Training Philosophy & Methods
We use gentle training methods which result in quiet and cooperative horses that respond to light cues. We do NOT rely on mechanical gadgets to control our horses, but instead view undesireable behaviors as training issues. Our training program integrates the owner into the process so you don't wind up with "a horse that only the trainer can ride."
* * Training Discounts on Sale Horses * *
If you are interested in an unbroke colt or horse that we have for sale, we will provide training at a deeply discounted rate. If you would like additional training or integration with a
saddle broke horse before taking it home, we will train at a discounted rate.
Broke horses for sale already include the training costs in the price.
Training Rates:
30 days - $300 (Iron Spike Sale Horses)
30 days - $500 (Outside horses - pre-enrollment assessment required)
Assessment - $50 (Required of every horse prior to acceptance to our training program)
In Off The Range
Bringing horses in off the range presents some challenges. Having been living pretty wild for years and never having been handled by humans, it's hard to get a hand, let alone a halter on 'em... Here's one method we use that results in a horse that is soft and chooses to follow, based on trust and respect.
First session is just de-sensitizing to my approach and/or a rope til the horse quits running, bucking, rearing. Eight years on the range hasn't taught this mare much about people. She's chosen to run til she's s too tired to run anymore. Then, she'll slow down and maybe consider that if I haven't eaten her already, maybe I wont. Then she decides it's ok to stand.
It takes several tries before she'll let me walk up and touch her. When she doesn't bolt, I rub her a bit, then release... repeat.
I give her a chance to think. The session is done when she will stand flatfooted, with tail relaxed, like she's doing here, while I touch her topline, shoulders and neck.
In a later lesson we begin with the rope and de-senstitizing while building trust and respect. But this time, I"ll get the the lasso 'round the horse's neck. We're just letting fear run it's course for this 4-year-old grulla mare who's ready to learn to accept a halter and human lead.
Once she calms down, we're able to get her to walk with us by using timed pressure and release.
When she's finally used to us and used to the rope, we can get closer and using the lariat, loop her muzzle, then pull to form a halter.
Later, we're able to do the same thing with a longe line or a lead rope. We use pressure and release to get that nose tipped in the right direction...
...after that, the feet follow. After a time, you've got a willing horse that understands to give to directional pressure. The bucket?
Oh, we're almost at the end of the session. I sometimes like to give em a reward that'll stick in their minds as well as their stomachs! Not always - don't spoil 'em!