Training

We offer training to a limited number of horses. We concentrate primarily in trail training, but also perfecting them for the show ring as well.  We do everything from starting young horses under saddle to finishing the older horse and correcting existing problems. We do specialize in the gaited breeds, but will also accept non gaited breeds as well.

We encourage (but don't require) horses to be shod before coming here for training. We will train a barefoot horse, but in past experiences, it does limit the amount of riding time we can put on them. Our trails in this area are mountainous, steep, and rocky, and can be tough on the barefoot horse and make them gimpy on the rocks. Horses should also be up to date on shots and coggins, and in good health when they arrive. We reserve the right to decline any horse not presented in good health.

When your horse leaves our training program, it will be willingly crossing creeks, logs, and other trail obstacles. It will have been exposed to dogs, traffic, deer, and any other wildlife we may encounter while we're out in the mountains. The horse will have experience riding alone as well as in groups of other horses. The horse will be required to lead a group, ride in the middle, and follow behind.

We also work on setting the horses in a correct 4 beat gait without the use of special shoeing or artificial devices. We promote the sound, natural gaited horse.  All efforts will be made to get a horse gaiting properly and to have a desirable head set while in gait. We have a gentle touch with our horses, but at the same time, horses will be made to behave and not be pushy or disrespectful to the human's "space".

The cost for training is $550/month. This will include the training and board costs. Any vet or farrier expenses are additional. We make no guarantees on how long a horse will need to stay here as it varies between each individual horse, and how quickly they learn, and also what level the owner wants the horse to be at by the time it leaves here. We do limit our training to 2 horses here at a time, so that we can ensure each horse is getting the individual attention that it needs, and a good amount of daily riding time. This is not a situation where your horse will be worked with for 20 minutes a day, he/she will be going on 2 to 6 hour trail rides several times a week once it learns the basics of riding.

540-384-6272 - home

540-580-6292 - cell

Trailrackin@gmail.com