CW Foundation Horse Training What I do
I focus on basic foundation training and provide routine horse care and exercise. I help owners improve communication & handling skills with a focus on building confidence.
The fundamental skills I teach help develop a safe and reliable horse on the trail, and provide the foundation for success in discipline training. I work independently with the horse, or with the horse and owner. I encourage the owner to observe and participate. Throughout all training I focus on communication and the management of physical and emotional tension in the horse.
I do not train for work in specific disciplines, such as dressage, jumping, reining, or driving. I help with riding fundamentals and trail riding, but do not give formal riding lessons.
I work in southern Dane County. I look for situations where I can be effective in meeting the needs of the horse and the goals of the owner. I usually work with each horse 1 to 3 times per week for an hour or two each session. The owners are encouraged to participate.
Starting: I can get the horse off to a good start under saddle after they are about 3 years old; developing basic mental, emotional, and physical skills.
Problem Behaviors: I enjoy working on problem behaviors: pushiness, diving for grass, trailer loading problems, spookiness, lack of confidence, poor behavior with the vet or farrier, trail problems, barn sour, dull, over-reactive, etc. Many problem behaviors are resolved not so much by addressing them directly, but by a general refresher in foundation skills, and a renewed focus on respect, trust, and communication.
Re-starting: (for older or more experienced horses) often takes longer than starting, because undesirable habits and behaviors usually need to be re-directed. Horses may benefit from “re-starting” when they exhibit problem behaviors, and physical causes have been ruled out. Re-starting often involves re-establishing a trusting and understanding relationship with horses that have become tense, insecure, “spooky”, resistant, pushy, dull, unsafe, or untrusting. These horses usually need clear, consistent, and kind treatment, along with a strong focus on helping them to be mentally and emotionally resilient.
Foundation skills include physical skills, but just as important: mental and emotional skills. Things such as:
. Understanding the boundaries of acceptable behavior
. Learning to work, pay attention, and accept training
. Looking to the rider for guidance when nervous or afraid
. Responding reliably, willingly and calmly to light cues
. Mental alertness combined with relaxation and calmness
. Respect for, and trust in the rider
. De-sensitization to “scary” stimuli
. Pace control, body positioning & posture, and smooth transitions
. Beginning impulsion, flexibility, connection, rhythm, & balance
. Understanding the boundaries of acceptable behavior
. Learning to work, pay attention, and accept training
. Looking to the rider for guidance when nervous or afraid
. Responding reliably, willingly and calmly to light cues
. Mental alertness combined with relaxation and calmness
. Respect for, and trust in the rider
. De-sensitization to “scary” stimuli
. Pace control, body positioning & posture, and smooth transitions
. Beginning impulsion, flexibility, connection, rhythm, & balance
