Colt Starting Program
Monthly Training Fee: $1000 + Board
Training & Pasture Board: $1000 + $300 pasture board per month
Training & Stall Board: $1000 + $400 stall board per month
Training & Pasture Board: $1000 + $300 pasture board per month
Training & Stall Board: $1000 + $400 stall board per month
(30 day minimum - 90 days) - at least 60 days is recommended.
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 owners 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 owners 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!
What to Expect | 30 Days of Training
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During the first 30 days, my focus is on establishing a strong foundation to set your horse up for long-term success. This includes:
Please keep in mind: A horse that completes only 30 days of training is just getting started. Ongoing, consistent handling and training are absolutely necessary once they go home. These horses should not be turned out and left to sit, nor should they be handled by someone inexperienced or unprepared to continue their development. 30 days builds the foundation - it does not produce a finished horse. Discounted Yearly Refresher / Tune - Up Upon completion of the initial 30-day Colt Starting program, horses enrolled for at least 30 days, become eligible for my 2-week minimum - 30 day Discounted Yearly Refresher / Tune Ups. This is offered at a reduced rate of $600 for the month, including board, and may begin the next following year or at any point in the horse’s future onwards. Eligibility for discounted continued training remains valid for the lifetime of the horse, regardless of any change in ownership, provided training services are still being offered to the public at that time. |
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What to Expect | 60 Days of Training
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At the 60-day mark, the focus is on building upon the foundation established in the first 30 days. Everything your horse has been introduced to such as groundwork, desensitization, ponying, traffic exposure, forequarter and hindquarter control, and leg pressure, is now being reinforced and transferred into consistent work under saddle.
During this phase, I focus heavily on:
Please note: A horse with 60 days of training still requires ongoing, consistent handling and time under saddle to truly progress. They will still need miles and real-world experience after leaving training and should be handled by someone capable of continuing their development. At this stage, they are still considered green, simply due to their limited time and exposure, even if they’re showing solid progress. 60 days is a continuation, not a finished product. With the right follow-through, this stage sets the horse up for success in the long term. |
What to Expect | 90 Days of Training
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At 90 days, the focus shifts toward fine-tuning and increasing the horse’s exposure and experience beyond the basics. This stage builds on the previous two months, aiming to solidify all foundational training while still expanding the horse’s confidence and capability in new environments.
Key focuses during this phase include:
Please understand: Even after 90 days, your horse will still need consistent handling, riding, and experience to continue progressing. While they will be far more prepared and confident than in earlier stages, three months does not equal a fully finished horse. Just like three months of schooling doesn’t equal a diploma. They will still benefit greatly from continued miles and real-world exposure after leaving training. 90 days provides a strong, well-rounded foundation, but long-term success depends on continued time, effort, and consistency. |
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Discounted Further Additional Training After 90 Day Completion
Discounted pricing may begin immediately after the 90-day mark within the same training season.
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Discounted Continued Training (On-site only):
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My Training Philosophy & Program Overview
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The foundation of my training program is built around preparing horses for long-term use as dependable all around, trail, endurance, and camp horses. Giving them a great start for anything further in their future. My goal is to develop horses that are confident, willing, soft, forward moving, and actively seek connection with their handler or rider. I emphasize a practical, well-rounded foundation that supports long miles, varying terrain, and real-world exposure.
While progress is always shaped by each horse’s unique history and personality, I have a consistent track record of producing horses that are rideable, reliable, and enjoyable for a wide range of riders by the end of their training. Horses I’ve trained have successfully gone on to become endurance mounts, 4-H partners, youth, family, and beginner-friendly trail horses, as well as horses used for dressage, mounted orienteering, and all-around versatility. |
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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.
Uneventful First / Second Ride Example
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Desensitization Example
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Full 90 Day Example
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