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| We have over
20 years experience of backing young horses and ponies.
We strongly believe that long-reining is a vital part of
educating the young horse (or even the older horse in
need of schooling) and that it produces a confident,
well balanced horse, both mentally and physically. |
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| Bearing in
mind that each horse is an individual and they all learn
and cope with information at different speeds, the
average time taken to back a horse (we're talking from
nothing to walk, trot and canter under saddle
confidently) is six weeks. Your horse can then return
home for a break or stay for further education. |
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As you
can see, as well as our outdoor school we have a sand
arena which is excellent for youngsters' first
lessons!
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| In an ideal
world we would like to take youngsters at 2/3 years of
age, depending on maturity, for a few weeks basic
education so that they learn that work is fun and they
look forward to learning and the rewards it
brings. This really does help when it's time for
them to be backed and to start learning all about the
partnership between them and their rider.
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Teaching a
young horse (or an older horse in need of retraining) to
jump is something we specialise in. They're bound to
not be perfect at first but given some time, the correct
schooling with a good understanding rider and plenty of
gridwork, most horses soon start to understand what is
being asked of them, to gain confidence and to start
having fun!
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| As part of our
backing process we like a young horse to be confident
hacking out alone or in company and in all paces. We're very lucky as we have lots of excellent hacking
close by, so this part of the backing process is always
very enjoyable! |
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We will take
them out on fun rides, if the owner wishes, in order for them
to gain confidence and to get used to being ridden in more exciting
situations! We'll also take them to a competition,
if the owner would like that too.
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Here we have Billie and Bumble.
Not only are they great guard dogs but they're invaluable aids
when it comes to getting young horses used to dogs as they're
always ready to make new equine friends! Just having these
two bustling about the place helps horses to relax around dogs,
which is always a good thing!
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We
believe in getting the owners involved in the various
steps making up the backing process so that they develop
an understanding and partnership with their horse which
can continue when they return home. So far from
excluding you from this important stage of your horse's
life, we actively encourage your participation.
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