In my training program I like to incorporate a lot of natural horsemanship. My definition of natural horsemanship is the act of working, training, and riding with the horse in a manner that works with the horse's behavior, instincts, and personality. Horse training should be gentle, done in a kind and easy manner, but it also must be effective.  I do not believe in beating a horse into submission, but I also do not believe in allowing a horse walk all over me either.  By watching great Natural Horsemanship trainers, I have incorporated many techniques into an effective collection of training methods.

I believe that to excel in training a horse successfully, you must find what method works best for the horse. Every horse is an individual and when it comes to training there is no "one size fits all" approach that will be successful with every horse. I like to get to know the horses, then adjust my methods to best suit that individual horse.

I begin training horse on the ground, teaching the basics of good ground manners. I feel this is a MUST foundation for good saddle training. I re-enforce good manners by using these simple basics everyday. Everything rests upon a good foundation, the building (or repairing) of this foundation takes time and patience. If a horse is rushed in this process, the horse will lack confidence in himself and in his rider.

Gaining the horse's trust, while acquiring their respect, establishing control of all body parts (head, neck, pole, chest, hind quarters, and barrel), and working with each individual horse’s personality to develop a “willing partner”, creates a foundation that lasts a lifetime.

If I can work with each area of the horse, and they are comfortable with letting me handle them, I can get them to do their best. The ultimate goal is to have a horse who is willing to do whatever you ask - not because you are forcing him, but because he wants to. If I have taken the time to make sure the horse understands and enjoys his job, then the horse is free to offer its highest compliment to me, the giving of itself without fear.

I have created a lengthy and skill specific round corral and ground work routine that I use before under saddle work begins, and I continuing using these techniques even after riding begins. The more trust, respect, and control I have on the ground, the safer it is for me, and the horse, when under saddle work begins.

When I'm finished with the first level of training, my horse has learned basic movements and can bend and move laterally away from your heel, back up, hold their shoulders up at a lope and turn on the forehand and hindquarters. I don't push a horse past its capability to understand and retain each lesson. Horses are regularly schooled, and once the horse is going quietly, owners are encouraged to ride in a few lessons.