Philosophy
Welcome to The Joy of Horses!
I am a full time professional trainer. It is my desire to help you learn the tools needed to meet your goals, that you want to achieve in partnership with your horse.
My learning and training journey began about 18 years ago. While on a local ranch visit, I attempted the typical ranch activities, such as sorting, team, penning, one one one penning, etc. My competitive nature was attempting to shine, but clearly needed help! So, I began a mission to find someone that could help me!
I found a local trainer who opened a new world of learning for me and helped to start to develop my partnerships with Horses. That was amazing, but I realized that I did not know much about being the best partner I could be with and for my horse and we needed it. So then I started to watch a world renowned trainer and after many hours of watching and re-watching purchased videos, my skill set increased exponentially. Once the basic skills were mastered, I began to learn how to become a better partner. In return, this provided my mounts and I many accolades in Obstacle Challenges, Cowboy Races, Mountain Trail Challenges, Ranch Shows, Team Penning, etc. As I progressed, I was able to develop and fine tune my own successful “toolbox” that will enable me to help you and your horse become a stronger team. I am still adding to my toolbox day by day.
As a retired teacher, I reflect on what my students of all backgrounds have taught me. My toolbox is very diverse. I am able to use my intervention skills to help horses of all different mindsets and personalities. However as you will learn from me, I find the following principles very effective in working with horses. Once the depth of meaning of these four words are fully absorbed into your training routine, YOUR road to success will become smoother. Always remember – patience, peaceful persistence, purpose, passion! During any lesson you can see these suggestions in play.
After much thought, I evolved a series of five videos. They can be purchased from my website and they are $25 each. They are raw and uncut. They demonstrate my step-by-step partnership with a colt who had never been exposed to my methods. We built each day upon what was absorbed in the previous session. You will notice in day four video that the cold did not see himself after consulting with the owner it was realized that that the night before was his first night in his life that he had ever spent outside, instead of in his stall. He literally woke up on the wrong side of the bed.
These videos, as well as others, can be found on my website Thejoyofhorses.org
After mastering the basics of each video, a whole new world of learning will be open for you and your partner to explore! You will learn; how to suggest to your horse by using focus and intention to make maneuvers you never thought possible before. You will also learn how a horse learns and about feel and timing. Then you will be able to start teaching some really cool and amazing skills.
A few important tips to support your training principles include:
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Are you in a bad mood? Do not work or play with your horse. Instead, hang out and enjoy each other‘s company.
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If something tells you you should not be doing this, listen to your gut and don’t do it. Consult with a trusted professional.
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Starting a new skill may take a few minutes or an hour. If you are on a time schedule don’t start something new until you have the generous amount of time available to make some kind of progress.
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If it is a windy or unfamiliar activities are occurring that can distract your horse. Don’t start something new instead of review a skill you’ve already learned.
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Is your horse just acting differently today? Again review a previously learned skill.
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I teach lessons on:
*The Foundation of Groundwork (Which goes right into the saddle! Don’t believe me - ask me to send you a video for proof!)
* Transitioning from the Foundation to in the Saddle
* Obstacle Training from In-hand to Riding; Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced.
* Liberty Play
* Bridle-less Riding
Make an investment in your future. Your horse will Thank You!
Why Groundwork?
By taking the time to teach a horse on the ground we are instilling good learning theory basics that will help improve performance and safety in the saddle. We are also teaching a horse that they can learn. Groundwork activities can stimulate a horse’s brain to increase its problem solving abilities. Horses will learn simple cues that will build on one another and then you can teach them more complex maneuvers. They will learn to pay attention to us and we can help them to be less confused and avoid conflict.
You will use these behaviors to get you through all types of situations; fun ones, stressful ones, scary ones, challenging ones, etc. It will help lower a horse’s nervous level, scared moments, etc. I cannot recommend enough starting the babies at a young age! I ease them into learning in such a low key manner and they can mentally handle it. I give them lots of processing time. They will learn to lead, yield to pressure, move forward, backwards, left, right, sideways, go over bridges, walk across platforms, turn on platforms, over branches and logs and teeter totters, all about water, tarps, umbrellas, ropes, etc. All of this can lead to a better chance of safety while in the saddle.
Not only is it important that you find someone that knows how to teach them properly so you do not cause lifelong confusion, but someone that is able to teach the human also! You can impact a horse's life in such a positive manner with these training methods. Groundwork can improve the horse-human relationship, lead to safer sessions in the saddle, and serve as a fun tool for better control, confidence, and connection with the animals we love.
