Only a horse that enjoys his job, will become great at it.
Make sure that you don't fall in a routine that becomes boring for your horse.
Keep things as simple as possible, give your horse challenges that you know he can handle both fisically and mentally.
Present those challenges in a way that he understands what you are asking him to do (a horse will always give you a try if he understands the question).
Allow him to make mistakes, and reward him generously when he gives you the right answer.
And most importantly, have fun and enjoy the process!
This is Sam, a 3 y/o stallion who just keeps getting better and better every day. I believe there's great things in this guys future. Thank you to the DeRusseau family for allowing us to be part of this journey.
Do you want your horse to learn in a fun way how to be brave, independent, and surefooted? Let us help you make your horse the best partner he can be for you. No matter what breed, discipline, age or gender, Andres Castaño challenges every single horse based on their mental and physical abilities, encouraging them to become more confident with every ride.
The results? A lifetime confident partner ready to take on any adventures you have in mind for the future!
There are 3 indispensable things in any successful colt starting program. Neither of which can be forced, imposed or rushed. They all must be EARNED.
#1. TRUST - Horses are prey animals and humans are predators by nature, therefore is natural for a horse to trigger it's "flight or fight" isntinct response when first relating with us. We need to convince the horse in a kind, patient and knowledgeable way that we don't represent a threat. You can not attempt to train a horse that is not relaxed and comfortable around you.
#2. RESPECT - After we have EARNED their TRUST, we can start showing our new partner that we can also be relayed in as their LEADER. There is a difference between an leader and a boss. A leader shows by example, motivates, and encourages others to give the best of themselves with "positive reinforcement", while a boss simply gives orders, directs, and reprehends mistakes with "negative reinforcement".
At the same time some game rules need to be set, as of which lines can be crossed as which can not.
#3. TIMING - All horses have different skills, aptitudes, abilities, and they all learn at different speeds, just like us humans do.
Therefore it's the trainer's duty to be able to identify every single horse's skills and limitations, as well as how much and how fast a horse can be pushed. Push too much too fast, and your horse will get frustrated and loose interest quickly in what you're trying to teach him. Push too little and you'll never learn your horse's full potential. Always set your horses up for success, never ask more than they can physically and mentally give you, recognize the little tries and reward them for it. A horse will always give you a try as long as he understand what you are asking. The name of the game is Patience, consistency and persistence.
"Everyone is a genius. But if you judge a fish on its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing it is stupid" - Albert Einstein.
Sam's first day under saddle.
Sparky is finally coming along under saddle, this little guy has been a handful but pretty smart nonetheless!
The more I ride this mare, the more I like her. This is Hip's first time in the obstacle course! Not too bad I'd say!
Trailer loading problems?
We can help you get your horse to load as easy as this!
Jasara had a bad experience in a trailer where she got injured. She became head shy and would not get in a trailer after her accident.
This is her, after a week of training with Andres Castaño.
Thank you Christi Cruse for trusting us with your sweet mare!
San Sabbah's first time under saddle!
First rides are always the most exciting ones, and I call it a succes every time I manage to stay on!
Here's Beguiled's first ride... her 3rd gear was a little stuck but she ended up shifting like a champ at the end!😝😝😝
wanna go for a ride around the obstacle course on Ranger? Here we go!
Desensitizing session with Gunsmoke.
