Lessons/Instruction
Highgrove Farm offers English and
Western riding instruction to riders of all ages and
experience levels. The first lesson
includes a riding evaluation by which the instructor evaluates your current riding level and
discusses your riding goals. Whether you are new to horses or have been riding
for years our instruction programs are tailored for your specific needs and
goals. Riders have the option of having lessons on their own horse or one of
Highgrove Farms.
Training
From starting a young colt to fine-tuning
a seasoned horse we believe in a progressive, resistance-free training method
which develops a lasting trust between horse and rider.
Horses can be hauled in for training
sessions or may stay resident at the Farm for the duration of the
training. Also, training is not just about the horse, but about the rider
as well. Riders are encouraged to participant in the training sessions as
it will help reinforce the lessons learned once they leave the Farm.
Training
that delivers results and establishes a strong foundation is only obtained
through solid communication and trust. We have found that in many 
cases an untouched colt or mustang may be actually easier to train
because we are dealing with a clean slate. They don't have any
previous negative training experiences in their mind. The canvas is
clean, their minds are free and open. And in most cases, with these colts,
one is able to make better progress and sooner than a previously started
horse.
We
approach every horse that comes in for training as if they were an
un-started colt, no matter what age. We look for gaps in the
foundation so we can begin to understand where this horse is from both a
training and mental/mind perspective. A horse speaks to us through their
own language and if we know how to listen (truly communicate) we can begin
to understand their fears, strengths, weaknesses, etc... and understand
the differences between them. Understanding when the horses is
fearful vs. being stubborn, nervous vs. inquisitive. Understanding their
language is key. Misunderstanding what they are communicating to you could
have an adverse effect. Training a fearful horse is different than a
stubborn horse and knowing the difference and adjusting your techniques is
crucial.
After
the gaps in the foundation have been discovered we will then work to fill
those gaps. Once the foundation is established/re-established we
then start working on training for the particular purpose or discipline as
defined in your end goal. Are you looking to compete in
Hunter/Jumper? Dressage? Eventing? Cow work? Reining?
Extreme Cowboy Racing? Versatility competitions? Trail riding? It happens often that horses train for a particular discipline, lack the
foundation, and when taken out of that discipline cannot cope. Do
you have this problem?
Remember,
every interaction with your horse is a training experience in the mind of
a horse. Be a responsible leader for your horse and offer them the right
approach to training...built on solid communication and trust.
Call Steve to ask questions on his training techniques,
instruction programs or for clinic information. Develop that ultimate
relationship with your horse.
