COLT STARTING
Colt starting for us starts and ends with the horses feeling confident and willing to work. We strongly believe that listening to the horse during the starting process allows the horse to find growth while not overwhelming them. The continued goal is find ways for the horse to build new skills in a way that leaves them happy to work again the next day.
Regardless of your goal, discipline or sport, your horse will be better suited for the next step in their life.
Timelines to meet these mile stones differ from horse to horse and are subject to change. We do not believe in pushing horses into training they are not ready for and will not back a colt prematurely.
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Our assessment is broken down into three Levels so we can give you an understanding of how we work and the time it takes to create a willing riding horse. We are always sensitive to taking care of their emotional, mental and physical well-being.
The horses always come first.
Level 1:
Fresh Start
Our 'Fresh Start' horses are those horses that have not yet built the foundation with humans and need extra time and a gentle skilled hand to introduce them to their new world of domestication.
This package is for weanlings, colts, feral horses, horses that may have experienced trauma, may be showing some holes in their foundation of training or just need a complete from scratch start.
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We will cover
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Catching, haltering, leading:
Willingness to connect and follow feel with and with out halter
Accept halter
Leaving herd mates
Introduce new environments:
Round Pen
Barn
Arena
Calm reaction to:
Touch all over
Halter
Ropes
Pad
Tarp
Stick and string
Flag
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Standing quietly:
Feet handled and trimmed (costs apply)
Vet checked (cost apply)
Grooming
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$1600/m includes
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Full Board
Daily Handling, Care and Maintenance
Custom Training Program
Videos, Pictures, Unlimited Updates and Communication
We specialize in
Horse Sales and Rehoming
Introduction to Riding and Ground work
Mind, Body and Soul rehabilitation
Problem Solving for concerning behaviours
After thorough consultation, colts will be assessed as to which packages will set them and their owners up for success
Please review our 3 stages in training below
Level 2:
Working Start
(must complete level 1 upon assessment)
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Our 'Working Start' horses are ready and prepped for learning. Their bodies and minds are starting to mature and develop. Their riders are excited to get in the saddle and start their journey with their partner. Once given the go ahead by completing their level one, we can now introduce the concept of work.
This package is for young horses ready for the next step in training, newly purchased horses whose training may be unknown, reactive sensitive horses, horses that may have been on an over extended break from training.
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We will cover
Willingness at liberty as well as on-line:
Back up
Hind quarter yields left and right
Shoulder yields left and right
Send off
Shut down/Stop
Change of Directions
Walk, Trot, Canter with cue
Understanding of Path and Direction
Head position and engagement of the hind end
Standing tied:
In tie stall
Wash stall
Farrier
Massage/chiro
Hitching rail
Ground tie while being saddled:
Pad
Cinch
Saddle
Rider weight
Carry a bit if requested (with vet check and teeth float) otherwise introduce 3/4 inch Bosal
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In-saddle:
Willingness to move forward freely
Turn left, right
Change of direction
Stop
Back up
Move off the leg
Walk/Trot/canter
Level 3:
Finished Start
(must complete level 1 and 2 upon assessment)
one on one coaching and mentorship from both Caleb and/or Lindsay for the rider available at this stage at extra cost
Our 'Finished Start' is where the partnership blossoms! Horse and rider find rhythm safety and connection within their movement. The horse is ready to explore the world and refine their skills.
This package is for newly started horses, horses that need extra confidence and skill building, trail horses starting arena work, or as a rider, wanting to expand your knowledge on how you can help your horse to carry itself with cadence and grace.
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We will cover
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Introduce 1/2 inch bosal or appropriate bit (by request) for riding
In-hand and in saddle:
In depth understanding of:
Path
Speed
Head placement
Self-carriage through engaging hind end
Controlled transitions
Lateral work:
Side pass
Leg Yield
Shoulder in Shoulder out
Hip Control
Introduction to obstacles
Safe and secure in various environments:
Trail
Arena
Round pen
Clinics
Trailer loading