Horse Training Timeframes

Larry Trocha wrote an interesting article the other day on horse training time frames. Article can be found here.
I think he brought up some great points:

• "HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?
  Well, that depends on a number of factors.
  The horse's previous training (or lack of it) will play a part in how quickly the horse will advance.
  If the horse has a bunch of pre-existing problems or nasty habits, those will need to be worked out as we proceed with the training.
  Horses also greatly vary in how "trainable" they are.
  Some are easy to train… some are pretty tough.
  As a rule of thumb… on the average riding horse… it takes approximately three months to put a good handle on him.Now… by "good handle", I mean the horse will stop decent and rollback, do a good turn on his hocks, maybe even spin a little, pick up the correct leads and back-up straight.
  He'll also do a controlled walk, trot and lope and do it with a LIGHT MOUTH and GOOD HEAD POSITION.
  Be aware, with three months of training, the horse will be working pretty darn good and he'll have a good foundation on him but he sure won't be solid or ready to compete in a reining class.
  To have a horse ready for competition, usually takes 12 months or more.
  If the horse is a "natural", it may not take quite as long."

I would add another factor to Larry's list: 'If the horse has little to no handling or ground manners - those will have to be taught as the training progresses. "

Can't work on saddling or longeing very well if the horse doesn't know how to tie. (In another article I will give you a list of tips that I give to all customers who are thinking of bringing their horses in for training.)

Larry's article also has a great section entitled "Horse Training Isn't Always Pretty" that I encourage you to read. It's an eye opener for those who've never sent a horse in for training.

It's interesting that Larry also said a lot of trainers commented on the article. I thought it was a good general article. It's based on his experience. I believe it can be used as a guide line.

Some owners believe their horse can go from zero (little to no handling) to 10 (quite rideable by anyone) in 1 month.
Whoa! It's hard to educate owners sometimes.

The training money sounds like a lot but it covers a lot of hours of training. And handling. I train everytime I handle the horse even when I'm feeding them.

Hope this article helps. I have to give Larry credit for 'putting himself out there' like he does. That shows great confidence in himself.

This is a good article for those especially who've never sent a horse for training before. For those who have, it can be a good refresher.

I've had customers, who understandably, show concern that they are leaving a horse with someone. An owner wants to know that their horse is safe with me. Especially 1st time customers coming to me.

I reassure my customers anytime they have a concern.
I explain everything I do.
I explain the whole process before the horse comes.
I give progress reports. I send emails. 
 And customers are encouraged to come visit and watch the training.
I love to teach and share my knowledge.
I want a customer to know that their horse is safe, having fun and learning with me. I've had great feedback about the 'report card' that I fill out for customers. It's a daily report card of training.

If you have any questions about my innovative training program and customer care, please contact me. Information package available.
Putting my spin on training.
Reinersue
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