Equestrian Services

I believe that to get the best out of your horse you need to build a lasting relationship based on trust. It is a partnership not a ‘master servant’ kind of relationship and a horse will always work harder and perform better if they are trusted, cherished and appreciated.

I do not believe that breaking a horse in 6 weeks in a round pen is the best way to teach a horse to accept a rider on it’s back, I believe in making everything fun, taking time and showing a horse as much as possible in a safe environment. I have always ‘broken my horses IN by hacking them OUT’. This may not suit everyone but I believe that it works for me and my horses become confident happy hackers who then don’t mind schooling as they have not become numb to arena work during the breaking in process.

I bit my horses at a year old and then allow them a year of being led out in hand with a bridle to get them used to their surroundings, at 2 years old I may put a saddle on their back but only to let them get used to the feeling, NOT to be sat on until at least 3 years old, maybe even 4 years old. By playing with my horses they realise that what I am asking of them isn’t necessarily work but fun, and by having fun we are building trust between each other and exploring the great outdoors together. When finally I back my horses they do not feel that there is anything to be afraid of, they are confident in voice commands and do not have an issue with me being on their backs.

It is always advisable to hack out with a more experienced horse and rider as this allows the youngster to take confidence from the older horse and to learn what is correct / incorrect.