Last Update - Jan 5, 2008

Training

Trainer Diane Gibson has been involved in horses since her first job at a pony farm at age 12. The dream of raising fine ponies has been growing since then and reached fruition in Pretty Girl Farm.

As a cruelty investigator on the island of Maui, Hawaii in the 1980's, Diane saw first hand the sad effects of poor or rough training methods. She spent many hours developing gentle but effective methods of rehabilitating the horses turned over to her during those years.

Knowing that well bred and well trained horses seldom end up in cruelty investigations, Diane wanted to insure that Pretty Girl Farm ponies had the best start in both categories.

Researching trainers and training methods, she felt that John Lyons' philosophy and methods best matched what she had been trying to obtain. Unable to attend his Colorado facility, she happily followed his office recommendation to contact Kenny Harlow in nearby Colombia, Virginia. Kenny is a graduate of Lyons' first certification program and a well-known and respected clinician in his own right. Diane graduated from Kenny Harlow's certification program in 2003 after an intensive one year apprenticeship.

Diane continually adds to her basis of instincts and knowledge, attending clinics and seminars from foundation clinicians as well as lessons from other discipline trainers in dressage, hunt seat and western riding.

 

Foundation Training Program

Utilizing basic round pen methods horses are encouraged to view the trainer with respect as the "leader of the herd." This leads to a thorough understanding by the horse of what behaviors are expected of him by his handlers. Basic ground manners lead to trailering, under-saddle work, walking, trotting, cantering under saddle, and finally trail riding.

An untrained horse can expect to achieve this in 60 to 90 days of instruction, achieving the status of "green" and being well-qualified to go on to the owner's choice of disciplines.

Owners are encouraged to take part in as much of the process as possible.

 

Attitude Adjustment Program for Horses Under Saddle

Designed for the average riding horse and rider, the course will address common annoying habits that interfere with a pleasurable and safe relationship with the equine companion. Habits such as jigging, failure to stand for care or mounting, poor trailer loading or leading manners, etc., will be addressed by gaining the horse's respect and attention via round pen exercises.

Exercises, both on ground and mounted, will be taught to remedy the specific habit causing difficulties. At least one session will be devoted to creating teamwork between horse and rider, however, owners are strongly encouraged to take part in all or as much of the training as their time permits.