Starting a horse at EQHC

Here at EQHC we start horses using natural horsemanship methods. We like to spend time getting the horse comfortable in basic ground work before riding. Our horses are started bitless with western saddles. We like to at least do 4 weeks with your horse and then spend at least 3 consecutive sessions with you. After that we do an assessment of horse and owner together and talk about further steps. What comes after that depends on you and your horse.

Work we cover
Ground work:
  • Leading your horse
  • Leading it off another horse
  • Leading by
  • Leading next to you
  • Handling and rubbing your horse all over
  • Picking up its hooves
  • Sending the front end, sending it around (over/under/between objects), rolling the hind end
  • Working it with a plastic bag and rope work
  • Saddling (saddle blanket and saddle)
  • Liberty in all three gates
  • Drawing forward and backing up
  • Float loading
  • Putting into foot bath
Under saddle:
  • First to third rides (walk, trot, canter) in round pen 
  • At least three transitions within each gate
Horse assessment:
  • Either more ground work or riding out
  • Riding out over hills, farms, beaches with other horses
Handing over to owner:
  • Ground work
  • First rides
  • Ride out

Pricing

Horse Starting
$300 per week 
​(+ grazing and hard feed)

Your horse should stay at our livery for at least 2 weeks before we can start. That way it can improve its fitness to a level where we can have promising sessions.

Contact us

​We have limited spots for starting horses. If you are interested, please contact us.