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To Learn More
Where are you located? I am located on the Grey Cliffs Ranch in Three Forks, MT. Centrally located, at under an hour drive from Bozeman, Three Forks and Ennis. Please contact me for simple directions, as GPS searches are not always reliable in this area. How long should I put my horse in training? This depends on each horse and their individual personality and past experiences, as well as the owner’s goals for that horse. Horses with negative past experiences may take longer to overcome this “baggage,” and so will not get as far, as quickly, as another horse. It is important to meet a horse where they are, rather than try and push them into a predetermined timeframe. If you are not sure exactly how long your horse will need to be in training, I recommend taking advantage of my evaluation options.
Do you require an evaluation period? I do not require an evaluation period, but highly recommend it. I cannot accurately estimate how long a horse will need to be in training without first working with them to evaluate their starting point and particular needs. I will also take the evaluation time to get to know you as an owner, and discuss what your goals are for the horse. This is also a great time for you to get to know me as a trainer. I want it to be a good fit for all involved! I offer two forms of evaluation periods. The first is a one-session evaluation, for which I charge $40 at my facility. I am willing to travel to your home, within one hour of my facility, for an additional mileage fee. The second is a one-week evaluation, for $150, which includes board. I highly recommend the second option, because it gives me the clearest understanding of your horse.
What sort of involvement can I expect in my horse’s training? I include weekly lessons with the owner in all of my training packages, and you are welcome to watch as many training sessions as you would like. I am a firm believer that I cannot just train your horse and give back to you a “finished product.” Horses are living creatures who will respond differently in different situations, and to different people, and so it is important that you learn along with your horse to create a lasting partnership. After all, it is more important that you can ride your horse successfully than me, since it is your horse! In some instances I will provide you with a lesson horse until you and your horse are ready to work together. At what age should I start my horse under saddle? I do not have a set age for starting a horse, but I will only push them as far as they can mentally and physically handle. Starting a horse sets the tone for the rest of his or her riding career, and I do not want to make a bad first impression! I am also willing to take older horses who have never been started, and have had great success starting and restarting horses eight years and older. Contact me to discuss the specifics of your colt.
What disciplines and breeds do you train? I am happy to accept horses of all breeds and disciplines. I focus on foundation work and getting a soft, well-rounded horse, so generally I feel I have something to offer horses and riders destined for all sorts of riding. I am also able to accept mules and ponies into training. Do you have experience with gaited horses? Yes. I have worked with gaited horses of many breeds, including Tennessee Walking Horses, Missouri Fox Trotters, Paso Finos, Peruvians, Saddlebreds and Rocky Mountain Gaited Horses, and am confident in helping the horse find their natural gait. Do you require vaccinations and paperwork for horses entering training? Yes. I require the 5-way and strangles vaccines, and highly recommend the West Nile vaccination. Horses should be current on worming. If they have traveled out of state within the last year they need to have a negative Coggins test. I also require a current brand inspection for horses coming from out of the Gallatin County. Horses will be sharing a pen with other horses. Should I provide my own tack? I will provide all tack for your horse’s training, so please do not leave any tack behind with the horse (including a halter). The only exceptions to this are certain sizing issues. If you are bringing a large draft horse or a small pony, it may be necessary for you to leave any fitted equipment with me so that I can be sure to fit your horse.
Do you require shoes on horses entering training? No. All of my horses are run barefoot with natural hoof care, and I have had huge success with this method, though I am happy to accept shod horses. However, all horses entering training must have feet in good condition so as to not interfere with the training process. I am happy to have my farrier trim your horse’s feet upon arrival, for his in-house fees, which are generally less than the average natural trim or cold shoe. If a horse is not able to be trimmed upon entering training, that will be one of my first goals and I will not begin riding the horse until its feet are able to be handled and cared for. If a horse is barefoot and has trouble with the rocky terrain, I recommend leaving a pair of boots with me so the horse can be comfortable during training outside of the arena. If you don't already have a pair of boots, I really like Renegade Hoof Boots. My farrier, Marty Maddalena of Double M Horse Services, is a distributor and can measure your horse's feet, order boots and further customize fit.
What other common physical issues should I consider prior to training? Teeth. A sore mouth can severely impede training. I will not use a bit with a horse that I suspect to have mouth soreness. If you do not want your horse ridden without a snaffle bit, it is best to have your horse’s mouth checked prior to dropping them off. Saddle fit. If you are having behavioral issues with your horse, please bring the saddle you have been using with your horse to lessons and training. This way I can evaluate whether or not the issue is a pain response to an ill-fitting saddle, rather than something behavioral. Body Work. I highly recommend that horses are evaluated by a body work professional during their first week of training. Body work professionals can identify issues that may slow the training process or be the cause of behavioral issues in the first place. I have had great luck with various forms of body work, including chiropractic, osteopathy, massage and cranial sacral. I work closely with a body work professional with extensive experience in all of these techniques and if an issue presents itself as training progresses I may request a consult. I am happy to provide referrals if necessary.
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