Saturday, May 19, 2012

Training Programs

It is very important when your horse has finished it's training period with your trainer that you understand your horse's program that you are to follow at home. Too many times owners take their horses home and follow the program for a week or so...then a "friend" gives their input. Next thing you know, tack has been changed and so has the program. Sometimes it's very difficult to tell your friend thanks but I'm going to stick with my trainer's program but you are far better off to hurt their feelings than possibly get hurt yourself. You have to remember you have paid for your trainer's knowledge and experience, which is why they are the "trainer". Most trainers have years of experience combined with knowledge. They spend time with your horse and they know what will work and what won't. Experience isn't something you can learn from a book. When horses leave our facility we have now implemented a written program for the owner to follow. Once they can follow this program on their own with confidence then you can start to make changes. This can happen because you are now working as a team and you are comfortable with your horse. If you get into trouble with your horse and nothing seems to be working then go back to the beginning. Go back to the program your trainer sent you home with including using the same equipment. Work with those basics until you start to have good consistent sessions with your horse. If all else fails, call your trainer and see if you can take your horse back for a lesson. This will allow your trainer to look at what you are doing or not doing and get you back on track. Gary always tells his clients to call if they run into any problems. No matter how silly you think it may sound, he would rather help you work through it before it becomes a big problem. Before any horse leaves our facility we insist the rider come out and ride the horse before they go home. This way they are being taken through the whole program step by step.

Friday, May 4, 2012

Buying a horse

Gary has been helping people purchase a horse for many many years and with great success. There have been too many times to count when owners come to our facility to get training on a horse they have purchased but just can't handle. A good rule of thumb to follow is a green horse and a green rider do not mix. Having said that, a young horse with a nice temperment combined with professional training can work out well. If you are a new horse owner with little experience, it would really benefit you to take lessons from a professional. These lessons help you to build a better relationship with your horse and with a better relationship comes more enjoyment. We used to send every horse home with written instructions for the owner on the program they should follow. We did get away from doing that...why? Not sure, probably just lack of time on my part. However, we are putting that back into practice as it gives the owner something to always fall back on. You can always refer to it when things start going backwards. This allows you to always get back to square one when you get into trouble. Gary keeps these programs pretty simple and he also includes a list of the suggested tack. For example, what type of bit works best for both the horse and rider. When the owner is comfortable with that program, they can then move forward and work on something new.

Thursday, May 3, 2012

We're back!

Hello Everyone! It's been awhile since our last post but we are back. It's been a busy winter with all the horses and owners that have been through our facility. Gary has been busy getting our horses ready to show in both Quebec and Ontario. One Slick Pepto will make his debut in Quebec and King's Triple Storm and I will be showing in Quebec as well. Listo Bandito and Shoulda Been a Dude have gone home to their new owners. We miss both horses and will certainly miss Dude in the show ring this year. She was a great horse to have and travel with as nothing ever bothered her. We have two really nicely bred 4 year old fillies for sale. One pretty palomino filly with extensive trail miles and 30 days reining training and one pretty sorrel mare with extensive reining training and show pen ready. Gary is working with a nice 3 year old gelding that is very well bred is should be ready by the fall of this year. As always, we love to hear from our customers! Gary is now booking lessons both here at home and at your facilty. Call for more information.