our unique approach to training can help make your equestrian dreams come true!
FoundationStarting 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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To learn more about each of these offerings, read on!
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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FoundationYou 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. |
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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.
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! |
Don't let the dark glasses fool you, Dana is crying as she prepares this horse to go home.
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Performance
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.
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RefreshWe've all heard the saying that, "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. 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 in the the swing of things will prevent bad behavior, stop undesirable habits from forming before they start, and will reduce the risk of injury. A refresh will also help get a horse that is no longer a fit for you get ready to put their best hoof forward as they search for their next home.
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