Training Program

Horse and Mule Training Process

Susan emphasizes establishing a strong foundation of good horse behaviors, and soft willing partners in all aspects of the training process. This ensures that the horse/mule “can be the best it can be” in whatever discipline the horse/mule is destined. This is based on 6 steps of control on the ground and in the saddle.

These steps are:

1. Back up
2. Shoulder Control
3. Forward with Flexion
4. Hindquarter Control
5. Stop
6. Stand Still

These are movements the horse/mule uses everyday on their own and can be built upon for total control for the rider.

The training process for each horse follows the guidelines below- starting with movement in the round pen, and finishing with body control and riding outdoors. Each horse is different and progresses at different rates. Each lesson needs to be understood before moving on.

Elements of Horse Training

Round Pen	Teaches movement, direction and connection	Enhances horse/mule’s focus and commitment—easy to catch
Ground Work (halter)	Teaches the 6 steps of control necessary for training	Builds calm, quiet horses/mules with good manners, who will accept direction
Rope Work	Introduction to things that touch, irritate, restrain or scare them	Builds confidence, courage and reduces risk of injury
Flag Work	Stimulus used to reduce flight and fight instincts	Takes the flight and fight instincts and reduces the over-reactions
Saddling	Teaches the horse/mule to accept all forms of tack	Helps the horse/mule accept many things they fear
Fence Work	Teaches softness, direction, leading and to accept things above them	Promotes ability to come to the human at a mounting block or rock for mounting
Riding/Movement	Teaches the horse/mule to pack a human and move comfortably with light encouragement	Allows the horse/mule to adjust to his/her job in the human’s world
Body Control	Second stage of riding based upon the 6 steps of control	Builds suppleness, softness, control and confidence
Outside Riding	Introduction to all aspects of riding outside a controlled environment	Builds confidence, control and experience

In addition

Your horse/mule will travel frequently to clinics and events- gaining the experience and exposure below.

• Trailor loading and traveling.
• Exposure to new environments.
• Tying in various locations-Trailors, highlines, hitchrails and posts.
• Socializing with herds.
• Riding and working in group formats.
• Riding away from groups- alone and confident.

 

Fee Schedule for the Clinic, Training & Lesson Plans

Click or tap here for our Clinic, Training & Lesson Plan page.

 

Call (650) 464-4862 for Scheduling Details
Email: SWIRGLER@SBCGLOBAL.NET