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COLT STARTING

Colt Starting: A Horse-First Approach

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For us, colt starting begins and ends with one goal:

a confident, willing horse that’s happy to work.

 

We believe that listening to the horse is essential throughout the starting process. Growth happens when a horse feels supported—not overwhelmed. Our aim is to help each horse build new skills in a way that leaves them eager to come back and work again the next day.

 

No Rush, No Pressure

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Every horse is different. Timelines to reach key milestones vary, and we adapt accordingly.

We do not believe in rushing or backing colts before they’re mentally and physically ready. Our process is steady, thoughtful, and tailored to the individual.

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Three Levels of Assessment

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To give owners a clear understanding of our process—and the time it takes to build a safe, willing riding horse—we’ve broken our training into three stages. Each level reflects important developmental goals while always keeping the horse’s emotional, mental, and physical well-being at the center.

 

We train with the long-term in mind.

Because at the end of the day, the horses always come first.

Stage 1:

Fresh Start

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Our Fresh Start program is designed for horses that haven’t yet built a foundational relationship with humans—or those needing to rebuild from the ground up. These horses often require extra time, patience, and a skilled, gentle hand to confidently enter the world of domestication.

 

This program is ideal for:

 

  • Weanlings and unhandled colts

  • Feral or semi-feral horses

  • Horses with past trauma

  • Horses showing gaps in their foundational training

  • Any horse needing a complete reset

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What We Cover

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Connection & Basics

 

  • Catching, haltering, and leading

  • Willingness to connect and follow a feel (with and without a halter)

  • Comfort leaving herd mates

 

Introducing New Environments

 

  • Round pen work

  • Exposure to the barn and arena

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Calm Reactions to Sensory Experiences

 

  • Touch and handling all over the body

  • Acceptance of halter and ropes

  • Exposure to pads, tarps, flag, and stick & string

 

Standing Quietly for Handling

 

  • Grooming

  • Farrier work (feet handled and trimmed — costs apply)

  • Vet checks (costs apply)

 

We work slowly and intentionally to help each horse build trust, understand pressure and release, and begin to see humans as safe, reliable partners.

 

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Training Package – $1,600/month

 

Our comprehensive training package includes:

 

  • Full board

  • Daily handling, care, and maintenance

  • Customized training program

  • Regular videos, photos, and unlimited updates

  • Open, ongoing communication

 

What We Specialize In

 

We offer tailored training and support in the following areas:

 

  • Performance horse, ranch horse, mountain and trail horse development 

  • Colt Starting 

  • Mind and health rehabilitation

  • Problem-solving for concerning behaviours

  • Horse sales and rehoming

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Every horse receives an individual plan based on their unique needs, temperament, and background. After a thorough consultation, colts and horses will be assessed to determine which stage of training and support will best set them—and their owners—up for long-term success.

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Our 3 Stages of Training

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Please scroll down to learn more about our progressive approach to horsemanship and how we guide horses through each foundational stage.

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Stage 2:

Working start

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Our Working Start program is designed for horses who are physically and mentally ready to begin more advanced foundational training. These horses have completed their Fresh Start (Level One), and are now prepared to learn how to work with purpose—developing balance, responsiveness, and communication with a rider in mind.

 

This program is ideal for:

 

  • Young horses ready to advance in training

  • Newly purchased horses with an unknown training background

  • Sensitive or reactive horses needing focused development

  • Horses returning to work after an extended break

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What We Cover

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Willingness at Liberty, On-Line and under-saddle

 

  • Backing up with feel

  • Hindquarter and shoulder yields (left and right)

  • Send-off and shut-down cues

  • Change of direction

  • Walk, trot, canter with clear cues

  • Understanding and following path and direction

  • Introduction to proper head position and engagement of the hind end

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Standing Tied

 

  • Tie stall and wash stall manners

  • Standing quietly for farrier, massage, or chiropractic work

  • Standing calmly at a hitching rail

 

Ground Tying for Saddling

 

  • Introduction and acceptance of pad, cinch, and saddle

  • Exposure to rider weight in a controlled and confident way

 

Introduction to the Bosal

 

  •  Horses are started in a 3/4” or 5/8” Bosal for soft, refined communication

  • Horses may begin carrying a snaffle bit (with vet check and dental float)

  • The focus is helping the horse find a willingly guided mind

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In-Saddle Work

 

  • Bareback and under saddle riding 
    Easy, free and balanced forward motion

  • Willingly guided steering with lightness 

  • Smooth stops and clear change of direction

  • Backing up softly

  • Moving off the leg laterally, in forward and in reverse 

  • Transitions at the walk, trot, and canter

 

At this stage, horses begin to connect the groundwork to under-saddle communication, forming the core of a safe, responsive, and enjoyable riding partner.

Stage 3:

Finished Start

 

The Finished Start is where true partnership begins to shine. At this level, horse and rider find rhythm, safety, and connection in motion. The horse is confident, responsive, and ready to refine their skills—whether on the trail, in the arena, or exploring new experiences.

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This program is ideal for:

 

  • Newly started horses ready for the next level

  • Horses needing extra confidence and skill

  • Refinement of signal; moving up into the 2-rein or Straight up into the bridle.

  • Horses that are ready take the basics into performance, working and show environments. 

 

What We Cover

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Refined Equipment Use

 

  • Shifting down to the 1/2”or 3/8” Bosal as a under-bridle

  • Introduction to a spade or ported high-bred bridle bit

  • 2rein with a Romal rein or straight-up in the bridle

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Under saddle 

 

  • Deepened understanding of:

    • Path and direction

    • Speed control and adjustability

    • Head placement and softness

    • Engagement of the hind end

    • Self-carriage and collection

    • Balanced, controlled transition

 

Lateral Work

 

  • Side pass

  • Leg yield

  • Shoulder-in / shoulder-out

  • Hip control and isolation

 

Obstacle Introduction

 

  • Exposure to a variety of confidence-building obstacles and preparation for traditional Ranch Work, Cowboy Challenge or Competitive ranch Riding. 

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Cattle, Cutting and Ranch Roping Introduction

 

  • Exposure to cattle both in a pen and in pasture (when available)

  • Learn to rate, work and stop with the cutting flag

  • Learn to rate, rope and drag the roping dummy

 

Environmental Confidence

 

  • Solid, secure behavior in diverse settings:

    • Trail

    • Arena

    • Show pen

    • Pasture

    • Working ranch

 

At this stage, your horse is no longer just learning—they are applying their education with confidence, ease, and enjoyment.

It’s where movement becomes harmony, and training becomes true partnership.

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