Mid States Ranch Horses, LLC - Ranch Horse Practices

Horse Training

True horsemanship is simple and without gadgets. -Kelli

Colt Starting, Trail Obstacles, Family & Youth Horses

Colt Starting
Kelli can start your colt right using natural horsemanship and vaquero traditons providing your horse with a solid foundation for success.
Start your colt right! You will feel the difference!
At the end of 30 days most colts will be able to: walk, trot, lope, pick up correct leads, stop, back, pivot on forehand and hindquarters, sidepass and complete trail obstacles (cross bridges, water and tarps, drag logs and sleds, open and close gates).
The first 30 days of riding lay the foundation for the horse's entire riding career. We work hard at making that foundation solid and positive by teaching horse's to search for the right response and to think.
The first 2 to 4 rides are done in a 60 foot round pen designed for your horses safety. Constructed of steel pipes and douglas fir 2 x 12 planks, the round pen walls stand 8 feet high. This allows the horse to get use to the saddle without worrying about getting hurt by fences. Rides 3 to 5 are usually done in the arena. Here we use the good footing to work out the fundamentals of walking, trotting, loping, stopping and backing. Once this is established the horses leave the arena and go to work.
The remaining time is split between the arena and applying the horse's skills and building confidence in the real world. The horse will ride out and check the mares, trail ride, check cattle, drag firewood and brush and complete various tasks. Our trail course includes crossing bridges, running water, and tarps, dragging logs and sleds, opening and closing gates. Trail rides include going up and down hills, negoitiating uneven terrian, fallen logs, ravines, ditches, retaining walls and scary objects.
The horses learn to think and to be confident as they use fundamental skills to work and complete tasks.
I can also start your colt on cattle work and roping. Call Kelli for scheduling: 402-374-1685.