“The one best precept- the golden rule in dealing with a horse- is never to approach him angrily.  Anger is so devoid of forethought that it will often drive a man to do things which in a calmer mood he will regret.” - Xenophon

Horse training refers to a wide variety of practices that teach horses to perform certain behaviours when asked to do so by humans. Horses do not have the same type of thinking and reasoning as humans beings. They are strong herd and prey animals. Therefore, they can learn to rely on humans to determine when fear or flight is an appropriate response to a new stimuli and not react by instinct alone. Horses need to be safe for humans to handle and perform a task that is beneficial to the human.

Michael believes and uses gentle and humane techniques to train horses. He is available to train your horse at his barn (limited space), at your barn, or another horse barn. If you would like to consult with Michael about having a horse trained by him, please contact him to discuss your expectations, history of your horse, etc.

Clipping horse hair with electric clippers can be a frightening ordeal for any horse. This yearling filly named Jasmine (Vested Two Impress) is already accustomed to the sound and sensation of electric clippers.  She trusts Michael and allows her to trim hair on her bridle path, ears, and face.

“A horse loves freedom and the weariest old work horse will roll on the ground or break into a lumbering gallop when he is turned loose into the open.” - Gerald Rafetry