Starting & Training

horse training

Guy has started, trained and worked with horses and students across the world, winning International colt-starting competitions, as well as riding and starting horses with some of the worlds greatest horsemen. Over a 20 year period he has developed, refined and continues to improve his GRH horse training program. The GRH program focuses on developing 3 key elements in each horse that he believes are vital in creating a confident and willing partner:

Confidence – Having a horse with high levels of confidence is an integral part of the GRH program. Guy wants his horses to be comfortable with what they are doing and with the environment in which they find themselves. Time is taken to ensure the each horses understanding of what is being asked of them and what is expected and they are confortable with each step of the process.

Body Control – Being able to direct and control your horses body and influence his energy levels are going to be what keeps us and our horses safe but ultimately ensure a high level of performance later on. No matter what the ultimate goal is for each horse ensuring that they have a good understanding of basic aids and that we have an ability to move and direct their bodies is going to be of the utmost importance.

Purpose – Horses learn best when we give purpose to their training. Whether it be working in our obstacle field, herding our cattle or utilizing cones and poles in the arena Guy makes sure that each horse is given a purpose to make their training relevant and ensure that the lessons they learn live with them throughout their lives.

Each starting program lasts an average of 6 to 8 weeks and will broadly follow the below format although each one will be unique to the individual horse and rider’s situation. Guy likes to work with the owners extensively to make sure that they are clear about the exercises, techniques and philosophies that make up their horses training and that they are happy moving forward with what they must do to ensure their horses continued development.

GRH Starting/foundation training program:

Foundation Groundwork –

Feet handling
Parking
Leading
Lunging/driving
Lateral flexion and head lowering
Backing
Preparation for saddle
Preparation for snaffle
Preparation for rider
Unwinding

Foundation Ridden

Developing forward
Riding in halter
Riding in snaffle
Riding at all 3 gaits
Obstacles
Point to Point
Circles
Transitions
Riding out of the arena.

We encourage you to make weekly visits where possible to view the progress of your horse, these will be pre-booked private training sessions with Guy which are included within the training fee. We understand that you may not be able to make it and we will do our best to keep in regular contact with progress updates via phone, text, videos or email.

handover

For us the handover is a very important part of our training service, in the last week we offer you the opportunity to come work with Guy and your horse before embarking on your journey together. We also offer regular support lessons to clients who have had their horses in training helping you to continue to educate your horse.