DE FRATES HORSEMANSHIP

Training

Customized Training from Ground Work to Grand Champion, and EVERYTHING in between!
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our unique approach to training can help make your equestrian dreams come true!

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Foundation

Starting horses is our favorite!
​We teach all horses what to expect from a rider on the ground FIRST making the transition to saddle work less stressful for horse and rider alike!
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Performance

If you are looking to take your mounts already solid skills to the next level, our vast experience in a variety of disciplines means we can get your horse where you want them to be.
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REfresh

If your horse has been enjoying an extended break and you are ready to get back in the saddle, a little refresher is usually all that's needed to get your partner back into action. 
To learn more about each of these offerings, read on!
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We believe that one size definitely does not  fit all, especially when learning is involved. Our training program starts with a thorough evaluation of the horse: what they know, how they learn, what pieces of the puzzle might be missing, and builds from there. This thorough approach increases the horses confidence, thereby increasing confidence in the rider as well!
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​Foundation

You may be used to using the term "Colt Starting" but at De Frates Horsemanship, we will 'start' your horse regardless of their gender because we believe that every horse has the right to great foundation ;) 

We build solid foundations though dedication, lots of patience, and our very own combination of traditional Pressure-Release, Conditioned Response methods, paired with Positive Reinforcement techniques typically reserved only for trick training. We have found this combination to be the most effective way to train, while still being fair and safe for both horse and rider.
​A safe start means less stress and better results! Rest assured, you won't find any gimmicks or ruff stuff here. 
The best time to start a young horse is an age old debate. We strive to find a balance in all things, so to balance the needs of your youngsters growing body with the needs of their curious mind, which gives them the best chance at a long and successful career, we find it best to start training between 2-4 years of age. A slow and gentle start at this age is safe for their growing bodies and builds a strong work ethic. All of our Foundation packages are a minimum of 90 days and we work at your horses pace to ensure they are comfortable and confident in the stills they are learning. That does mean that we can't predict how far we will get with your horse in a given timeframe, but horses started with us get a no holes, low stress start and tend to develop a much stronger desire to be ridden! Graduates of our Foundation Program will have solid gaits, know their leads, will stop, backup, turn on the forehand and haunches, open gates, have been out on the trail with other horses, and are confident with smaller obstacles. Our starting packages also include lessons so you can be a part of your horse's progress from ground driving to saddle time. 
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We treat your horse as if they were one of our own, and our horses are our children, so have no fear about the quality of care your horse will receive with us, and don't be surprised if Dana cries when your horse goes home! 
​Contact us to get 'started'
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Don't let the dark glasses fool you, Dana is crying as she prepares this horse to go home.

Performance

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No matter what discipline you enjoy, we can help your horse advance their skills to get you to the next level. Side passing to sorting, jumping or spins, we have decades of experience in a variety of equestrian sports that allows us to diagnose the critical elements your horse needs to develop so you both can reach your performance goals.
Does your horse need to Level Up?
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Refresh

We've all heard the saying, "practice makes perfect," and that saying goes double for horses. ​Sometimes events beyond our control prevent us from helping our horses 'practice' as much as they need to keep their skills sharp and their bodies in peak performance. Injuries (theirs or ours), travel, work, or just regular life, get in the way of us being able to regularly exercise our equine partners, and when too much time off happens, having expert help to get your horse back on track will prevent bad behavior, stop undesirable habits from forming before they start, and can reduce the risk of injury. Refresh Training focuses on your horse health and fitness while also sharpening up some basic skills. Refresh Training can also be used to prepare a horse that is no longer a fit for you for their next home. If your horse is already displaying bad behavior, such has rearing, kicking, bucking, bolting etc., please check out our Relationship Rescue Program. 
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Ready to Refresh?
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Learn about our Relationship Rescue Program!

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Proudly Located in Gilroy, California


Call|Text

408-548-PONY (7669)

Email

defrateshorsemanship@gmail.com

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Copyright 2023 De Frates Horsemanship, LLC.
  • Home
  • About
    • Our Philosophy
    • The Facility
    • The Obstacle Park
    • Testimonials
  • Services
    • Training
    • Clinics, Lessons & Skill Labs >
      • Confidence Clinics
      • Horsemanship Clinics
      • Obstacle Clinics
      • Skill Labs
    • Equine Experiences
    • Match Making
    • Relationship Rescue
    • Equine Assisted Learning (EAL)
  • Schedule
    • Clinics
    • Skill Labs
  • For Sale
  • Contact
  • Blog