Riding Lessons, Horse Training, Sales & Showing

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

A. Colt starting and finishing for the show pen. Fitting horses for the show pen. Tuning-up older show horses. Adding events to show horses. Teaching beginner riding lessons. Coaching riders at shows on patterns and rail preparation. Seeking out suitable horses for customers. Banding and preparing horses for the show pen.

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

A. Choose someone who you are comfortable talking with and sharing your concerns with. Ask questions, and be upfront with the trainer. State your expectations, and discuss those expectations. Don't expect miracles in the horse industry. I realize that the economy is rough right now, and money is tight, but don't expect a World Champion in 30 days. Set realistic goals, discuss those goals with the trainer in order to work towards and accomplish those goals.

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

A. We are a smaller facility, which only accommondates a limited number of outside horses. This allows for more one-on-one time with the horses in training. Further, the limited numbers allow for the trainer to be interactive with each horse on a regular basis, from stall cleaning to leading to turnout, tailoring feed programs and supervising all other aspects of the animal's stay on the farm. Training is tailored to suit each individual horse, where each horse is allowed to develop at their own pace. Body control, strength training and patience in training allow for the horse to develop the characteristics to do their job with a pleasant attitude. Riding lessons are also tailored to suit the individual rider. From beginner riders to show-level competitors, each rider learns the fundamentals of good horsemanship, as well as the mechanics of the horse, to fully develop the rider into a well-rounded horse person. I'm always a "student of the horse," continuously studying the mechanics and conformation of the pleasure horse, and training methods that best emphasize collection, softness and correctness.

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. The thing I like most of my job is the ability to do what I love. It's a privledge to be able to do what I love for a living. Each day brings new challenges; however, overcoming those challenges and progressing a horse and rider to new personal successes is very rewarding. Having the skills to work with an animal like the horse and teaching them various skills necessary to compete at a very high level is also a rewarding experience.

Q. What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A. A variety of questions come up in this business. From "why does my horse do this" to "how do I teach my horse this" to "what equipment do I need." each answer is thoroughly discussed to enable the customer to fully understand the process and mechanics of the question. Frequently, customers and outside individual ask questions regarding our program, services and training program as well; our website details much of that information, as well as flyers available at the farm and call to the trainer can also answer those questions. From time to time, outside individuals seek our advice when purchasing an animal, where we do our best to help find the best horse and rider team possible. We do our best to answer any and all questions.