TRAINING PROGRAMS
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BASIC HANDLING
Our basic handling program is designed to develop familiarisation with all aspects of routine handling, including catching, tying, leading, handling feet, hosing and rugging and is perfect for developing early education at any age, from weanlings onwards!
The starting process can be a challenging time for our horses and we must not forget the expectations we are placing on our equine partners - for this reason we prefer familiarity with basic handling prior to the Starting process, this minimises stress while maximising learning! Estimated timeframe 2 - 3 weeks. |
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GROUND TRAINING AND/OR PRE-STARTING
Our ENGAGE™️ Equine Training Programs set your horse up for success, introducing concepts of mental and physical engagement, basic body control, spatial boundaries and postural development, activating muscle groups to build topline & correct muscle tone to efficiently and comfortably perform ground and ridden work and promote soundness. Float training can also be included. An introduction to saddling, bridling, and mounting block is added for pre-starting programs. Physical intensity is altered in accordance with age, physical & mental maturity, making the program appropriate for all age ranges. This program is a great starting point for horses beginning their education or for those looking to modify their training approach to encompass correct physical development and compassionate horsemanship. It is also suitable for youngsters needing mental stimulation without physical overloading, sensitive horses who would benefit from incremental training or in addition to our Starting program in preparation for backing. The starting/backing process can be a challenging time, we encourage an intermittent approach to creating positive first experiences. Breaks & spelling throughout training allows time for mental & physical adjustment. Estimated timeframe 3 - 5 weeks. |
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STARTING
Our starting program includes our ENGAGE™️ Equine Training Principles, introducing self regulation, balance, body control, symmetry & alignment, straightness training and cavaletti/pole work, exercises are closely replicated under saddle to strengthen and supple with clarity and consistency. When starting a horse under saddle we must not forget the mental and physical expectations we are placing on our equine partners - for this reason we prefer familiarity and confidence with basic handling to minimise stress and maximise learning! This helps us to prevent horses being overwhelmed during the process. For those not yet comfortable with routine handling, requiring more confidence or improved handling skills or sensitive horses we recommend an intermittent training approach and the addition of our short Basic Handling Program or Ground Training/Pre-Starting Program prior to Starting. A break in training is highly recommended part way through each program to allow mental processing & optimise physical development, duration dependant on the individual and their requirements. Estimated time frame is approx. 12 weeks (not including breaks/spells) - timeframes may vary dependent on the needs of each individual, rate of physical and mental development and any issues identified during training or needing to be addressed throughout. |
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RE-EDUCATION
Our re-education program includes our ENGAGE™️ Equine Training Principles to implement self regulation, balance, body control, symmetry & alignment, straightness training and cavaletti/pole work, importance is placed on correcting muscle development, reducing tension, working through behavioural issues and promoting a relaxed demeanour, in-hand exercises are closely replicated under saddle to strengthen and supple with clarity and consistency. In order to move forward we must first work through any negative associations, trauma or learned behaviours. A break in training is highly recommended part way through each program to allow mental processing & optimise physical development. Estimated time frame is approx. 12 weeks (not including any breaks), dependent on the needs of each individual horse, rate of physical and mental development, any physical or behavioural issues needing to be addressed and your goals. |
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REHABILITATION/RETURN TO WORK
Has your horse been spelled? Out of work for a period of time? OR just recovered from injury? We can help get them back on track! With extensive experience in a rehabilitation setting, we understand how correct body and muscle function can be affected after injury and the importance of gradual strength building after injury or time off. ALL programs begin with on the ground to with postural development, mental and physical engagement, straightness, balance and body control to regain optimal functional movement. Duration is dependent on each individual horse, rate of physical development, your goals and any specific issues to be addressed. Horses can be accommodated for short or long-term plans, for reference our general timeframe for complete programs is approx. 12 weeks - we highly recommend a break or spell partway through training to allow mental processing and prevent physical fatigue. |
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GENERAL TRAINING/FLATWORK
General training programs can be employed on the ground or under saddle for confidence building, improved balance or body control, correcting muscle tone and improving muscle development or float training. ALL programs begin with our ENGAGE™️ Equine Ground Training Program to set up clear foundations and a positive understanding for continued work. All horses not familiar with our training methods will be introduced to these on the ground prior to any ridden work. Duration is dependent on each individual horse, rate of physical development, your goals and any specific issues to be addressed. Importance is placed on correct muscle development, reducing tension or anxiety and promoting a confident, relaxed demeanour. Horses can be accommodated for short or long-term training plans. |
All training begin on the ground to enable assessment, installation or tuning of cues for transferal under saddle, to encourage correct body control and promote a safe, calm environment for backing or re-backing.
TWO complimentary lessons are offered towards the end of each training program, covering some of our ground and ridden cues and exercises that may be useful for continued training at home. We are happy to schedule additional sessions on request.
FEES & INCLUSIONS
Training fees (incl. agistment) are $500/week +GST, without additional feed
+$40/week (+GST) for additional hard feed and include:
Large, well managed paddocks.
Ad lib grass hay, as necessary.
Feeding up to 3x/day
Rugging up to 2x/day *rugs to be provided by owner.
Regular grooming and handling.
Shampooing and light rugs washed as necessary.
All horses are treated with care and attention to detail, body condition and behaviour are monitored throughout.
*additional feed consists of a simple, low sugar/high fibre, minimally processed diet, using premium grade vitamin/mineral supplements - tailored to maximise nutritional value and support healthy condition.
PAYMENT STRUCTURE
A minimum, non-refundable booking deposit (equivalent to 1 week of training) is required to to secure your reservation.
Further payment can be made via 4 easy options:
1. In full, in advance.
2. 50% at time of booking, 50% on arrival.
3. Deposit equivalent to 1 week of training, plus 3 monthly payments beginning on arrival.
4. Deposit equivalent to 1 week of training, fortnightly payments beginning on arrival.
For options 3 & 4 booking deposits will be credited to your account on arrival.
Please note: in the event of cancellation, an amount equivalent to 1 week of training will be forfeited without exception.
+$40/week (+GST) for additional hard feed and include:
Large, well managed paddocks.
Ad lib grass hay, as necessary.
Feeding up to 3x/day
Rugging up to 2x/day *rugs to be provided by owner.
Regular grooming and handling.
Shampooing and light rugs washed as necessary.
All horses are treated with care and attention to detail, body condition and behaviour are monitored throughout.
*additional feed consists of a simple, low sugar/high fibre, minimally processed diet, using premium grade vitamin/mineral supplements - tailored to maximise nutritional value and support healthy condition.
PAYMENT STRUCTURE
A minimum, non-refundable booking deposit (equivalent to 1 week of training) is required to to secure your reservation.
Further payment can be made via 4 easy options:
1. In full, in advance.
2. 50% at time of booking, 50% on arrival.
3. Deposit equivalent to 1 week of training, plus 3 monthly payments beginning on arrival.
4. Deposit equivalent to 1 week of training, fortnightly payments beginning on arrival.
For options 3 & 4 booking deposits will be credited to your account on arrival.
Please note: in the event of cancellation, an amount equivalent to 1 week of training will be forfeited without exception.