Beyond performance horses

02/26/2025

💯 they don’t have to be loped in a million circles for an hour or even produce a “wet saddle pad “ every time. They learn faster when you give them the time to soak in new things .

It’s hard as a trainer not to get caught up in progression when horses are only here for a month. Push, push, push to get the most out of them.

Especially when starting a horse we can get caught up in them being able to do a certain amount in a months time.

Here’s a secret though, the best trainers won’t push your horse to do the “most” in a month, instead they will build your horses confidence, teach them the steps they need, and also give them the mental breaks they need.

If a horse gets something perfect when I’m working with them it’s not uncommon for me to step off and put them away right there. I recently had a horse that could NOT get his right lead, instead of trying over and over again I worked on fundamentals every day and didn’t even ask for him to lope. One day I asked for his lope to the right and he got it right away. This was only about 10 mins into our ride and I STEPPED OFF and put him away. The next ride was amazing he got his lead every time I asked.

The benefit to training this way is that you are building a mentally sounder horse. It’s really just the cliche saying “live in the present” don’t be concerned about what you need to accomplish in a certain amount of time, instead stay in the present training session. Focus on what your working on for the day and you might accomplish even more then you imagined. Pc

02/18/2025

Open arena this Friday February 21, 6-9 pm. Pm me if you plan to come.

02/08/2025

These are the texts that remind me why I do lessons. If you’ve always wanted riding lessons or aren’t sure where to go feel free to message me! My schedule is pretty full but I am starting to be able to do more groups and pairs which opens up more availability for private ones.

02/06/2025

I am looking for some more barn help again due to one of my workers getting a full time job elsewhere. Hours/days are fairly flexible depending on what you’re willing to do. I need help with stall cleaning, sweeping, packing hay nets , turn out /bring in horses and feedings. Someone interested in just feeding or just cleaning is acceptable. Feeding usually only takes 30-45 mins in the morning, 1 1/2 hours in the evenings (if you have to bring in horses) and stall cleaning I expect atleast 5 stalls to be done in an hour and there are 21 stalls to do. We do split the stall cleaning most days between am and pm workers so you wouldn’t necessarily have to clean all stalls (unless you wanted those hours). Preferably someone 16 years or older with their own transportation but I will take a responsible 14-15 year old . Work one day or multiple… I just need some more back up around when we start show season! Pm me if interested ! Wooster Ohio

02/04/2025

Open arena this Friday February 7 from 6-9 pm. Message or text me if you plan to come!

01/30/2025

Training update- R***r - going on 60 days in training (around 30 days of riding). He’s like a grumpy old man in a 4 year old body 😆 understands all the transition signals but let’s me know he’s still not thrilled about doing it . It doesn’t help that his hips are still very high so his balance is not great yet but he’s getting stronger. Wtc under saddle and can get both leads, starting spins to left and right, backing , beginning leg yields. This is all where I expect them to be at the end of 60 days. Some come along faster.

01/19/2025

Riding videos available.
13 year old APHA show mare for sale. Around 14.1 hh She is finished and has shown English and western plus showmanship. Very locked in and knows her job but not a “teacher” for very beginners. Any age rider who knows how to ride or a confident youth with a trainer will do very well with her. Successfully shown in medina 4h and at the youth show several years ago. Had the last month off but otherwise has been in pretty consistent work most of her life. She does wear front shoes and has had some injections last year but I won’t say she needs them. Most likely she would benefit from them if in heavy work though.
6k negotiable to the perfect home. Located in north Lawrence, could haul to my barn to try if needed.

01/14/2025

Open arena this Friday January 17, 6-9 pm. Message me if you plan to come out! $10 per horse/rider combo.

01/06/2025

R***r’s 12th day of riding (we had a week of just ground work early December when he had his wolf teeth pulled). Hes naturally wanting to reach into the bridle most of the time and is picking up on the “back to a squeeze” fast! (Notice at the end of the video I take my hands off the reins and he continues backing to just my legs). Watch out Cheryl I may have to steal this one from you 😜

01/04/2025

We had a fun group lesson this past Thursday! Students got to test their horses on some different obstacles and see what they would do for them. I may have more group lessons like this in the future so if anyone else would be interested, let me know.

01/02/2025

Open arena tomorrow evening, Friday jan 3, 6-9 pm. Pm me if you’d like to come. $10 per horse/rider combo.

12/14/2024

We are having an open ride next Friday 12/20 from 6-9pm. I’m trying to keep it friends/clients if there is enough interest $10 per horse/rider combo. Pm me if you’re interested.

12/09/2024

Day 6 of training: R***r’s first independent ride. Walk, stop, back. Watch for another video at the end of the week to see how far he gets this week!

12/05/2024

This is R***r’s first time being ground driven. He’s only been at the barn since Sunday .
Monday we just lunged , Tuesday we lunged with the saddle, Wednesday we lunged with the saddle and bridle (with bit), and this video is today (plus he gave me a pony ride around the arena being led). I just introduce one new thing at a time and when he seems to have that figured out, that’s all he has to do that day.
He’s going to be an easy one to get riding!

12/03/2024

Thea and bravo had a very successful lesson today. He’s starting to look comfortable in his frame and relax through his topline. Thea has been working on getting better with her pressure timing and it’s paying off nicely!

11/11/2024

Eric and bullet working on soft hand and body communication. Not bad considering I didn’t adjust my stirrups for him 😆 they’re starting to become good buddies.

11/04/2024

I have one open training spot starting in December . Winter conditioning, c**t starting, tune ups. Pm me for more info