Whisper Wind offers customized training programs to suit everyone, and specializes in the training of young horses for dressage, eventing and pleasure. In response to the individual needs of horses and riders, training programs are flexible and offer a wide range of options. Monthly packages range from a minimum of one day of training per week to six days of training per week. These days may be any combination of training rides and mounted/unmounted lessons. A training session, on the average, is 45 minutes of work, depending upon the level of training and the physical condition of the horse.

For an experienced horse or rider seeking refinement in their discipline, the typical work program is 5 days per week. Many owners prefer to ride on their own between lessons; they can choose how many times per week they would like to supplement their riding with a lesson or a training ride for their horse. A systematic program includes the identification of realistic goals, the development of a plan to achieve these goals, and the physical and mental preparation of the horse and rider to meet these goals.

For the young horse starting under saddle, the recommended commitment is at least 90 days of training five days per week. Basic training of the young horse begins with ground manners, grooming, leading, tying, longeing, and ground driving before being backed for the first time. Once these basics are met, collection, impulsion, and balance are the key elements stressed while developing the three main gaits, walk, trot, and canter. Transitions between the gaits are supplemented as well.

Objectives for starting a young horse under saddle are fairly simple. First, they must be able to tie, have their feet handled, wash, clip, longe, load in the trailer, feel confident about their understanding of the voice commands, accepting of the tack, willing and able to stand while being mounted, move forward from the voice, seat and leg, stop from the voice, seat and reins, and feel confident working alone or in group within the arena. To accomplish these objectives, many exercises are implemented to teach horses without force. The ultimate objective is the horse's long-term success as a partner.

Whisper Wind's trainer, Val McCloskey, believes in "natural horsemanship" techniques that do not employ the use of artificial training aids such as draw reins.  Further, she accepts only a limited number of training prospects each month to devote her primary attention to their development and well being.

For more information or to get your future star on the right track, please contact us....