REAL EXPERIENCE, REAL EXPOSURE

Duration: 90 day minimum

Horses Age: 3-5 years

Course Description:

There is no substitute for real world experience and exposure. Our Performance 102 horses are what we like to use and/or show. While continuing to cultivate and develop their training we take every opportunity to improve their abilities in different environments.

Focus Skills:

• Evaluate understanding and ability of performance 101 abilities

• Continue developing frame, collection, and impulsion ultimately preparing for self carriage.

• Continue enhancing performance maneuvers

• Begin connecting isolated body parts

• Start working on straightness and run downs

• Work patterns and maneuvers to develop understanding and responsibility for the horse

• Solidify half-pass and lead change (age dependent)

• If and/or when applicable introduce a bridle (shank bit)

• Develop confidence and understanding at speed and in all maneuvers

• Continue tracking dummy if applicable

• Continue cow flag work

• Intro to live cattle: tracking, ranch roping, sorting, gathering

Training Philosophy:

The first time out on a big trail ride, big gathering, or the first time going to a big competition can be a challenge for even the most well trained young horses. It is one thing to produce a horse suitable to ride around in the back yard or in a controlled environment...it's an entirely different thing to prepare one for the unexpected or pressures associated with a new atmosphere. Essentially, to have a horse well prepared for battle is a noble and worthy endeavor.

Equipment Philosophy:

As always horses will have their own quality pad under a well fitted saddle. This is a great phase to introduce a transition type bit, especially in familiar scenarios and manuevers. It is our intention for most of our horses to be prepared to go one-handed in a bridle by 6 years old. Which is the standard for most western riding associations (AQHA, ARHA, ect). On the way to a solid bit we use various versions of hinge or barrel port type bits with loose cheeks, independent shanks and a leather curb. We do not use chain curb straps, shank snaffles, mechanical hackamores, or gag bits of any sort. 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:

Performance 102 graduates should ultimately be well prepared to haul, use, and compete in entry level shows. Horses should be collected and confident throughout various gates and manuevers including transitions, turn around, stops, half-pass, leg-yeild, lead departures and changes etc. Although this course is a 3 month minimum we recommend leaving a horse in this phase of the program as long as possible to maximize exposure and experience. This is also a good phase for owners to enjoy their horse in various environments and circumstances before coming back for our finishing bridle course.