Are you accepting new customers?

     Unfortunately not.  Travel expenses and insurance have become prohibitively expensive.  I thank all my former customers.  I will always remember the fun and enjoyment of sharing the times of discovering the world of the horse with them.

What's it Cost?

    My base fee is $40 per hour.  Longer distances require a higher per hour charge.  Please call for further details.

     To a large degree, I treat all horses the same.  Each one goes through a relatively short ground work program.  Usually, the 1st session is consists of me getting to know you and your horse.  I teach the fundamentals of Natural Horsemanship groundwork during the 1st session.  This is the time for you to evaluate my methods and decide if this is the kind of training you are comfortable with.  Depending on the horse, I usually progress to riding the horse during the 3rd session.  Some horses take less time, some more.

I don't have a round pen, can you still work at my facility?

     Round pens are nice tools to have, but if you don't have one I just need a relatively flat area to do groundwork and riding.  Some kind of enclosure (corral or arena) with good footing is optimal for training, but I can make due with a pasture.

How often do you conduct training?

     Most clients have me come once per week.  The most important owner responsibility is to work with the horse as often as possible between sessions.  It works best if you are able to repeat the lessons I've taught to you and your horse 3 or 4 times prior to the next session.  This really allows for rapid progression.

How long does it take to see a change in my horse?

     You should see a significant difference in your horse after one session.

My horse doesn't have a real problem, I'm just kind of new (or getting back into horses).  Can you help?

     Sure.  I work with new owners all the time.  In order to have fun with horses you need to feel safe and in control.  Horses love leaders and they can learn to be respectful and (dare I say it) polite.  I want you to know how to control your horse in any situation.

My horse bucks or bolts.  She's dangerous to ride.  Can you help?

     I work with a lot of horses with "issues."  Most of the time it comes down to a fear issue or a respect issue, sometimes both combined.  The majority of the time I can turn around a problem horse.  It takes a lot of owner involvement and hands on training.  Make sure you are prepared for the time commitment.

Am I certified?

     I have made a conscious decision not to seek certification.  By not seeking certification, I am free to choose the best training techniques from the various national Natural Horsemanship instructors and combine them into my own unique instructional style.  My trademark is the rapid pace of improvement of my clients' horses.  I can make a significant improvement in your horses demeanor in one session.  The reason I can do this is that horses have incredible learning abilities...they just need to be communicated with in their own language.  Earning an equine's respect and acceptance (and teaching their human partners to do the same) continues to be my life's goal.

Do you Start Horses?

    Typically I do not.  A more cost effective way to start a horse is to find a facility that can take your horse in full time for several weeks in order to start him or her.  Even with my help, starting horses can be a pretty difficult task if the owner hasn't done it before.  If you feel you have the dedication, I can help you start him/her only if your facility has a suitable enclosure such as a quality round pen.   This is a safety consideration for both your horse and the rider.  

Your pictures show you in a western saddle.  I ride English.  Will your techniques work with my horse.

     In my humble opinion, well ridden Western and well ridden English are very very similar.  My wife has competed in Dressage with both our horses.  I have many hours of riding in an English saddle.  Both styles benefit from a horse that is very soft and willing and understands how to give to pressure.