• Horses - its an addiction!

    Believe in your horse so your horse can believe in you

  • Drifting Sands Horsemanship

    We're on a mission to help you on your horsemanship journey.

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    Mike and Faith

    Horsemanship Teachers and Developers

    We are offering progressive systematic horsemanship classes, clinics and multi session courses. This style of horsemanship becomes a way of thinking as well as riding your horse. We don’t just get you doing exercises, we want you to understand the purpose and reason for the exercise. The aim of this training, through pressure and "correct" release, is to create a foundation (both physically and mentally) for the horse and the rider to build their partnership. We want to create a responsive, thinking and soft saddle horse and rider. Join us and learn the essential elements and enjoy a pathway to quality horsemanship.

     

    We also have a small Quarter Horse stud only breeding a handful of foals per year, they are bred for quality of temperament. All horses receive a wonderful foundation from the time they are weaned they become part of our training program.

    Our other passion is Australian Cattle Dogs - these dogs are loyal and clever. Great working dogs or wonderful loyal pets.

     

    We are based at Inman Valley on the Fleurieu Peninsula, an hour south of Adelaide in South Australia.

  • Clinics and services

    Our future classes

    We're on a mission to help you help you and your horse and create a partnership you will treasure by creating leadership, connection and developing excellent horsemanship skills.

     

    We have various progressive training courses, where one day builds on the last.

    Choose from a structured course or move through our various levels at your pace.

    Essentials, Primary and Secondary.

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    Upcoming class dates summary

    Essentials Groundwork and Primary Ridden 50/50 - 21st October 2023

     

    Float Loading day - 22nd October 2023

     

    Horse starting - contact us for available slots.

     

    Mike and Faith are available for private lessons.

    Foundation Studies Course

    Taking you on a horsemanship journey

    Structured and designed to take you on a horsemanship journey with specific outcomes. We will teach you the fundamentals of groundwork, developing your skills and help you to achieve your personal goals.

    Suitable for people at all levels. This is a results orientated program, you will be assessed and graded as you go. There will be homework and practice tasks to complete between classes.

    This requires commitment - with reward at the end.

    Lets make this season really count!

    Cost $810 - 6 full personalised training days, plus study material and full support.

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    Horse Starting

    Places available (please apply)

    We now have openings for starting horses under saddle.

    We are offering an extended program ensuring a solid foundation in groundwork and under saddle.
    You will be invited to be part of the process so you can hone your skills and learn more about the methodology of your horses experience.

    Having a young horse is a wonderful journey and this requires your knowledge to be constantly developed.

    DSH's sole aim to create a long lasting safe partnership between horse and human.

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    Essentials

    Groundwork Skills (essential to success)

    Correct and accurate ground work, is a pathway to creating good leadership and connection.

    Covered in the Essentials class:

    Spacial awareness ~ Relaxation ~ Pressure and release ~ Driving/Draw and de-sensitisation ~ Leading and backing ~ Specific foot placement/timing ~ Disengaging the hind quarters ~ vertical and lateral flexion ~ setting up the soft feel.
     

    Commences at 9am running through to 4pm

    Full day $135 per rider ($145 Regional classes) - $35 spectator

    Half day $75 per rider

    Click on the booking button below and select the Essential Class on the date.

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    Primary

    Groundwork exercises and concepts applied in the saddle

    We have various focus points for this class. Such as focus on soft feel or focus on transitions.

    Covered in Primary:
    ~ Revision of Essentials and application of these principles in the saddle ~ Disengaging the hind quarters and creating a correct and functional one rein stop ~ introducing the soft feel ~ forward, backing, stopping ~ square turns ~ placement and movement of each foot.

    Commences at 9am running through to 4pm

    Full day $135 per rider ($145 Regional) - $35 spectator

    Half day $75 per rider

    Click on the booking button below and select the Primary class on the date.

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    Secondary

    Progressing to more advanced levels

    Covered in Secondary:

    Collection ~ lateral movements ~ timing, feel and balance! ~ quality of transitions.

    Full day $135 per rider ($145 Regional) - $35 spectator

    Half day $75 per rider

    Participants are from previous class groups.

