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DSA Training Methods
We dedicate an incredible amount of time here at DSA on training our horses. We pride ourselves in how easy our horses are to handle, the respect they show for us and how quickly they adapt to stimulating circumstances.
Our methods are all based on Natural Horsemanship practices. Noell has studied extensively the methods of the great Natural Horsemanship trainers of this age. John Lyons, Monty Roberts, Chris Cox, and Clinton Anderson are all major influences of the training that takes place at DSA. We work very hard to adapt the proper program to each horse based on their particular personality, past handling (or lack of), sensitivity, etc. We are constantly watching the training industry for new methods and techniques that may make our job a little easier, however there is no substitute for consistent hard work and time when it comes to training our horses.
We handle our foals from birth, imprinting them to human hands, picking up all four feet, catching, haltering and leading, trailer loading and hauling, tying, and desensitizing them to scary objects. Our babies are handled by the whole family and exposed to all kinds of noises, like tractors, dogs, tarps, plastic bags, etc. They are taught to flex laterally from the ground, learn how to lunge, give to pressure, carry a lightweight saddle, all within their first year (if they are with us for that long). We also teach them to cross obstacles, walk through water, and cross bridges.
Many of our horses have come from other places, so not knowing for sure what level of training has or has not been done with the horse, we begin our program within the first couple of days of arriving at DSA. Our adult horses all start in the round pen. We spend a lot of time on our groundwork first. Many of the exercises that we put our babies through, we also ask of our adult horses. We feel that if the horse is not comfortable with an exercise on the ground, then they won't be comfortable with anything we ask of them under saddle. Our belief is that a solid foundation of groundwork makes for a solid minded and safer horse.
Once we have begun saddle training, we spend about the first month of work doing various bending and circle patterns in the arena. We teach our horses to walk, trot, canter, stop on "WHOA" command, and back up. We like to work on roll-backs, forehand and haunch turns, and lots of Lateral flexing. Then we like to move out to the trails for at least another month. The more we can expose our horses to outside influence and trail obstacles, the more sure footed and confident they become. A third month of more refined arena work and combined trail work and then they are ready physically AND mentally for anything more advanced that someone should ask of them.
The end result is a horse that is soft through the face and body, yields to pressure, responsive, desensitized, thinking, confident and fit. We are always asking our horses to do something, therefore keeping them thinking and guessing what we may want next. It prevents boredom for them and allows us constantly to continue to teach them new things.
Training Opportunities Available
DSA offers a limited number of training opportunities to outside clients. We are a small facility and our training is very thorough so we base our service on quality of training not quantity of clients.
All training takes place at the DSA ranch, local nearby trails, or local arenas and horses must be boarded here for the duration of the training. Our goal is to build a solid foundation of groundwork to basics under saddle in preparation for the horse to move on to more specialized discipline related training. We specialize in starting youngsters all the way to tune-ups on older broke stock. Whatever your particular needs, we are happy to meet them.
We have very reasonable rates for services by private contract. Please contact us if you would like to know more about our training program.