This  class is for those of you that want a steadier horse on the trail, in parades, or in public.  We are assuming that your horse has a basic amount of training and that you and your horse has some saddle time behind you.

First we practice lateral neck flexion and one-rein stops.  Then we will do a split group criss-crossing manuver at a walk and trot to get the horses used to each other as well as listen to you and not be affected as much by the other horses' emotions.

 It would be best if you are using a snaffle (curbless) bit and sport (rope loop) reins on your horse for these exercises, as normally, obstacle training exersises require direct reining.  We only recomend a curb bit in this class if your horse neck reins perfectly under stressfull situations.  The mouth piece of your snaffle bit can be of any type; broken, double jointed, solid, ported, straight, or mullen. The snaffle rings can be round, Dee ring, egg-butt, or full-cheek.  It just can't have leverage, as a curb bit does.

Next we will show you how to properly introduce your horse to scary objects.  How to build his confidence.  Reward his bravery.  How to keep him under control when he does spook. How to "Flow with the Life of Your Horse".  He needs to know that, at times, you are willing leave with him, so that he does not decide to leave without you.  And we will show you how to turn their leaving into turning and staying.

You will show him that you do recognize danger, and to trust your judgment in the matter. You want him to know that you will not ask him to do something that will harm him. 

You will be working your horse from the ground as well as in the saddle. We will take what time it takes and do whatever it takes to give your horse the best chance to overcome the obstacles it has issues with. We do not guarantee that every horse will complete each obstacle, but will give it our best shot to make it happen.

Obstacles may include: fans, plastic bags, tarps on the ground, hanging tarp strips, plywood, tires, flashing lights, loud music & sounds, solid stepped platform, platform on springs, umbrellas, balloons, mattress, small bridge, flag, raincoat, mailboxes, inflatable animals, pop cans & bottles, stuffed toy animals, windsock decoys, wind mill, baby stroller, equine teeter-totter, moving auto, motorcycle,bicycles, horns, small toy balls, large toy balls, gates, picnic tables, foam noodles, logs, ropes, hoses, tires, traffic cones, water crossing, water sprinkler, air compressor, lawnmower engine, gunfire, etc. 

We recomend that you bring a rope halter(not a flat halter) with 12' lead rope, as well as your bridle (snaffle bit & sport reins prefered), and a saddle with good cinches and latigos.