Whole Horse Training

Training the Whole Horse. Empowering the Whole Human

We promise to give horse and human the tools to feel more connected, more capable, and more fulfilled in their journey together. By focusing on the whole horse and human we create not just trained horses but lasting partnerships.

Body: Strengthening fitness, balance, nutrition and biomechanics in both horse and rider for harmony and longevity 

Mind: Cultivating confidence and calm through mindful Exposure, enrichment, and mental Clarity for both Horse and Rider

Spirit: Honoring the individuality emotions and energy of Horse and Rider while building trust and mutual respect

Partnership: Using co-training and lessons to deepen understanding and create two-way conversation

Progress with Purpose: Trainer rides and structured work designed not only for skill and advancement but to support long-term wellness and partnership

Imagine playing a team sport, let’s say tennis. And your tennis partner insists that you have all the best equipment, you cross train, eat right, and meditate. Then they show up to your match fueled by four hours of sleep and taco bell. How would you feel? Now imagine how our horses must feel when we show up undernourished, out of shape, and distracted.

You are half of the team. And a team is only as strong as its weakest player.

How can we do better?

We give our horses (and ourselves) GRACE with these 5 components of our training program.

  • It’s said that any problem your horse has can be fixed on the ground. Easily the most overlooked component of traditional training programs, and one of the most valuable and emphasized components of ours. Every horse and rider pair receives at least one groundwork training session weekly.

  • Once I heard a saddle fitter say even the best fitting saddle will make a horse uncomfortable under an imbalanced rider. Our program focuses at least one session per week on improving the rider’s balance, reaction time, endurance, and mobility in the name of making ourselves a better mount for our horses.

  • This is the work done between horse and trainer. We always encourage you to come watch and ask us questions during these sessions, but this is the part that we get to step in and work our own magic, helping your horse to learn what they need under the careful instruction of a skilled and qualified trainer.

  • Also known as “Lessons,” in these sessions we instruct you through your ride with your horse. A core belief of our program is that you should be able to go home at the end of our work together and continue to develop the relationship with your horse. A key component to this is that you need to have the instruction and skills to do this on your own.

  • Exposing our horses to new and novel things is critical to helping them to become safe, curious, and trusting. In these weekly sessions we will expose our horses to puzzles, new objects, noises, and experiences with the intention of expanding their comfort zone and building skills for uncomfortable moments or spooky surprises.

What makes this program different?

  • Focus on the horse-rider relationship, not just “fixing the horse”

  • Emphasis on Biologically Appropriate horse care and management (slow feeders, enrichment, gentle movement)

  • Short, to the point training sessions to take advantage of a horse’s short attention span

  • More touch points throughout the week, rather than one long training session

  • Holistic approach working on both horse and rider so that they can give more to each other

Packages

All packages include discounts on Workshops, Classes, and Events. Inquire about custom packages.

  • Who’s it for:

    The established pair that is looking for minor tune ups

    How many sessions per week?

    Groundwork: 1

    Rider Fitness: 1

    Applied Training: 1

    Co-Training: 1

    Exposure and Enrichment: 1

    Commitment:

    Minimum 3 months

  • Who’s it for?

    An established pair in need of moderate supportDescription text goes here

    How many sessions per week?

    Groundwork: 1

    Rider Fitness: 2

    Applied Training: 1

    Co-Training: 2

    Exposure and Enrichment: 1

    Commitment:

    Minimum 3 months

  • Who’s it for:

    An established pair in need of more intensive support

    How many sessions per week?

    Groundwork: 2

    Rider Fitness: 2

    Applied Training: 2

    Co-Training: 3

    Exposure and Enrichment: 2

    Commitment:

    Minimum 3 months

  • Item descriptionWho’s it for:

    A young or green horse looking for a solid start or restart.

    How many sessions per week?

    Starts with less, slowly increases as horse and rider are ready for more.

    Groundwork: 3

    Rider Fitness: 2

    Applied Training: 3

    Co-Training: 2

    Exposure and Enrichment: 2

    Commitment:

    Minimum 3 months

  • Item descriptionWho’s it for:

    A horse coming back from a physically or emotionally traumatic incident

    How many sessions per week?

    Groundwork: 3

    Rider Fitness: 2

    Applied Training: 3

    Co-Training: 2

    Exposure and Enrichment: 3

    Commitment:

    Minimum 3 months

Jillian Atun, after One Session

“Today, out of no where Oakley is starting to get a Booty and some nice backend definition. Bailey, is not ribby at all, looks to have lost zero Weight this winter 🤩”

Elena Egorova

“A few words I would use to describe working with Ruby during the first year of getting my first horse would be; sanity, peace of mind, guidance, creative problem solving, and empathy. The first year can be overwhelming (whether it's your first horse or not, each one is so different!); filled with excitement, expectations, worry, successes and failures. I am so grateful to have had Ruby at my side during it all. She worked closely with me on a training and nutrition plan to slowly get my horse (and me) into shape. When some unexpected health issues came up for my horse that slowed our progress, Ruby provided the support and guidance to help me work through all the various appointments and provided guidance on ways to continue training throughout, building our bond throughout groundwork and clicker training. She has provided me with truly holistic guidance!