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    Float Training & Specialty days

    Register your interest to receive notification of next class

    There will be a float loading demonstration, then we will teach you to teach your horse how to self load and unload quietly with no fuss.
    Limited to 5 horses per session.
    This is a safe and valuable skill to learn and is something you will have forever.

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    Private Horsemanship and Riding Lessons

    With Mike (skills focus) or Faith (relationship focus)

    Available by appointment:

    All though it is not a prerequisite to private lessons, we do encourage you attend an Essentials Groundwork class first.

    Contact us by phone: Mike 0427 792 078 or Faith 0407 712 668

    or email through the link below

    Any Questions - please send through an email.

  • Sale Yard

    Quality Quarter horses for sale

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    Beans

    $8000 (in foal)

    Kyanjuwa Docs Morn Q-72601

    Broodmare DOB 22/12/2010

    Sire: Docs Cobra Q-47406 (Docs Yakoon, Docs Bar)

    Dam: Bandido Chex Morn Q-48662 (Morn Deck, Big Red Chex)

    This mare is empty, but can be bred to Who Whiz Jack

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    Muscles

    $POA

    Who Whiz Zeus Q100086

    Gelding: DOB: 30/10/2021

    Sire: Who Whiz Jack Q-60281

    Dam: Scoots Jasmine Q-39206

    Muscles has grown into a lovely horse. He has been lightly started under saddle at 2 years old and will leave him to grow out now for a bit. Will mature 15+hh

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    Chunk

    $POA

    Who Whiz Morn Q-96893

    Gelding: DOB: 7/11/2019

    Sire: Who Whiz Jack Q-60281

    Dam: Kyanjuwa Docs Morn Q-72601

    Chunk is a real sweetheart. He has now been gelded and ready for his best life. He is commencing his saddle training Jan 2022.

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    Perseus (Percy)

    $POA

    Who Whiz Gold Q-97872

    Colt: DOB: 18/9/2020

    Sire: Who Whiz Jack Q-60281

    Dam: Sassy Docs Bar Q-75170

    this guys has some of the best bloodlines you can get. Have a look at this link for half brother "Hank"https://youtu.be/l8VA8iKeG5w

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    Buddy QH Gelding

    $POA

    Okie Attitude Q-90796

    Gelding mature to 15hh

    DOB: 11/12/2016

    Sire: Docs Okie Jackhammer Q-48870

    Dam: Miss N Attitude Q-47353

    Confident and friendly boy - easy to train

    Full brother to Henry

    Commenced his saddle training 2021

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    Felix - QH Gelding

    SOLD

    Felix - Registration Pending

    Sire: Docs Golden Gossip Q-40114

    Dam: Spinnabreeze

    DOB: 1/10/2017

    Felix is full brother to Lucky and all horses from this mare are just wonderful.

    Lightly started under saddle and going well 2021

     

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    Scarlet - QH Filly

    Sold

    Whiz Attitude Q-96892

    Filly DOB: 7/9/2019

    Sire: Who Whiz Jack

    Dam: Miss N Attitude

    has scar on her side (price reflects) wonderful nature, extremely sweet girl. She is currently being started under saddle (29/12/2021)

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    Mitch - Gelding

    Sold

    Not registered. Out of TB mare "Fiat Allelulia" by our lovely stallion Who Whiz Jack.

    Mitch (Bay Watch) DOB: 19/1/2019

    has been lightly started under saddle - lovely soft quiet boy, make a great partner for someone.

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    Handsome Dude - QH Gelding

    SOLD

    Who Whiz Spinna Q-95234

    DOB: 16/10/2018

    Sire: Who Whiz Jack

    Dam: Spinnabreeze

    HD has been started under saddle and is going nicely and has had a handful of rides out.

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    PJ

    SOLD

    Colt DOB 16/9/2020

    Sire: Who Whiz Jack Q-60281

    Dam: Spinnabreeze Q-38366

    Great blood lines and a well put together boy.

