Horses in training

I am going to try to keep this blog more up to date, make it more into a training diary. I make daily notes for the horses in training so I can track progress, but for the owners, I think a blog might make them feel more in touch with the training progress. This means that I will need to be more diligent in taking pictures. That sounds like a great job for the kids! Well, here we go.

Missy - Brown grade mare, 4 years old. Here to be green broke. Owner had previously tried to break her, but instead created some problems. History of bucking under saddle, skittish, and unwilling to be handled. Upon first handling the mare appeared to want to cooperate, just needed to develop trust. She is a very kind mare with a want to please demeanor. She is a tad bit lazy and hates repeative work. I need to make sure that her training remains fresh and challenging. She will probably benefit more from pasture riding/training than from arena work. Major training obstacle: She has already learned to buck when mounted and was rewarded by being put up.
Primary Goals: 1 - soft, supple and willing under saddle
2 - stand while being mounted (this is when she bucked)
3 - safe mount for an intermediate rider

Secondary Goals: 1 - handle feet easily
2 - accept handling of entire body
3 - be caught and haltered easily
4 - become bold and confident ( mounted and on the ground)


Kixsie - 7 year old sorrel roan QH mare. Owner wants her to become a more dependable,solid riding horse. I am the 4th trainer this mare has had. Upon first handling her, she is fearful but had been trained well to stand. She is easily distracted and has limited ability to remain focused. She is a reactionary mare which means consistency is her key. I feel that she will always be a little standoffish, but trust can be established. She has been through several trainers and she knows what to do to get a release, she just doesn't commit to it. Her training will focus on several trust exercises and lots of repetition. She will find comfort in the familiar.
Major training obstacle: The mares unwillingness to connect with a rider.
Primary Goals: 1- a soft, supple willing mount
2 - boldness under saddle (the owner wants to be able to hunt off the mare)
3 - safe for a beginner rider

Secondary Goals: 1 - increase attention span
2 - a relaxed horse
3 - easy to catch and halter in the pasture
4 - beginning collection