If your horse isn't working for you, you should be working with us!
As soon as a foal hits the ground, training begins with daily handling, picking up feet, leading and manners. Though there isn't a lot to do at this young age, consistent and kind handling builds trust.

In an ideal world the next step of training begins at age 2, with bitting and wearing tack. It is important to have the wolf teeth removed before bitting as the teeth interfere with the bit and cause discomfort.
At age 2 1/2 - 3 we begin longlining. The horse learns to go forward in tack, voice commands and changes of direction, and steering. Depending on their age, we begin canter work in lines. In addition we longline outside, in and out of the ring, getting the horse used to working with more distraction. Once proficient, we start putting weight in the stirrups, and bouncing up and down, eventually swinging our leg over and sitting.
A horse needs time to learn; these first few baby steps are crucial for building trust. Going slower in the beginning will pay off in the end.
It's a team effort starting a young horse. Once bearing weight, the horse is kept on a longe line while learning to walk and trot undersaddle.
You wouldn't drive a car without steering or brakes!
Once comfortable at the walk and trot on the line, we then go off the line and work on improving steering and stopping skills. Upon graduation from this level, we begin canter work undersaddle, again working on steering and changing direction, leads and transitions.
How long does this take?  It all depends on the horse, how nervous or relaxed, and what the owner can comfortably deal with once the horse goes home.

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