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    Chilli - QH Mare

    SOLD

    Docs Okie Hot Chilli Q-95208

    Mare DOB: 21/8/2017

    Sire: Docs Okie Jackhammer

    Dam: Kyanjuwa Docs Morn

    Athletic mare, around 14.2hh beautiful nature, very friendly girl.

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    Quarter Horse Filly

    SOLD

    Filly DOB: 7/12/2018

    Sire: Who Whiz Jack Q-60281

    Dam: Sassy Docs Bar Q-75170

    This stunning filly is now weaned and has basic training. She has the X factor and a real "look at me" presence. She has impeccable blood lines. with Docs Spinifex (Imp)(Docs Oak USA), Kings Phillip (Imp) (Peppy San Badger USA).

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    JAZZ

    SOLD

    QXH All That Jazz - Q93666

    Filly DOB: 5/09/2016

    Sire: Dual Jazz Q-57414

    Dam: QXH Miss Precious Oak Q-65537

    Very sweet filly, going well under saddle. Still having some basic training, but a great prospect for someone to continue.

    Experienced home only.

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    Young Stock always available

    Weanlings, Yearlings +

    We always have young stock available for sale.

    Please call for more information.

  • Our Breeding Horses

    We are so blessed to have some amazing and beautiful horses

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    Who Whiz Jack (Jack) Q-60281

    Stallion

    Sire: Who Whiz It Q-57307

    Dam: Jacks Little Miss Perfect Q-43511

    Jack is a true gentleman and proven sire. His offspring have great temperaments and athleticism. Jack is a high point winning Reiner.

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    Sassy Docs Bar Q-75170

    Broodmare For sale $8000 (in foal to Who Whiz Jack 2023)

    Sire: Docs Banumum Calcutta Q-52560

    Dam: Spinnabreeze Q-38366

    Sassy has amazing blood lines, with Docs Spinifex (Imp)(Docs Oak USA), Kings Phillip (Imp) (Peppy San Badger USA),

    Sassy's foals are lovely quiet, sensitive horses.

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    Kyanjuwa Docs Morn (Beans) Q-72601

    Broodmare For sale $8000 (in foal to Who Whiz Jack 2023) could sell foal at foot

    Sire: Docs Cobra Q-47406 (Docs Yakoon, Docs Bar)

    Dam: Bandido Chex Morn Q-48662 (Morn Deck)

    Beans had her first foal 2017 season by our deceased stallion Docs Okie Jackhammer, a stunning filly with look at me presence. Pictured here with her 2018 silver buckskin filly by Who Whiz Jack.

    Foals are proving to have fantastic trainable easy going attitudes.

     

     

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    Xtreme Aftershock (ET) Q-69120

    Broodmare "Fane" For Sale $8000 (in foal to Who Whiz Jack 2023)

    Sire: Zippos Aftershock Q-57113

    Dam: Winderadeen Dream On Q-53174

    Fane is new mare purchased in (with colt foal at foot) based on her wonderful temperament, her trainability and her lovely friendly easy going nature.

    Her first foal to Jack was a stunning pally colt.

     

     

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    QXH Ultimate Style Q-85445

    Broodmare "Six"

    Sire: Peptos Stylish Oak Q-39269

    Dam: Peppys Aussie Ultimo Q-50814

    Six has had two fillies so far, a pally named "Misty" and buckskin "Stormy"

     

    Her next breeding will be to Sanctus (US) for 2024 foal.

     

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    QXH Bootylicious Q-92312

    Booty

    Sire: QXH Docs Stylish Oak Q-71883

    Dam: Sweet Like Sugga Q-44741

     

    This classy lady has plenty of personality. She is very athletic and a lot of fun. She will have her first foal in the 2023 season to our stallion Who Whiz Jack

     

     

     

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    Spinnabreeze - Q-38366

    Broodmare - Now retired

    Sire: Okie Spinner Q-25879 (Docs Spinifex)

    Dam: Koonamara Breezette Q-11019

    This mare is very special - she was the dam of our late sire Docs Okie Jackhammer.

