Horse and Hound School - Horse School

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Hound School

Horse School

My background with Horses

I am a British Horse Society registered trainer. I work freelance, and specialise in Dressage.

I regularly ride on clinics and have trained with some very eminent trainers including Stephen Clarke and Charles de Kunffy, who are both regular visitors to the Training the Teachers of Tomorrow Trust at Guildford in Surrey. Charles de Kunffy in particular has had a big influence on both my training techniques and my life with horses.

I have trained horses of many different types, and have helped many riders to achieve positive results. It is important that both horse and rider enjoy and learn from their training.

Tact, Empathy & Consistency

Horses need to be trained with tact, empathy and consistency. There is a lot of pressure these days to train horses really rapidly, and this does nothing but create future problems for both horse and rider. These problems are not always immediatly apparent but they can start to appear much later after the initial training.

Not only do riders often expect their horses to read their minds, and to learn quickly, but are often influenced by "fix it quick" methods, and this leads to the use of gadgets, and aversives in order to produce a trained horse.

Horses often do not have the musculature to tolerate being forced into an outline, and this results in pain stress and uneven gaits. This leaves horses prone to injury, and long term stress both mental and physical.

Horses deserve empathetic riders who ask them to work at a level they are ready for, and who enjoy the process of building and developing their horse both physically and mentally. This is just as important for older horses, as it is for young and immature horses.

Older Horses

Older horses are often overlooked too, but are eminently trainable. and have the mental capacity to take training in their stride, it is sad that they are often undervalued and overlooked.

Young Horses

Conversely young horses are often not ready to take a lot of intensive training due to growing bones, and vulnerable joints. They are usually more supple and free moving than older equines, but they must be given time to develop, and deserve to be taught correctly and with patience. It is not enough to know what you want the horse to become, you must have the knowledge of how to move towards your goal.

Correct techniques have to be learnt before you can get the most from your horse, and riders should acquire a balanced seat, and not rely on the reins and the bit to do the training.

Test Yourself!

Next time you ride test yourself with these exercises;

Can you turn your horse with only a tiny bit of pressure on the reins?
Can you canter circles without stirrups while the horse maintains an even rhythm, and without breaking into trot?

No? Then start to help your horse out, and develop a good aiding system, strength of seat and learn techniques, which will enable you to achieve your dreams and goals.

Training at Horse & Hound School

If you are interested in helping your horse to learn, and want to develop a correct balanced seat, then the techniques I use and my philosophy on training will suit you. Do not expect to be shouted at, or offered quick fixes, they are not available.

But if you want a supple knowledgeable horse who understands what is required because his rider is balanced, secure and a delight to work with then please contact me.

Discounts

Discount for prepayed block bookings for private lessons and discounts for Riding Clubs. Please contact Pennie for details.