|
Our Training and Showing
program is quite varied at Sonshine Acres!
We specialize in training and creating tomorrows horses and todays
youth. We feel that the future of horse appreciation, and
horsemanship is in the hearts of the youth. A good first experience
with horses is a must. We emphasize care and knowledge of horses
from the beginning. Safety is a must.
With this in mind, we start working the foals at birth with
imprinting, and interaction. We expose them to a wide variety of
things, which minimizes the "future spook". They are halter broke
and broke to lead from the beginning. They are trailer broke with
their mothers at their side. It becomes "normal". They are gently
interacted with to naturally find their place in the human
relationship. At approximately 5 months old, they are weaned, and
begin their ground work. This is done on a daily basis, a little at
a time. You do not want to push to quickly, yet you can not afford
to let them slide either. There is a fine line. Some colts begin to
compete in lounge line when they are yearlings.
We do not believe in breaking a horse to saddle before 2 years of
age. You can do everything up to the mounting, but we feel that a
horse does need to be a baby, before it grows up to go to work for
its human. We desensitize, work on ground work and movement, as well
as saddle break when the time is appropriate. The colts will know
how to move their front end, their back end, reining cues, and to
give to pressure. They will respect your personal space. They will
trailer, bathe, tie, and square up. These babies are ready for the
next step as they turn two. We have yet to have a horse buck at the
first ride. That is not to say one won't. We have definitely learned
to never say never in the world of horses.
When they are two, you work on the ground work in the saddle, and
get to know the personal likes and dislikes of certain disciplines
for competition and shows. Usually horses show an aptitude early for
certain disciplines. We begin emphasizing what they seem geared for,
and what the owners have in mind to compete in. We will look into
where the shows are for competition, and assist you in any way
possible. We want you to achieve your maximum potential with your
horse.
This is Charlie, a chocolate colored
Mediterranean miniature donkey. He is 3 years old, and a great
favorite with young and old. He is also the main member of the
welcoming committee when visitors arrive at Sonshine Acres.
The Rick Wheat Noavel Headstall
Designed by World
Class Professional Horse Trainer Rick Wheat
 
Got Time To Rock is wearing the training tool
that will be demonstrated.
Jeff Reynolds, a certified Noavel Clinician, demonstrated.
Questions? Contact Jeff @ 970-737-2294/534-0170
I
have seen a demo on the loading aspect, and was amazed at the
minimal time it took, and that the colt kept the knowledge and
applied it. Jeff used the Noavel on a yearling mule loading for the
first time, as well as teaching a 9 mo. old Limousin bull to lead.
Works on
Equine Behavior Problems:
Biting ~ Kicking ~ Rearing ~ Runaways ~ Barn Soured ~ Hard-to-Catch
Problems
Shoeing ~ Trailer Loading ~ Head Shyness ~ Clipping
|
