Granite Hill Farm

Introduction: Training Philosophy and Techniques Lessons videotaped consistently and uploaded to a private YouTube page so that clients can visually learn the concepts I am trying to teach. Weekly themes and lesson plans. Instruction and exercises progress through the week. Dissecting steps and building onto them every day leads to success by the end of the week. Every step ties into the next, and a great deal of time, thought and organization is placed in this process. We attend clinics with other professionals regularly, and schedule our own in house clinics when possible. All lessons are private, and if the need arises to combine riders, never more than three in a lesson. Clients are part of the process in training their horses. Feedback, suggestions questions, and open communication is encouraged. I dont just tell the clients what to do, I teach them the how's, why's, what's, etc of what they are learning. I maintain certain steps be completed before graduatiing to the next level. This creates riders and horses with strong foundations. Clients and horses are schooled at the levels and heights they are competing in. I am less concerned with the height of the jumps or ability of the horse and more concerned with the concepts being taught at that time. This ensures rider safety and prolonged health of the horse. I communicate what I teach because I ride and jump the horses myself. Concepts are better translated when the trainer experiences the same as the rider. This combines the art of training and instructing, often misconceived as the same thing, and creates a more successful program. The horses always come first. There will never be a class at a show, a lesson, or a jump that is more important than their health. My future goals as far as numbers of riders and horses is set very small. I feel that after a certain amount of horses, there is simply not enough time in the day to properly care for them all. I know every horse inside and out. I hold great value in family and friends, and in the memories created in a friendly barn environment. At the end of the day, its about my riders and my horses. We can learn, be serious, successful, and competitive but when that is all said and done, we can all embrace one another as a family. The barn represents for many the only place to escape the troubles and stresses of their lives. Creating and maintaining a relaxing environment for all my clients is of extreme importance to me. I protect and stand up for my horses as well as my riders. Any mistreatment of either one of them will not be tolerated. Love, and laughter are mandatory :) We hope you see the difference between us and others...... Jonathan I love watching the development and advancement of my horses and students reaching their full potential. I enjoy working with children and adults and of course caring for the horses. Everyday is different, and sometimes can never be predicted.