Nina's Training
I offer training in three different disciplines -- reining, barrel racing and western pleasure. Horses in for training are started on cattle no matter which discipline they are here for, as it improves their balance, confidence, flexibility, focus, and ability to listen to the rider.
Training for each discipline takes about one real month, or one Equinez year. During this time you will receive reports about your horse's progress from me, and after training is complete your horse's options for showing and winning money will be much broader.
If you'd like your horse trained in one of these events, email [email protected] with your name and email, your horse's name and a link to his page, and which discipline you'd like him to master.
REINING
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Reining is a western
event that was originally intended to test the athletic ability of a ranch
horse within a show ring. Many of the same elements that are central to
dressage are also important in reining, and credit is given for
smoothness, finesse, attitude, quickness and authority.
A reining horse is asked to complete a pattern that includes fast and slow circles, sliding stops, spins and lead changes. Some trainers employ harsh bits and other excessive training devices to force their horses into these maneuvers, but truly beautiful and successful reining is a result of pure athletic ability and communication between horse and rider. Quarter Horses are usually best suited to reining because of their heavily muscled hindquarters, but many breeds, including Paints, Arabians, and Appendix Quarter Horses, are currently showing and succeeding. Any breed is welcome for training. COST: $3,000 |
Barrel Racing
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Barrel racing is one of
the most athletic, exciting events that a horse can do. Not only does he
have to be lightning-fast, he must also possess the ability to stop, turn
hard, and accelerate again.
The barrel pattern consists of three barrels, which the horse must complete in a cloverleaf pattern (usually a right turn around the first barrel, then two left turns around the second and third). Knocking over a barrel results in a time penalty. World-class barrel times are currently plunging below fifteen seconds, so every step your horse takes counts. Barrel training includes a lot of simple, sweaty conditioning, because your horse must be fitted up to sprint and turn without injuring himself. Next, he must be introduced to the pattern and learn what he has to do with his feet on those tight turns. The rest is speed and finding where split-seconds can be shaved off of the pattern. Any breed is welcome for barrel training -- Quarter Horses, Paints, Arabians and especially off-the-track Thoroughbreds are well-suited for this awesome speed event. COST: $2,500 |
WESTERN PLEASURE
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If you're looking
for a showing option for you and your horse that is based on the simple
pleasure of riding and communicating with your horses, western pleasure is
a great option. It's based on the picture that you and your horse present
to the judge -- you should look like both of you are having a great time,
smooth, relaxed and happy.
This takes a lot more effort than you might think. A horse must be taught to slow his legs down and cut such a pretty picture. He must learn to collect himself and relax for the entire length of a class so that the beauty of his conformation and movement can be displayed. Quarter Horse and their type (Paints, Appaloosas, etc..) are the horses most often seen in the western pleasure arena, but there are more and more Arabians and Morgans showing as well. Any horse is welcome for training. COST: $2,500 |
