Breaking and Training

Does your baby got buck?

My specialty is starting youngsters! My approach is consistent, patient training, starting from the ground up.

For Pictures and progress on my current training horse please click here.

While at Shady Creek your youngster will get personalized care full board (Includes stall, turnout, feed, hay, blanket changing, and tons of TLC)

While in training your baby will learn to:

lead/ground manners
self load on a trailer
stand quietly for tacking up/grooming
w/t/c quietly, in front of the leg with a soft hand
how to trail ride - including crossing a low creek
how to be ponied

FAQ's

Q - What training methods do you use when breaking and training babies?

A - I believe in handling and riding babies - any age - with consistency and patience. I am not a follower of some big name trainer, horse whisperer, cowboy, etc. I am just a follower of good solid horsemanship, and I believe in tailoring training methods to each individual horse.

Q - That sounds good - but what tack and equipment do you use?

A - a few of the items that may - or may not - be used on your horse while in training with me are:

- Snaffle bit (KK, Happy Mouth, French Link etc)
- Sidepull with padded noseband, or Bitless Bridle
- Rope halter
- Driving lines
- Neck rope
- Western Saddle
- English Saddle
- Dressage Whip (for Tteam work)

Q - Is there anything that you won't use?

A - Why yes there is! below is a few of the items that will NEVER be used on your baby while in training at Shady Creek:

- Curb Bit
- Twitch
- Draw Reins
- Drugs
- Chains
- Hobbles
- Tie Downs
- huge spurs

I also like to keep lunging down to a minimum, as it is so hard on the joints.

Q - So, how long do I need to leave my baby for anyway?

A - Your baby must be in training for no less then 30 days, though I believe the optimum time spent in training is abut 3 months.

When your baby is in training you will get regular updates via phone calls or email - and you are free to call me anytime in between.

You are welcome to come visit anytime, and after training has reached a certain point, taking a weekly lesson on your youngster is encouraged.

Q - I have a Weanling, do you work with those?

A - I'd love to! I have been Weanling Manager at a large TB farm, and I'd love to work with yours!

As a Weanling - or yearling - your baby will be taught:

- basic ground manners

- stand quietly to clip, trim feet, worming, etc.

- to be ponied

- and many other things!

Q - Well OK - do you have any references, and how much do you charge?

A - I have plenty of references and encourage you to please check them out! As for fees, I charge $650 a month for training horses (that have already been started under saddle) For unbroke horses I charge $750 for the first 30 days, and $650 every month thereafter. All prices include full board (stall, hay, feed, turnout, etc)

Q - Yea, but I have a horse that is crrrraaaaaaaazzzzzy - will you accept him?

A - I have yet to give up on, or turn a horse down, unless he is "crazy" due to a soundness issue - in which case, we have great vets that we use and recommend.

Any horse that come to Shady Creek for training will be evaluated from head to toe. I will look at his worming program, how he is shod/trimmed, diet, exercise, turnout, tack, etc. Then I will sit down with you the owner, and come up with a training - and care - program that is best suited for you, your horse, and your pocket book.

Q - But I have my own ways of doing things, and am not big on change….

A We ALL have our own ways of doing things, and that's OK! In the end, your horse is still YOUR horse, and as the owner you will ALWAYS have the final word. Here at Shady Creek, your horse will NEVER be medicated, etc. with out your knowledge and approval first.

Some of my favorite training items:

Liberty Neck Ring:

This is useful in teaching babies how to neck rein, and encouraging them to really use their hind end, without getting in their faces.