     

  • 2022 / 2023 Foals

    foals by the wonderful Who Whiz Jack for this season

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    Filly "Loot"- foaled 13/8/22

    Sire: Who Whiz Jack. Dam: Winderadeen A Little Cash Q-35874

     

    Filly with some pizzaz and a great hip.

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    Palomino Filly "Fancy" - foaled 17/8/22

    Sire: Who Whiz Jack. Dam: Sassy Docs Bar Q-75170 (Sassy)

    Filly with bling

     

    Sassy is available for sale. Sassy will also be in foal for next year.

     

     

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    Buckskin Filly "Stormy" - foaled 20/11/22

    Sire: Who Whiz Jack. Dam: QXH Ultimate Style Q-85445 (Six)

     

     

    This is the second foal for Six, and she is more than we had hoped for. I just love this mare, she has been the most chilled and loving Mum, more than happy for me to have cuddles with her baby.

     

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    Silver Buckskin Cost "?" - foaled 26/12/22

    Sire: Who Whiz Jack. Dam: Kyanjuwa Docs Morn (Beans) Q-72601

     

    This lovely little colt arrived just after Xmas. He stays very close to his dam.

     

     

  • Drifting Sands Horsemanship - Store

    Only selling the best horsemanship products

  • Who's Talking About Us

    Take a look and enjoy!

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    From Robyn

    When I first met Faith and Mike I had been struggling for about 2 years to rehabilitate an unbroken thoroughbred mare, I had rescued from going to the doggers. When she came to me she had a lot of pain issues and when they had been corrected she was still anxious and expecting pain every time I worked with her. As time went on she slowly improved but I had gradually lost my confidence and no longer believed I would be able to make her into a safe riding horse. Mike's step by step instructions, not only explaining (and demonstrating) what to do but also how your actions affect your horse gave me a new insight in working with her. She went from being the most head shy horse I have ever encountered to a horse that stands calmly while a rope is flipped around her head. She was also extremely difficult to load onto a float and after one half day lesson she now self loads. Following Mike's process I have a calm horse all of the time and within a few short months of correct groundwork I have now started to ride her. I can't thank Drifting Sands Horsemanship enough for teaching me the skills to attain a dream I had begun to think was unachievable.

    To all my friends and Friends that have horses, I am excited to write about my awesome experience which i attended at the Drifting Sands horse clinic on Sunday the 14th of Feb. I have been riding horses for over 25 years and have owned a few in that time. My riding experience has been a basic get on and go style, which was great as a kid but now getting older i need to feel safer and more in control. I have been looking for a place to get better knowledge and a better understanding of how my horse thinks and behaves, and how we can work better as a team. I came across the Drifting Sands Training and Partnership Education Face Book Site, and saw a clinic that begins with ground work and decided to book.   From the moment i arrived I was made feel welcome, and was guided to the arena. I was a part of a small group where there was myself and my horse Rover, and 3 other girls 2 of which were quite younger. These girls were able to work with horses provided by Michael and Faith as they did not have one of their own.  Michael and Faith Demonstrated different techniques both on the ground and in the saddle, with their own horses which was explained both verbally and then shown physically. I was extremely impressed on how they spent the time evenly between us all, and that the young girls were just as important as the rest of us.  We broke for lunch, which was a lovely sausage sizzle accompanied by a light salad. Tea or Coffee. then started the second Half of the Training.  One of the biggest issues i have with my horse Rover, is him standing still while i mount which i normally always use a crate, and can take up to 5 - 10 minutes. The biggest achievement for me on this day, was sitting on the Post of the arena, and with the techniques we had learnt throughout the day, i was able to mount my horse from sitting on the fence to sitting in my saddle, which he stood perfectly still.  I highly recommend to any one, that is having large or small issues with their horse to go out to Drifting Sands and experience their professional and friendly Training. I will definitely be attending the next clinic in March.  Thank you Michael and Faith, for providing such a great service so close to home.

