Colt Starting Philosophy
At Tashanor Park we offer your horse a solid foundation of trust, confidence and understanding that will enable him or her to excel in any chosen equestrian field. We work by the classical principles of horsemanship, setting up your horse with the basic building blocks needed for correct self carriage, engagement and balance. We start horses kindly and with patience but also insist on obedience and acceptance of the riders aids to create a positive and yielding attitude to the whole process.
A Solid Foundation
In our opinion one of the most important stages of your horses education is the beginning or ‘start’ of its future as a ridden horse. If there is mechanical force, pain or confusion during this stage of training the negative effects physically and emotionally will stay with the horse, because at this crucial time the horses attitude towards being ridden is being formed and a poor or bad start will often create resistance and behavioural problems that are difficult to then overcome. A good start is the key to a great horse! We take this very seriously and commit ourselves100% to making this time in the horses life a good deal for them.
Taking the Time
As colt starters we take seriously the responsibility of putting in place a solid foundation which gives the best chance for a happy and stress free riding career for each horse we work with. We do not believe in sacrificing the quality of the start for speed, cash or the entertainment of an audience. We do not believe in treating the horses as machines, we never want them to lose their ‘try’ or ‘heart’ by being forced to do something without understanding. But in saying this we also believe in ‘training’ them, not fluffing around and wasting clients dollars, consistent patterns and strong leadership that creates security and trust and especially understanding is what horses need to learn and to perform and that is how the Balance program works.
We take the time to break down any defensiveness or fear in the horses on the ground before we begin actually riding them, everything is made easier for the horse if he feels good about what is happening and ground preparation is a vital key to this. The horse must learn to yield to pressure in a positive way and must also understand that they can cope with ’scary’ things. We deliberately face the horses with all kinds of situations not hiding them from pressure but teaching them how to stay cool and keep thinking their way through not just reacting.
This makes for a reliable and calm and respectful equine friend.
Every Horse is Unique
We work with each horse according to their individual nature and characteristics and most especially their abilities, not forcing them to work at a level which they physically may not be ready for or built for, this is how many young horses end up breaking down, burning out and suffering physical problems. The majority of the horses we start under saddle have there first official ride in our big outdoor arena without any problems due to the thorough setup and preparation we have put in to them.
We are very pleased with our finished horses and the positive feedback we receive from their riders.
COLT STARTING RATES
$300 per week, min 4 weeks (quality hay and plenty of it, fed twice daily, is included). Owner provides hard feed if needed.
After a horse has completed a full start program with us they are welcome back for a refresher or further training for the rate of $150 per week for any length of time required.
Accommodation-Private post and rail paddocks with electric fences (stabling at night if requested)
All young horses (minimum age 2yrs) are assessed as to there suitability for starting under saddle, before being taken on.
We have several options for our clients.
If you are looking to compete in a certain discipline, we can tailor your horses start to set up for that discipline.
We specialize in Western Performance.
Colt Starting is the first step.. Ongoing educating is the next, if you feel you want your horse to continue his education for a longer period of time we offer 8 week and 3mth programs, with very good rates, this is an investment for you and your horse as the more professional and consistent education he/her gets the more valuable they become and this is a great alternative to buying an already ‘educated’ horse that may not be educated exactly the way you require and will be far more expensive to purchase.
Please feel free to discuss with us your needs.
