SILVER STAR TRAINING
SERVICES
Kristi Vlieger has been training horses since 1998, specializing in starting colts with natural horsemanship methods. Riding a horse started in this way is a chance to experience how willing a horse can be. All horses brought to the facility must be up to date on vaccinations, trimming and deworming.
Colt Starting
Over the course of at least 30 days, young horses are taught respectful, safe groundwork, desensitized, hobble broken, and ground driven. The first few rides are done in the round pen with sandy footing to reduce the chance of a horse initiating a bad habit. Then the horse is ridden in the 180' x 230' outdoor arena where there is plenty of room to ride without the support of the fence and practice leg cues by working gates. If an individual horse's progress allows, it is then ridden on the trail course and outside.
Every horse's training progresses unique to its skills and aptitudes. By bringing a horse along step-by-step, it can more calmly and safely learn to respond correctly to its rider's cues and become a willing, capable mount.
Safety allowing, owners take a lesson on their colt before hauling it home.
Further Training
Older horses often have holes in the their training, stiffness or issues to be resolved. A refresher of two weeks or more can help fine tune that horse to refine his existing skills or add new ones. Refreshers are particularly helpful when putting a previously broke horse back to use after a long break or using a proven horse under a new rider.
Horses might be worked in the arena, on the trail course or out in the open.
Safety allowing, riders take a lesson on their horse before hauling the horse home.
Lessons, Boarding & Sales
A lesson on your horse can bring new perspective to your riding as well as further your partnership with that individual. Lessons last about an hour, depending on progress and conditions. Kristi can often demonstrate techniques and maneuvers either on the ground or horseback to help you understand a horsemanship concept. Lessons are done riding western.
Boarding is available on site with feed, feeding, watering and pen cleaning. Email to schedule.
Horses may be offered for sale on commission during training. Potential buyers can see the horse under saddle and over obstacles if appropriate.