    From Megan

    To all my friends and Friends that have horses, I am excited to write about my awesome experience which i attended at the Drifting Sands horse clinic on Sunday the 14th of Feb. I have been riding horses for over 25 years and have owned a few in that time. My riding experience has been a basic get on and go style, which was great as a kid but now getting older i need to feel safer and more in control. I have been looking for a place to get better knowledge and a better understanding of how my horse thinks and behaves, and how we can work better as a team. I came across the Drifting Sands Training and Partnership Education Face Book Site, and saw a clinic that begins with ground work and decided to book. 

    From the moment i arrived I was made feel welcome, and was guided to the arena. I was a part of a small group where there was myself and my horse Rover, and 3 other girls 2 of which were quite younger. These girls were able to work with horses provided by Michael and Faith as they did not have one of their own. 
    Michael and Faith Demonstrated different techniques both on the ground and in the saddle, with their own horses which was explained both verbally and then shown physically. I was extremely impressed on how they spent the time evenly between us all, and that the young girls were just as important as the rest of us. 
    We broke for lunch, which was a lovely sausage sizzle accompanied by a light salad. Tea or Coffee. then started the second Half of the Training.

    One of the biggest issues i have with my horse Rover, is him standing still while i mount which i normally always use a crate, and can take up to 5 - 10 minutes. The biggest achievement for me on this day, was sitting on the Post of the arena, and with the techniques we had learnt throughout the day, i was able to mount my horse from sitting on the fence to sitting in my saddle, which he stood perfectly still.

    I highly recommend to any one, that is having large or small issues with their horse to go out to Drifting Sands and experience their professional and friendly Training. I will definitely be attending the next clinic in March.

    Thank you Michael and Faith, for providing such a great service so close to home.

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    Caitlin

    I had a great time today I learnt heaps of awesome things
    So happy that I worked with the best 2 year old in the world, poor Henry he had to put up with me
    Thank you faith and mike so much I had the best time ever

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    From Ashely

    Love it! Have learnt sooooooo much and so have both my horses. Has helped me build my confidence and bond so much more with both my horses. Every lesson I do I learn so much and keeps me wanting to know more and build on what I learn. I more than likely wouldn't be riding or have the confidence I have now if I didn't go to these training days. Highly recommend to anyone. Thank you faith and Michael for all the support and encouragement you give to us all. Keep up the great work. Can't wait for the next one

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    Helen and Robyn

    Helen was at her whits end with her young horse and was seriously considering parting with him. Mike worked for a week with the horse and then with both Helen and the horse - the photo tells the story :)

    Robyn had falling in love and bought this young Gypsy Cobb who was nervous and jumpy - look at him now :)

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    Review from happy client purchasing a horse

    At Drifting Sands we will never pressure a person into buying a horse and always make sure that WE feel like it is a good match. The horse needs to suit the purpose and the also needs to be a good fit with the person.

  • Contact Us

    Located at 282 Bald Hills Road, Inman Valley, South Australia

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    Facebook

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    Instagram

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    Mike's Email

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    Faith's Email

    0427 792 078

    Phone us

    0427 792 078

  • The Blog

    Thoughts, musings, and ruminations.

  • Social Feed

    Check out my latest updates!

  • Bookings

    Make a booking for our events by clicking on the button and making your payment via credit or debit card

    Alternatively email us and make payment to FA Mason & MJ Pitman - BSB: 065 034 Account Number: 1051 3313

    Your booking will be confirmed only when payment received.

  • Horsemanship Training Days & Clinics

    We're on a mission to help you help your horse and create a partnership you will treasure

    by creating leadership and developing excellent horsemanship skills.

     

    We are running a progressive training course, where one day builds on the last.

    The course starts with Essentials, then moves to Primary and Secondary.

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    Up coming events - Snap Shot

    Announcing 2021 classes:

     

    Essentials Groundwork - 6th of March

    Primary Ridden (focus on soft feel) - 7th March

     

    Essentials Groundwork - 10th of April

    Primary Ridden (focus on transitions) - 11th April

     

    Foundation Studies Course - Level 1 27th Feb, 27th Mch, 24th April, 29th May, 26th & 27th of June

    Foundation Studies Course - Level 2 20th & 21st March, 17th & 18th April, 22nd and 23rd May

     

    Horse starting - contact us for available slots.

