TRAINING AND PHILOSOPHY

Understanding that I began as a total novice may help those of you who have owned and perhaps trained horses, envision how we came to the place we are at in our training and philosophy.

I think my first impression of what I would find appealing in a horse came from the movie Ben Hur. When the Sheik opened the curtain to reveal the team of horses he desired Ben Hur to drive, was an image I would pull from my memory when I chose this breed. In this scene the entire team of eight horses come forward quietly, tentatively, shoulder to shoulder, calm but anxious to see their master the Sheik and greet the tall stranger Ben Hur.

I first met the Rocky Mountain Horse at a Horse Fair. My stallion was exhibiting for the breed on Stallion Row. For me when I entered the room and saw Sundowner there was no turning back. I was immediately enthralled.

First of all I had always been afraid of horses somewhat. As a child I had done the weekends with Dad being dropped off at the livery for a boring ride into the woods and a hair raising ride back to the barn with a horse that was likely not to listen to an experienced rider let alone a novice.

Like many others whenever I reached to pet the head of a horse their reaction was less than inviting. They would jerk their head back violently (I have since learned this behavior is related to their field of vision and their instinctual defensive behavior). This was a behavior I was never to see in my horses. In fact I have never seen it in the breed.

All of my experience with Rocky Mountain horses as a breed has proven that the written standard of their temperament lends itself to natural horsemanship. I have always enjoyed training dogs and birds (hell I even train my fish and hermit crabs). If I am going to clean up after and feed an animal I figure the least they can do is be engaging.

Whenever I have trained other animals the key was to get them to want the behavior you were asking for. With the horses we have used natural horsemanship, horse whisperer techniques if you will, to teach them what behaviors we are looking for rather than train them to behave the way we want.

The result is a real relationship in the end and during the process, a partnership where the horse joins in willingly, and further, develops a desire to be with you and other humans because they enjoy relating to people.

As in any “market” at some point you find your niche. Mine is to create a companion horse that willingly relates to you and your family and friends. A trust worthy mount that will take care of any level rider, from the smallest child to an elderly rider with a bad back and everything in between. We teach our horses to enjoy all aspects of riding including the show ring, parades, trail, quiet walks in hand, or a trip to McDonald's drive up.

The breed is incredibly versatile. As a gaited breed they are capable of trotting (although it escapes me why anyone would want to given a choice). They can also canter, trail walk, gallop, and single foot (which is their smooth glider gait) without getting too technical at this point about gaits, I mean to say that the possibilities for versatility are endless.

To put it in more of a picture frame Rockies can go down the road, into town, to McDonalds, tie and wait at the store, pull a carriage, take you bareback into the lake for a swim, through the river and over the woods (jumping all the way), and endurance race. After all of that they clean up and become dynamic show horses and entertaining companions.

Birth

From the moment a mare conceives we talk to the baby as it grows in her womb. This may seem eccentric however we find it to be a helpful tool at birth both for mother and foal. You have to be pretty close to a mare to have a foal hear you talk through her belly. We see how the foal recognizes our voice as soon as it hits the ground. They are drawn to us when we speak. This is the first step in imprinting the baby. After a period of time with Mom, eating and bonding, we ask the foal to lay with us while we run our hands all over their little bodies.

Conditioning for care

This process is repeated throughout their life, less as they mature. It is an essential tool in the partnership if you are going to have the full attention and cooperation of your horse. This bond sets up a scenario for success with every event that requires that you touch the horse. Grooming, tacking, leading, examining, and affection all require that the horse be comfortable with your touch, wherever it may be. Inside the ear to the bottom of their feet, care of a horse requires hands on all over.

Natural Horsemanship and Rockies

The explicit nature of this breed as calm, trusting, intelligent, and willing makes it a perfect candidate for natural horsemanship. Even the most difficult breeds or individuals can be brought to a healthy relationship with humans with these quiet methods. Rocky Mountain horses are neither difficult as a breed or as individuals which puts you ahead of the game with or without natural horsemanship.

Our Mission our daily routine

We have made it our purpose and mission to hand raise a small heard each year. We end up with 7 to12 horses under the tutelage of three groomsmen and trainers that have hands on every horse every day. Their routine includes time together in the stall sharing space and receiving affection. Hands on grooming, walking together, ground work for manners and learning how to be civilized with human company is an imperative part of every session. Turnouts so that they have time as a heard to just be horses. Under saddle trail time and show training are started at the age of two and due to the nature of Rockies, is totally complete at the age of three or four.

The payoff

Their acumen on the ground and in the saddle is equal to a (dead broke horse) by age three. Feline, our first filly born here at the ranch became the international champion under saddle in her age division by three. This is one of the most difficult competitive classes for our horses.

Each one of our horses is trained to ride Park or Western. Most importantly they are trained to go down the trail or road with collected spirit, grace and sure footedness, always thinking about what you want and how to take care of you. You could say that they are stoic in nature given that they don't spook at noise or movement. They are alert, but when confronted with something new they are bold and curious even though they are careful.

The Result

The result is a horse that you can bring into your home as we do, down the road or street as we do, share with friends and family of all ages and experience either on the ground or in the saddle as we do. Hang together, lie together, sit together, swim together (hopefully only when you want to) as we do.

You will find that their patient, kind, willing nature has been naturally enhanced by every experience they have had since birth here at the ranch. We are looking for homes with owners who cherish this willingness, trust the intelligence and forgiveness of this breed and are ready for the adventure of a lifetime.

“ You can't own one…you collect em'.” Easy keepin'. Easy gliden'. Trail Pleasure.