SOLIDIFYING THE FOUNDATION
We’ve laid a quality foundation in our colt starting course, now we are setting it in stone, solidifying your horse’s skills, confidence and capabilities.
Duration: 90 day minimum
Horses Age: 3-5 years
Course Description:
A good start is just the beginning. Our performance 101 course is designed to solidify and build on a quality foundation. This course is all about preparation for performance on the job and/or competition.
Focus Skills:
• Evaluate basic handling in hand as well as under saddle
• Solidify transitions up and down along with gates at the walk, trot, extended trot, lope, and extended lope
• Introduce body control exercises for developing strength and softness
• Introduce patterns to develop frame and collection
• Enhance basic performance maneuvers: Lead departures, stops, turn around, roll backs, etc
• Solidify leg yeilds and introduce mild half-pass and counter canter for lead change development
• Expose to technical obstacles: backing circles, backing L, trot poles, lope overs, etc
• Cover bigger pastures, trails, creeks, terrain
• Exposure to light cattle work
• Track and rope dummy
• Introduction to cow flag
Training Philosophy:
Like our colt start program safety for horse and rider are paramount. Consideration for a horses age and/or physical ability is a must. We will work to develop mental understanding along with physical strength and ability. A horse's confidence in communication (cues) and maneuvers will be the main goal for maximizing an owner's opportunity for a great partnership.
Equipment Policy:
Horses are ridden in well-fitted saddles over their own quality pad. Generally we do not share pads or bits with other horses. This building process will primarily be done in a traditional hackamore or snaffle. It is not uncommon for us to introduce a transition type shank bit during this phase. We do not generally use any sort of draw reins, martingales, or leverage aids. We believe if at all possible understanding and frame should be developed through seat, legs, and hands. We train in what we show or work in to minimize any chance of dependency on aids.
Completion Standard:
RHU Performance 101 graduates should be confident at all gaits and during all performance maneuvers. They will be developing a frame while using proper impulsion and collection while executing various maneuvers. Horses should be comfortable in multiple environments and ultimately ready for some real world experience (work or entry level shows).