow the horse to use their natural shape.