My Grandfather is actually the one who got me started on my path with horses and colt starting or training (prefer the word teaching). When he gripes about them I tell him it is his fault as I was literally cradled in his arms while he checked fence line on a Hollywood Gold bred gelding. So both my Great Grandfather and my Grandfather are to blame for me being horse crazy. I learned so much from them on horse training and was shocked the first time I went to a ranch and watched the way they 'broke' colts it was absolutely cruel and then was devastated as this was how most ranches got their colts under saddle. Thus began my lifelong search for those that worked with horses instead of against them in horse training.
As for the training it's called Horsemanship as presented by Tom Dorrance, Ray Hunt and Harry Whitney who have the deepest understanding of how a horse thinks and reacts. Nothing that they do is new and in fact is old methods that have just come around once again. Remember that there is really nothing natural about horse training, it is training pure and simple and you want to find those that use Gentle methods by allowing the horse to choose between an easy way to go and a harder one. By allowing a horse to think his way through a solution allows him to become a better partner and a safer mount as he thinks instead of reacts to situations. I also like John Lyons and his no-nonsense approach that completely explains and breaks down the training methods without gimmicks. We have attended clinics from the most sought after to some unknowns and I always learn something even if it is NOT what to do. Here is the best advice I can give a person. “A box of equine training tapes, halter and whip does not make the person who bought them a horse trainer and in most cases will be a train wreck waiting to happen to the detriment of the horse.” KimC It takes hours and hours of riding and dozens and hundreds of horses to become a good trainer, not a great one, just a good one.
I use positive reinforcement for gently training and do not use anything above a snaffle bit (full cheek, D-ring or French link) and a pair of slip on blunt spurs; you will not ever see me train using whips, chains, tie downs, martingales or other harsh methods; I will lounge for respect for my ground work and that is it. I want a horse that I can trust from the moment I catch him, load him, saddle him and ride off whether for work or pleasure. If I do not ride that horse for a year (or longer) and I catch him up, he will be the same as if I have been riding him all along, rusty yes, but still willing and easy to refresh. Your horse is my horse for his stay and will receive the best of care and will respond the same way.
In the files below is a document listed as trained horses where there are some photo's of horses that I have started under saddle. These pages will be from 2006 and forward, as I did not keep a photographic record of horses trained in the past. There are some photos of my own horses listed on these pages if you care to take a peek. Owners will give references upon request, just email me as I never give out phone numbers without permission and I will forward the email for them to answer or look at the reference file. I really enjoy my privacy as much as I can get in todays society, I am sure you do as well.
We will NOT start a colt under saddle that is less than 30 months of age. I will teach them respect in the round pen, their ground work and put a saddle on them, but this does not mean they are getting riding time. See document Ranger for more information on bone growth and maturity; also look up and read Dr. Deb Bennett's Conformation series, this is a real eye opener for many people who call themselves horsemen.
There are many trainers out there who will and they do not care about the longevity of your horses legs, knees and back and will be more than happy to take your money. I prefer starting them at age 3 or older and colts must be un-shod and UTD on shots. My colts and personal horses are 4 and over before they are generally put under saddle, I want a life time of riding them not a few short years. My barrel mare was being ridden at 31 yoa and I had a 1984 mare who was sound to ride and loved to go.
The following programs are available for training your horse, we also do contracts on each horse so that everything is spelled out with no misunderstanding and nothing is hidden. See files for sample contracts, each contract is drafted to meet the owners needs.
Colt starting
Re-conditioning or tune ups
Basic training
Trailer Loading
Desensitization
Notice: Currently have 3 openings left to start your horse under saddle this Fall of 2013. Also available for trailer loading problem horses and legging up.
Contracts are under the information tab.
WARNING
UNDER TEXAS LAW (CHAPTER 87, CIVIL PRACTICE & REMEDIES CODE) A FARM ANIMAL PROFESSIONAL IS NOT LIABLE FOR AN INJURY TO OR THE DEATH OF A PARTICIPANT IN FARM ANIMAL ACTIVITIES RESULTING FROM THE INHERENT RISKS OF FARM ANIMAL ACTIVITIES.
It is best to click on the Drop Down Arrow on the right hand side of the documents to open document in a new window or you may click on the left side on the Blue W to get a quick view then you must use your back button to return to the ranch site.