Training at HHH Facilities
Our Training Program
At Healing Hooves Horsemanship we take your horse’s training very seriously. Safety is our highest priority for both you and your horse. During your horse’s training we work on desensitizing your horse to many different objects, sights, sounds (ect.) both on the ground and in the saddle. We personalize a training program individualized to your horse’s issue(s) and your goals. We will help you and your horse overcome these issues. We will work with you to understand why these problems developed and to establish good habits that will strengthen the relationship and bond between you and your horse. Because we believe in working with not just the horse, but the rider/owner as well, we require you to take a lesson with us before your horse leaves training. This is included in the training cost and is no extra charge to you. This is to ensure that when your horse leaves they will have a higher probability to retain the training that was provided. Also, you will have the knowledge and confidence to maintain their level of training.
Horses that are in our program for 10 weeks will be given an extra week of time at HHH, 16 week horses are allowed 2 extra weeks. This allows us to guarantee that your horse can get the required training while allowing for off days due to weather and scheduling conflicts.
Why 10 weeks?
In our experience, especially with tune up horses. A horse that has bad habits ingrained in their mind, takes time to be able to "reprogram" those bad habits, back into good habits. In the traditional 30 days training, you have very little time (after taking the necessary time each horse needs to break down the walls of the bad habits) to really engrain and rebuild those new good habits in their mind, before they go back to their owner and potentially start testing the new rider to see if they can go back to their old "easier" habits. That is why 10 weeks is the usual minimum amount of time to give your horse the mental and physical education they need to get those good habits ingrained and cemented in their minds, for a more permanent fix.
*Special circumstances may allow for a shorter (6 weeks) training time.
Extended Training (16 weeks and beyond)
To continue that education, and keep advancing your horse to an even higher and more enjoyable level. we offer an extended training program as well. During this program, your horse grows and matures into their newly relearned good habits. Their confidence is boosted, and deeper ingrained as well. we have time to expose them to even more stimulants and experiences. When you get your horse back from this program you will be ready to conquer trails, shows, or any other goal you may have. Contact us today to talk about your goals and book your training spot in our program!
Our Method
There are many trainers and methods that we model our training after. However, we strongly believe no ONE way is going to work for every horse and rider. We most closely follow Clinton Anderson's methods but follow many others as well. A few of those names are Ryan Rose, Carson James, B1 Horsemanship. Plus many others. We very much love watching a variety of trainers and learning from different methods and applying them when needed. It's good to have "many tools in your handbag".
Horses are naturally lazy animals so they choose the path or the option that is easiest for them. This is how both good and bad habits are formed. By very careful timing of a combination of pressure and releases. Your horse will start to understand that being a willing partner is the easiest way to get rid of the pressure and this becomes the preferred "path" each and every time they are asked to do something. We work with the horse's natural psychology because both understanding their minds and how they work, and building a relationship with the horse is absolutely necessary for a positive outcome. This relationship is built on trust and confidence, which your horse develops during their training process. This is a very big part of making the training "stick" and having a lasting outcome. Our training style is very firm when needed, but also understanding. Not forcing them to do anything, but making everything that we ask of them THEIR decision. Making the correct decision easy and the wrong one more work for them.
What to Expect
During your horse’s stay, full care is provided. Horses are kept in a dry lot or run, either alone or with other horses. They are provided with free choice hay of alfalfa/hay mixture, or grass hay depending on availability, with a hay net to encourage natural grazing habits, while preventing overeating. Free choice hay helps prevent added stress and ulcers while providing many other health benefits. This is especially important while your horse is adjusting to their new environment and training routine. They will be grained if necessary. Horses will have access to minerals, shelter, and an unlimited water source. If special grain or supplements are required for your horse, We kindly ask that you supply those and they will be fed accordingly. Owners are kept up to date with photos, videos, and progress reports. You are always welcome to stop in and see the progress with your horse! Horses are worked up to 5 days a week, at a pace that fits their physical and mental capabilities.
We love taking real life scenarios (Kids, dogs, cows, farm equipment, traffic, trails, water and more) and rounding your horse's mind to make them more confident, enjoyable, safe and reliable. Or if you have a certain competition goal, we can expand off of that amazing foundation and cater more towards getting them started on anything from western pleasure to competitive trail riding to barrel racing!
We Can Help With
- Starting from the ground up with basics in groundwork and respect
- Respectfulness on the ground and in the saddle
- Extensive desensitizing, both in the arena and out on the trail
- Building a better relationship between you and your horse
- Teaching or refining softening skills within the whole body of the horse (Head, poll, neck, shoulders, ribs, hindquarters, seat pressure i.e. stop/back)
- Confidently walk, trot, lope on a loose rein
- Creating a soft, willing, respectful and enjoyable riding partner
- Putting on miles, both in the arena, and out in the open/on the trail
- Riding exposure in many different areas and situations
- Taking an older horse and teaching them "new tricks" or reminding them that they know them, or taking a younger less seasoned horse and expanding their knowledge
Pricing
Training Cost:
$1850/ 6 weeks
$3000/10 weeks
$4600/16 weeks
Training costs include full care and board.
All horses require a training evaluation by HHH to ensure a proper fit with our program. Evaluations are conducted prior to a horse being accepted into our training program and ensure that we will be able to deliver the best services possible to our clients. Evaluations are essential to determine your horses current training level and what length of training program will best serve their needs. Evaluations are included in the training cost if the horse is accepted into our program (excluding trip mileage charges).
There is a $300 Deposit required at time of booking to reserve your spot that is non-refundable, but goes towards your full training amount. we also require that your horse be up to date on vaccinations and a fresh hoof trim to allow for optimal comfort and training progress for your horse. If additional boarding time is needed it will be charged at a rate of 14 dollars a day.
What to bring with your horse to training
-Any Grain/Supplements required for horse.
-Bridle with the bit that the horse is used to being ridden in.
-Saddle/pad is optional (I do like to ensure a good fit so that I can rule out any behavior issues due to tack fit) but if you need it during the time he is here you don't have to leave it.
-Any Blankets or fly gear (boots/mask)
that you have for your horse depending on time of year.
-Halter/lead rope. Preferably a rope halter with knots over the nose. If you do not have one, we sell them and will custom fit one while your horse is in training.
-List of training goals that you would like to see your horse achieve. We will work with you to accommodate as many goals as possible.
Lessons during your horse's training
While they are not required, we STRONGLY encourage you to come for weekly lessons with Katrina while your horse is here in training at HHH. This helps us see where your riding level is at and helps us improve your riding which ensures that you understand the training and riding style that your horse is being taught here and when your horse returns from training you will be a much more confident and effective team. We usually start out on one of my personal lesson horses for the first few lessons, and then have you start riding your horse when we feel like it's a good time to start joining you back together as a team.
*One lesson when your horse goes home is included with your price of training. We go over a review of everything your horse has learned here and how to upkeep it when they go home with you.