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Just
as we are individuals, every horse has its own personality.
An important part of my training philosophy is to treat each
horse as an individual. In order to see the best in your horse,
you must keep in mind his personality and limitations.
I use training methods that work with the horse's instincts,
to communicate in a way that makes sense and encourages willing
participation in training. Having patience and using training
methods that encourage the horse to remain calm and supple is
my number one priority when working with a new horse.
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I also believe
that if your horse does not respect you or is fearful of you,
he will never fully trust or obey you. A horse should respect
and care for their handlers, cooperate, and try each new tack
presented. In nature horses establish a hierarchy and pecking
order within the herd, and establish boundaries and claim
space around them. I believe the same results can be obtained
if we duplicate their actions. When I communicate with my
horses I’ve
found that it’s easier for me to use their language. While
I want to be viewed as their superior I am mindful that I do
not want to be viewed as a predator or as the bully in the herd.
I don't believe that horses should be treated like machines for
showing and winning; I have learned that they often perform better
when they are treated as friends and partners. This is why I
believe in training through rewards rather than punishment; I
never use cruel training aids such as short/quick stops or severe
bits and rarely use draw reins or whips. Typically, I start each
new horse in a full-cheek snaffle and standing martingale
as I believe they help to encourage proper carriage while allowing
the horse some freedom to develop its own unique way of going.
My horses learn mainly by positive reinforcement, they receive
a "good
boy", pats on the neck, and a lap off when they have performed
each task correctly. As a result of my encouraging and positive
methods they trust me, strive to please me, enjoy their work,
and are rarely overwhelmed by new challenges in training.
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A
key part of my training is providing personal care to my horses
every day.
During winter months, daily care consists of three hot meals,
8 hour day-time turnout, morning stall cleaning (twice if it is
rainy), blanket check, and grooming. Summer
month care includes two meals, 14-16 hour evening and night-time grazing, stall
cleaning, and grooming.
Since my horses get plenty of time out doors every they view their time
with me as time to focus and work; not playtime. Turnout gives them their own
creative time, and plenty of exercise which allows them to truly focus during
training. Since they are attentive we get more accomplished in shorter training
sessions (35-40 min), and lungeing is rarely required.
In addition to top-notch care, and 3-4 training sessions each week, I typically
perform the farrier work as well. All the time spent with each horse
pays off in the end; I believe they can see how hard I work for them
and they work for me in return.
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