Training Methods Horses

Our training philosophy:

We believe in consistent but firm handling. Safety is paramount.

We recognize some horses may need a different approach than others, so we employ a wide variety of training "tools" (techniques) in our toolbox. However, we do not believe in excessive force or harsh methods.

Some horses may come to us with the spirit already broken out of them, showing us only dull listless eyes. It's our job to rebuild the trust so that the horse isn't living in a state of shut-down. We can only do that with time, patience, and more gentle methods.

The trainers:

The majority of the work done with a particular horse will be done by someone at one of the foster homes. Each foster may have a different training style.

Some horses are being taught things for the first time, and to ask for that behavior you'll need to cue for it. There may be more than one way to ask for, let's say hoof lifting. Please ask the foster what method they used to ask for the behavior. Often times when a horse doesn't react, it's out of confusion not intentional disobedience.

We do not subscribe to one brand of training. Our trainers have a wide spectrum of methods, though we do prefer less aggressive ones. Some training methods may be from better Natural Horsemanship trainers, some of our work is done doing positive reinforcement ("clicker" training), and some is just plain old good horsemanship skills. For any trainer to succeed, the important part is being able to read the horse, knowing when to push and knowing when to step back. What we don't do is brute force, beating into submission, or anything that tries to break his spirit. We train his mind rather than trying to outleverage or outmuscle him.

When we're done the horse will be functional and safe without requiring you to subscribe to the exact same kind of training method. We will never tell you that "you must use so-and-so's brand of Natural Horsemanship".

Under Saddle:

Any sound riding horses are tested under saddle by one of our more advanced riders before we let anyone coming to see the horse try him.

His skills and deficiencies are noted, and while the horse is here we try to fill any holes in his training.

Some horses may still need a bit of a refresher course when adopted. Others will be adopted out as green or not saddle training at all. The adoption fee reflects it if the horse is less trained.

If the horse is being promoted as mainly a trail horse, we take him out on the trails to see how he does with trail obstacles, water, bridges, and unexpected items or animals found along the trail. Many of them are hauled to the 5,200 acre Fair Hill natural resource center.

Still have questions?

Please just ask!

You're also welcome to have your own trainer/instructor come meet the horse or talk to us.