Training Philosophy
With a focus on correct biomechanics, softness in the contact, and suppleness throughout the body, the horses I produce are good competition partners and enjoyable horses to be around.
They are trained by a systematic and purposeful approach that brings out the best in each horse without pushing them beyond their mental and physical capabilities.
I train in a logical way that makes it easy for the horse to understand, so they're happy and excited to learn every day.
For the horse, there are no shades of grey. The rules are clear and consistent. My horses move off of your leg with calmly with impulsion. They don't require nagging to keep going, and are soft and easily guided.
This method of training promotes harmony and happiness between horse and rider. I train using classical European dressage methods and current biomechanical knowledge, which preserve the horse’s body instead of wearing it down, and gently nurtures mental well-being, so that because of the training, the horse is better, healthier, and more beautiful.
They are trained by a systematic and purposeful approach that brings out the best in each horse without pushing them beyond their mental and physical capabilities.
I train in a logical way that makes it easy for the horse to understand, so they're happy and excited to learn every day.
For the horse, there are no shades of grey. The rules are clear and consistent. My horses move off of your leg with calmly with impulsion. They don't require nagging to keep going, and are soft and easily guided.
This method of training promotes harmony and happiness between horse and rider. I train using classical European dressage methods and current biomechanical knowledge, which preserve the horse’s body instead of wearing it down, and gently nurtures mental well-being, so that because of the training, the horse is better, healthier, and more beautiful.
"Hannah puts a nice handle on a horse with no BS. Anyone can hop on the horse and get the same results. There's no magic, it's just good horsemanship." Ted B.
Dressage
Based on the Classical training scale of rhythm, suppleness, contact, impulsion, straightness, and collection, horses are trained using Classical Dressage as they work through the levels and movements. The goal is to help the horse reach their full potential without pushing them beyond what they are able to manage. I work with them to get softness and control over their entire body, with the aim of creating highly shapeable and happy horses that look forward to their work. At all levels of training through the FEI, I develop the horses carefully, teaching them to stretch forward and down, use their backs, and actively seek the right answer, which makes them delightful and willing partners to be around.
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"Hannah produces happy and proud dressage horses that love what they do. They are such nice horses. She teaches them to have a good attitude about work, which makes them willing and eager to please. She teaches them to be searching for that right answer, and teaches the rider how to make the right answer easy for the horse to find." - Sarah M.
Foundation Training / Problem Solving
This program is aimed at creating delightful equine partners for owners who may not have any competitive goals, but still desire a horse that is soft, willing, happy in their work, and pleasant to be around. Horses will learn to go out on trails and be in busy environments such as clinics and shows with a quiet and confident attitude. These horses are trained to be great adult amateur horses, enjoyable trail horses, or all around partners. Problem behaviors like disrespect, spookiness, and vices on the ground and under saddle are addressed, with the focus of not only teaching the horse how to be a good horse, but also teaching the rider how to be a good rider through regular lessons. In the end, it doesn't matter what I'm able do with a horse. What matters is what you can to do with your horse!
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"I was so frustrated with my horse. I couldn't do anything with him, and even mounting him was sometimes impossible! I was ready to sell him, but after working with Hannah, I decided to keep him. She fixed his disrespect and naughtiness, and taught me how to be an effective leader. Now I have the relationship with my horse that I always dreamed about!"
- Barb W.
- Barb W.
Starting Under Saddle
Young horses learn the skills they need to transition into their ridden life with as little stress as possible. To do this, there's a period of groundwork training where the horse learns how to respond to and understand the trainer's aids. Once the young horse understands the language of communication, that knowledge is gradually shifted into ridden work, where the same language is used. Young horses will learn the foundation-level concepts of soft contact, impulsion off of the leg, how to be supple throughout their bodies, and will learn all the basic life skills they will need to be a confident riding horse, including how to work around other horses, ride inside arenas and outside on trails, and travel to new places calmly. A young horse is learning a lot of new things, and the importance of doing the foundation correctly cannot be underestimated.
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"The young horses Hannah produces are impressively calm and confident riding horses that are well equipped for a lifetime of successful riding. I have never been disappointed. She has the skills and experience to start them right, never pushes them too far or too fast. I've seen horses she's trained for just four months act so much more mature at shows and trail rides than many of the older horses. The foundation she puts on young horses is simply incredible." - Karen C.
FACILITIES
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