Advanced Standing for the Farrier Course
Training Fee:
2 Weeks:
Training & Board: $400
Pasture board available only.
30 Days:
Training & Board: $800
Pasture board available only.
2 Weeks:
Training & Board: $400
Pasture board available only.
30 Days:
Training & Board: $800
Pasture board available only.
(2 week minimum - 30 days) Can start off small and add weeks as needed.
Additional months can be added to a horse’s training program at the owner’s request. While I do not pressure or require extended stays, I do provide honest feedback based on each horse’s progress at the end of their scheduled training period and leave it up to the owner's discretion. If I believe a horse would benefit from more time, I will share that recommendation, but the decision to continue is entirely up to the owner. I fully understand and respect the impact of time, financial considerations, and personal circumstances.
Additional months can be added to a horse’s training program at the owner’s request. While I do not pressure or require extended stays, I do provide honest feedback based on each horse’s progress at the end of their scheduled training period and leave it up to the owner's discretion. If I believe a horse would benefit from more time, I will share that recommendation, but the decision to continue is entirely up to the owner. I fully understand and respect the impact of time, financial considerations, and personal circumstances.
PLEASE READ: More in-depth information on sending your horse in to training with me is here: Public Training Information
Basic requirements: Current Negative Coggins, UTD Vaccinations, UTD Worming, with PROOF sent in prior to horses' arrival. This is nonnegotiable.
Any questions? Just ask!
Basic requirements: Current Negative Coggins, UTD Vaccinations, UTD Worming, with PROOF sent in prior to horses' arrival. This is nonnegotiable.
Any questions? Just ask!
This specialized course focuses on proper hoof handling and farrier preparation. It is more advanced than basic foot work offered during colt starting. It is ideal for horses that:
Minimum: 2 weeks
Recommended: 30 days (Additional time can be added as needed)
Note: While I do my best with horses that have trauma-related issues, I cannot guarantee full resolution in all cases. The severity of past experiences (e.g., abusive handling or painful farrier work) may impact the time needed or the final outcome.
What to Expect
Each horse will be taught to pick up all four feet calmly and respectfully using a blend of positive reinforcement and pressure/release techniques.
The training includes:
I prioritize positive, patient, and consistent methods. While I remain firm, when necessary, I do not use force or intimidation. My goal is to help the horse mentally work through their reactions, not suppress them through fear. I've successfully worked with many horses that were previously known to kick, strike, or be aggressive during hoof handling and successfully resolved their issues turning them into easy to handle, farrier friendly horses.
For Horses New to My Program
Horses that haven’t previously been in my training program will receive all the above. However, if they are lacking in basic handling skills or tying, those will be addressed first before farrier-specific work begins.
My goal is always to help create a horse that your farrier, and you, can handle without stress or fear of injury. I also have farrier references available for horses I’ve successfully trained through this program if needed.
- Struggle with picking up their feet
- Have behavioral issues related to hoof handling
- Were never properly taught to stand for the farrier
- Have had negative or traumatic farrier experiences
- Need to become safer, more patient, and more willing when handled
- Are young (ages 1–4) and not yet ready to be started under saddle but need positive handling exposure
Minimum: 2 weeks
Recommended: 30 days (Additional time can be added as needed)
Note: While I do my best with horses that have trauma-related issues, I cannot guarantee full resolution in all cases. The severity of past experiences (e.g., abusive handling or painful farrier work) may impact the time needed or the final outcome.
What to Expect
Each horse will be taught to pick up all four feet calmly and respectfully using a blend of positive reinforcement and pressure/release techniques.
The training includes:
- Learning to stand patiently and quietly while feet are being handled
- Teaching appropriate cues to lift legs easily
- Desensitization around the legs and hooves
- Gentle stretching and mobility work to support farrier-friendly posture
- Addressing and correcting kicking, pulling away, or refusal to stand
- Replacing negative reactions with calm, confident behavior
- Teaching the horse to respect space while still relaxing during handling
I prioritize positive, patient, and consistent methods. While I remain firm, when necessary, I do not use force or intimidation. My goal is to help the horse mentally work through their reactions, not suppress them through fear. I've successfully worked with many horses that were previously known to kick, strike, or be aggressive during hoof handling and successfully resolved their issues turning them into easy to handle, farrier friendly horses.
For Horses New to My Program
Horses that haven’t previously been in my training program will receive all the above. However, if they are lacking in basic handling skills or tying, those will be addressed first before farrier-specific work begins.
My goal is always to help create a horse that your farrier, and you, can handle without stress or fear of injury. I also have farrier references available for horses I’ve successfully trained through this program if needed.
Important Things to Know
- Individualized Approach:
I train horses based on their age, mental state, physical ability, and overall readiness. I do not push them beyond what they can handle. - Gentle, Respect-Based Methods:
I do not use fear, force, or “cowboy-style” rough methods. My approach is rooted in natural horsemanship, positive reinforcement, and liberty-based training. If this philosophy doesn’t align with your expectations, my program may not be the right fit for your horse. While my training methods are rooted in positive reinforcement and gentle handling, I believe in creating clear boundaries and consistent expectations. Horses learn best when they are treated with respect, but also when they understand what is and isn’t acceptable. I’m not here to “pamper” them, I’m here to help them become confident, respectful, and willing partners. That means I reward desired behavior, but I also use firm, fair corrections when needed to ensure safety and understanding. Positive reinforcement in my program is not about endlessly handing out treats; it’s primarily used as communication but also about building trust, clarity, and accountability in a way that the horse can understand and thrive in. - Progress at the Horse’s Pace:
If your horse needs extra time in any area of training, I will give it to them rather than rushing the process. I focus on long-term success over quick results. - Behavior Management:
I address unwanted behaviors in a firm but fair and positive way. I correct, when necessary, but I never use pain or aggression. I work through issues with patience and mental clarity, aiming to help the horse understand rather than react out of fear. - Safety Boundaries:
I do not accept horses into my program that rear consistently or have a history of flipping over. If this behavior presents itself during training and cannot be safely addressed, the horse will be sent home. Please do not send in horses with these issues unless discussed honestly and in advance. - Physical Risk to the Horse:
If your horse exhibits behavior that puts themselves at serious risk, such as extreme self-endangerment or disregard for physical limits, they will be sent home for their safety. - Pain & Discomfort:
If I observe signs of pain, emotional distress, or physical discomfort, I will inform you immediately. Give you the option to have a veterinarian exam before continuing training to rule out any concerns or leave it up to you if you wish for the training to continue. If I believe continued training could worsen the issue, I will pause or end training until a full veterinary evaluation is completed and said horse will not be accepted back into my program without a vet exam. I will not work a horse that is in pain. - Safety First – For Horse and Trainer:
My safety and your horse’s safety are always top priorities. While getting hurt is part of the job, I will not put myself in unnecessary danger due to dishonest representations or unsafe horses. If your horse causes serious injury, it directly affects my ability to work and earn a living. I do not "cowboy through" issues or push horses through force just to meet a deadline. If you are seeking fast results through harsh methods, I am NOT the trainer for you. - No Show Training:
I do not offer specialized show training. My focus is on building reliable, well-rounded horses for endurance, trail, family, and all-around use. That said, many of my horses have gone on to succeed in various show disciplines thanks to the solid foundation laid in my program. - Early Departure & Refund Policy
- If a horse is sent home before completing its scheduled training period, regardless of the reason, the owner will be reimbursed for any unused training days and/or unused board from the date the horse leaves. However, any fees already accumulated for training, board, or care up to that point are non-refundable.
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