What is Foundation Training?
It's the basics skills needed by a horse to succeed in any discipline.
Whether a weekend Trail Horse, or an Upper Level Dressage competitor, for a horse to be Safe & Successful it must start with a strong Foundation.
When working with horses, we concentrate on Confidence, Communication, Softness, & Respect. All of these things combined create Partnership and most of all - Safety, for both the Rider & your Horse.
We believe each horse is different and must be treated as an individual. By working with your horse, and understanding his strengths & weak areas, we build the Confidence he needs to allow him to relax and better understand what’s being asked of him. That’s how true Communication begins. A fearful horse simply can’t learn. Once Trust & Respect begins, Communication continues, Softness develops, and Safety is the result.
Literature dating back to the 9th century praises the value of a fearless horse that could be ridden into battle and controlled by the rider’s legs & seat leaving both hands free to for battle. Having been a Civil War Re-enactor several years ago, I enjoyed those same benefits. We may not need our hands for a sword anymore, but it’s awfully nice to be able maneuver a tricky stretch of trail, or be able to dig around in a saddle bag, or put on our rain slicker, safely.
