Horseback Riding Training

Q. Describe the most common types of jobs you do for your clients.

A. My most common type of job is helping people to communicate with their horses. I show them how to be a leader, and to build confidence in their horses. This also will build confidence in the person. I show the person how to train their horse, build a solid relationship, and have a safe and enjoyable future together. I have helped people overcome fears due to injuries, lack of knowledge, and misinformation. Many of the customers I have had the pleasure of working with come out to learn things like trail riding, camping with their horses (pack trips), or simply just correcting a behavior problem in one of my 3-5 day training clinics.

Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A. Consider a trail riding company who is an owner operator, and caters to private parties. Be sure to look at reviews, ask questions, and make sure communication is easily established. Emails, phone calls should be answered promptly. Compare other companies, educate yourself before choosing, to help make the best decision. Go with a company who can be flexible, after all it is your vacation or training experience. Most of all go with a company you feel comfortable with, and have fun!!

Q. What important information should buyers have thought through before seeking you out?

A. My training methods differ from other trainers. I want to get to know the horses I train. Once I get to know and understand the horse, I can help the owner understand how better to train him. Most trainers I have observed get into a mechanical way of training, and that relays to the horse. The horses that are more mechanical, seem to lose the training after time, especially if given time off for an extended period of time. I have found if you get to know the horse, he will appreciate what you teach him and will want to try harder for you, and will retain the training better. Consider this before choosing a trainer.

Q. Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?

A. I try to provide a training clinic in a vacation oriented setting. I want my customers to relax and enjoy their experience with me. I want to keep my clinics small and private. This clinic will be geared to the horse and owners speed. I want this to be the most riding clinic as possible. We will start with some ground work and as soon as possible, we ride out on the trails to apply what we learn. My customers enjoy being allowed to go at their own pace, and have one-on-one training in a private clinic. I recommend the 3 day clinic, it seems to be the most popular. We will cover a lot of information, and have fun doing it.

Q. What do you wish customers knew about you or your profession?

A. I want customers to understand that my profession is rewarding in so many ways. I enjoy riding my horse through the mountains that have not changed as the fast paced, high stress, industrialized cities have. We do not have cell service on the ranch (we do in town 3 miles away) and can really enjoy what the outdoors have to offer. I personally do not look at my profession as a job, more as therapy. I enjoy sharing this little place in the mountains with others that may not ever get to experience the "back country". Come on out and view this beautiful place as it was 200 years ago, from the back of a horse.

Q. What are you currently working on improving?

A. I am currently trying to improve the public's knowledge of how horses have been treated, and how they can be treated. I have been training horses that people do not want due to problems that the owners could not handle. I have acquired five horses for free that were considered useless, untrainable, or neglected. I do not use bits on my saddle horses, they are taught to give to the pressure applied because they want to, not forced to through pain. I do not use horseshoes on any of my horses, and for years have had wonderful results. I use resistance free methods to train my horses. I want people to be aware of the fact that tradition is the reason for doing things in the horse world that is not entirely necessary. I can elaborate on this more, give me a call for more info.