Starting Horses Under Saddle

My approach

For me, a start is not a “get on and get it done” job.

It’s an education that I take very serious because I understand the gravity of this process.

I focus on:

• pressure and release as a language (clear cues + clean release)
• nervous system awareness (thresholds, recovery tools, regulation): Moving at the horses speed, not our timeline!
• progressive exposure (small steps that build confidence, not shutdown)
• calm, clear and fair boundaries (leadership as guidance, not obedience)

I want your horse to choose the right answer because they understand it, not because they’ve learned to endure pressure.

Pricing

Training: $395/week
Agistment: $55/week
Total: $450/week

Training usually includes 4–6 sessions/week, depending on what the horse needs and how they learn best.

Not included:

• extra feed/hay/supplements if needed
• farrier, vet, dentist, bodywork, medications
• (emergency) transport

What you’ll receive

• regular progress updates (plain-English, not jargon)
• video snippets when useful (conditions permitting)
• clear milestones and next steps
• a realistic recommendation if your horse needs more time
• a handover plan so you don’t lose the progress when your horse comes home

Limited spots

Training spaces are very limited. I keep my program intentionally small so each horse gets the time, attention, and quality of work they need.

If you’re interested, reach out early so we can discuss availability.

FAQs

What’s the minimum age you take horses for training?

I will take horses from 2 years old, but a 2yo start is foundation-focused, not “ride mileage.”
At that age I prioritise handling, confidence, body awareness, and learning the language of pressure and release.

For ridden work, I generally prefer horses to be 3–4 years old (depending on breed, build, and development). I’ll always assess the individual horse’s emotional and physical readiness and we can discuss what’s appropriate.

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Do you restart horses (e.g. ex-racehorses/OTTBs)?

Yes. I work with:

• ex-racehorses / OTTBs
• horses returning after time off
• horses that had a rushed or rough start and need rebuilding
• horses with difficult behaviours under saddle (bolting, bucking, rearing)

Restarting is always individual, so reach out and tell me your horse’s history and what’s happening now.

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Do you take older or “unhandled” horses?

Yes, as long as it’s a safe fit for the horse and the setup.
Older or under-handled horses often take longer in the early phase because we’re building the basics from zero (catching, handling, feet, boundaries, and trust). The more handling a horse already has, the faster the process usually moves.

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What does “started” mean in your program?

A started horse is not “finished.” It means your horse has:

• foundational handling and boundaries
• a clear understanding of pressure and release
• growing confidence with tack and a rider
• finding rhythm and relaxation in movement
• the ability to stay connected and downshift when unsure
• following guidance and accepting leadership on the ground and under saddle
• a solid foundation you (or your rider) can safely continue

I’ll give you a clear handover plan so you know what to do next.

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Will my horse be able to canter by the end?

Sometimes, but it’s not guaranteed, and it’s not my primary KPI.

Canter depends on the horse’s:

• balance and strength
• confidence and regulation
• softness and understanding under saddle

Within a 60–90 day start, my focus is on a solid walk/trot foundation and calm, repeatable communication. If canter is appropriate for the horse, we’ll introduce it. If not, we won’t rush it.

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What if my horse needs more time than planned?

I’ll tell you honestly. Some horses move quickly, others need more consolidation.
If I recommend an extension, it’s because I believe it will create a safer, more confident outcome, not because I’m trying to drag the process out.

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Can I come and watch sessions?

Yes, by arrangement. Watching can be helpful, especially near handover time.
I pride myself on integrity and transparency and encourage horse owners to learn alongside their horse and be part of the process.

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Do you offer owner lessons / a handover at the end?

Yes! and I highly recommend it.
A start holds up best when the owner (or regular rider) learns the same cues, boundaries, and reset tools the horse has been taught. Depending on the horse and timing, we can organise a handover session where you watch, ask questions, and practice the foundations so you feel confident continuing the program at home.

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What should my horse know before coming to you?

It’s okay if they know very little. If possible, it helps if they can be caught/halter, led and have basic handling, but it’s not required. We can build from where they’re at.

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Do you use treats / positive reinforcement?

Sometimes, yes, but it depends on the horse.
My training is based on clear pressure-and-release with good timing, and I’ll use scratches, voice encouragement, rest, and (for some horses) occasionally food rewards to build confidence and create positive associations. I don’t rely on treats as the main training method, and I won’t use food in a way that creates pushiness or boundary issues.

I believe in connection-based training, not mechanically shaping behaviour via operant conditioning (positive or negative reinforcement/punishment).