Starting

Some call it breaking, we prefer starting. It’s all about giving your horse a good start. Teaching respect and the basics it needs for further education. We lay the foundation, you built the house.

No matter what prior experience or training a horse has before it comes to our place, we start at the beginning. Do the groundwork first. Depending on what the horse already knows it will move faster through the training steps.

We like to give young horses room to figure things out for themselves. Ask them to do things instead of telling them. Encourage good behavior instead of punishing not wanted behavior. Be strict and fair. We find this makes for confident relaxed horses.

Every horse starts with some training on the ground in the round yard. We work on respect and trust. When the horse is comfortable we introduce saddle and bridle. Then a rider. The first steps in walk and trot and the stop are taught in the round yard. When this is under control the next steps are done in the arena. Here the horse will get more control over the walk, trot, lope and back up. It will find its rhythm. We work on suppleness. The horse will get loose and flexible by changing reins, making circles and frequent transitions. While doing this it will learn to accept the riders hand, seat and legs.

At the ranch the horse will get familiar with cones, poles and other equipment. It will ride with other horses and dogs around. If the base is established we take the horse into the bush for rides. We train 5 days per week. In the training we try to vary the work. Keep them interested. Give them time to think things over.

We encourage your participation in the starting of your horse. This way you will learn together to make a great team.
Also have a look at the day to day training of a horse or watch some video's from the training.

Prices

How long does it take to start a horse? Obviously this depends on the horse. From experience, they need about 6 weeks to get to a well established base.

We charge $275 per week for starting (minimum of 2 weeks) or training. This includes agistment. A 6-week program is offered for $1500 (All costs need to be paid before the horse leaves our property). Depending on your horse’s needs we can discuss other programs.

Have a look at some testimonials.