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Great Returns Stables Training Program

Colt Starting, General Horsemanship, Versatile Ranch Horses

Training Program

My training program is leadership based and focuses on general horsemanship and training versatile ranch horses. Training is done at the horse's pace and I emphasize establishing a mutual respect and lasting connection between horse and rider. I recommend you take lessons with me towards the end of your horse's training period in order for you to continue my program with your horse. 

​Time Frame

I have a minimum time frame for training horses in order to provide repetition and install a solid foundation for your horse's education. Quality horse training is a process and takes time and some horses learn faster than others. There is not an exact set time commitment but I do have have a minimum time frame I ask for in order for your horse to excel in my program. Some horses may take more or less time for each level of my program.

Requirements​

I require your horse to have a current Coggins and vaccination record before entering training with me to protect your horse and all the horses here at Great Returns Stables. They also need to be up to date on their dental health, had their feet trimmed and/or shod, and free of any pain, lameness or health issues. I place all new horses on the property in a quarantine period to be sure they are free of any illness. 

MagnaWave Treatments

Certified MagnaWave & AOPP practitioner, Solid Fleet Farm is on site and offers optional monthly packages to help keep your horse comfortable and feeling their best while they are in training. Find more information here.

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Our Training Program

1. Colt Starting Preparation (minimum 30 days)

This level of my training program is for young or unhandled horses to learn foundational groundwork.

  • Halter breaking 

  • Leading

  • Tying

  • Yielding hindquarters and forequarters

  • Backing

  • Hoof handling

  • Trailer loading

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2. Behavioral Corrections (minimum 30 days)

This part of my program is for horses who have behavioral issues such as listed below. 

  • Improvement on ground manners

  • ​Tying issues

  • Trailer loading issues

  • Horses that are "pushy" on the ground

  • Hard to catch

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3. Colt Starting (minimum 90 days)

​Horses must meet all the criteria from colt starting preparation before entering this level of my training program.

  • Saddling

  • Accepting the bit

  • Lateral flexion

  • Walk, trot, lope, stop under saddle

  • Backing under saddle

  • Introduction to transitions 

  • Introduction to body control under saddle (yielding the hips, shoulders & ribs)

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4. Intermediate Horse Training (minimum 30 days)

This level of my program is for horses who have met all the criteria in colt starting and are ready to continue their development under saddle.

  • Introduction to engagement and collection under saddle

  • Continued development of body control (side passing, introduction to pivoting)

  • Vertical flexion

  • Collected and extended gaits​

  • Fine tuning upward and downward transitions

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5. Advancing Horse Training (minimum 30 days)

  • Pivots and turnarounds

  • Stopping on their haunches

  • Rollbacks

  • Introduction to trail obstacles and maneuvers (backing through obstacles, trotting and loping over ground poles, etc.

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