     

    Mike and Faith are available for private lessons.

    Get a group together and sponsor a clinic in your area - contact us to learn more.

     

    Foundation Studies Course

    6 class program

    Structured and designed to take you on a horsemanship journey with specific outcomes. We will teach you the fundamentals of groundwork, developing your skills and help you to achieve your personal goals.

    Suitable for people at all levels. This is a results orientated program, you will be assessed and graded as you go. There will be homework and practice tasks to complete between classes.

    This requires commitment - with reward at the end.

    Lets make this season really count!

    Cost $810 - 6 full personalised training days, plus study material and full support.

     

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    Horse Starting

    Places available

    We now have openings for starting horses under saddle.

    We are offering an extended program ensuring a solid foundation in groundwork and under saddle.
    You will be invited to be part of the process so you can hone your skills and learn more about the methodology of your horses experience.

    Having a young horse is a wonderful journey and this requires your knowledge to be constantly developed.

    DSH's sole aim to create a long lasting safe partnership between horse and human.

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    Essentials

    Groundwork Skills (essential to success)

    Correct and accurate ground work, is a pathway to creating good leadership skills.

    Covered in the Essentials class:

    Spacial awareness ~ Relaxation ~ Pressure and release ~ Driving/Draw and de-sensitisation ~ Leading and backing ~ Specific foot placement/timing ~ Disengaging the hind quarters ~ vertical and lateral flexion ~ setting up the soft feel.
     

    Commences at 9am running through to 4pm

    Full day $135 per rider ($145 Regional classes) - $35 spectator

    Half day $75 per rider

    Click on the booking button below and select the Essential Class on the date.

     

     

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    Primary - skills in the saddle

    Groundwork exercises and concepts applied in the saddle

     

    Covered in Primary:
    ~ Revision of Essentials and application of these principles in the saddle ~ Disengaging the hind quarters and creating a correct and functional one rein stop ~ introducing the soft feel ~ forward, backing, stopping ~ square turns ~ placement and movement of each foot.

    Commences at 9am running through to 4pm

    Full day $135 per rider ($145 Regional) - $35 spectator

    Half day $75 per rider

    Click on the booking button below and select the Primary class on the date.

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    Primary Plus - saddle

    Refining and improving on Primary skills - being more specific

     

    Covered in Primary Plus:

    Revision of Primary with focus on soft feel ~ vertical and lateral flection ~ timing, feel and balance ~ foot placement ~ bringing up the energy ~ legs without hands ~ stopping with the hind ~ forequarter spins ~ side passing.

    Full day $135 per rider ($145 Regional) - $35 spectator

    Half day $75 per rider

    Click on the booking button below and select the Primary Plus class on the date.

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    Secondary - advancing skills

    Progressing to more advanced levels

    Covered in Secondary:

    Collection ~ lateral movements ~ timing, feel and balance! ~ quality of transitions.

    Full day $135 per rider ($145 Regional) - $35 spectator

    Half day $75 per rider

    Click on the booking button below and select the Secondary class on the date.

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    Friday Focus Days

    Discipline Focused

    The format: We will run through a pattern and assess the gaps. We will then look at the specific skills you need to participate in the event breaking them down and practicing those exercises to give you the tools you require. We will then run through the pattern again in a mock competition.

     

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    Float Training

    contact us for details

    Focus

    There will be a float loading demonstration, then we will teach you to teach your horse how to self load and unload quietly with no fuss.
    Limited to 5 horses per session.
    This is a safe and valuable skill to learn and is something you will have forever.

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    Private Lessons with Mike or Faith

    Available by appointment

    Focus

    Private lessons available - do you have something specific to work on?
    Individual and Small groups also available - limited to 5 horses per session.
     

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    Essentials - Connected and Centred

    Focus Day

    This class is an extension to our Essentials groundwork class, while we are learning the exercises with pay far more attention to the connection we have with our horses, we allow the horse to set the pace. We learn how to read our horses, control our energy levels.

    With these exercises we get our horse even - mentally centred, in control of their own body and spirit. We even get ourselves mentally centred.

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