Services Offered

Stud/Stallion Services

We stand several stallions at stud. Please refer to our Stallion page for details
We can offer help and advice on getting your colt started in a stud career

Rider Training

We cater for riders who wish to learn about riding gaited horses, by teaching how to recognise gaits and how to ask their horse to perform a particular gait. We can assist people who already own a gaited horse and who wish to learn more or need some help.

We can also help riders who may have some general problems with their horse.

NOTE: this is no longer offered by Narrawin Stud. We recommend you contact Yvonne Lehey.

Horse Starting & Training

We start and train all our own horses here at Narawin Stud. Not only does it give invaluable insight into each horse, but it ensures that they get the best possible start to a career under saddle, particularly in the case of gaited prospects.

Note - we take outside horses for the following

Starting young horses under saddle
Further training, specialising in gaited horses of all breeds

BUT - due to other commitments, we only take in a very limited number of horses, and only between spring and autum. We prefer to work with the gaited breeds, and they will be given priority.

Chris on Caliente, second time under saddle and following cues nicely

Laura
Yvonne asking Laura to follow the feel

What we do...

we treat horses as individuals
we obtain as much information as possible about horses sent to us for training and respect the wishes and expectations of their owners
we progress every horse at the speed it is comfortable with
we choose suitable and correctly fitting equipment and keep checking for fit as the horse develops
we reward good tries
we give adequate time for a horse to 'digest' new things
we expect horses to stand quietly when tied up
we practise good safety to prevent accidents and injury to persons and horses
we give advice to owners how to go on after their horse leaves Narrawin
we encourage owners to visit while their horse is in work with us
we encourage owners to ask questions and keep us up to date on how their horse is going once it leaves Narrawin
we enjoy working with horses of all breeds

What we won't do...

proclaim that we are experts :-)
use sidereins, head checks or other equipment designed to induce a particular 'head-set'
use artificially lengthened hooves, heavy shoes, stretchies or other action-enhancing devices
use ill fitting gear or gear which causes stress or pain
use drugs or deliberately make horses thirsty or hungry to achieve compliance
lunge for extended periods of time
make a horse run or exercise hard to 'get the kinks out'
tolerate obnoxious behaviour, be it kicking, striking, biting, bucking (if a problem arises we check if there is a cause which can be removed, then we do as little as is necessary and as much as is needed to discourage the dangerous behaviour)

We take time to prepare the horse from the ground for the work under saddle. Time is spent getting him accustomed to ropes, blankets, saddle, bridle, brushes, being hosed, rugs and all else a horse is likely to encounter. When he is familiar with the saddle and the noises and movements of a person, we put weight in the saddle and from there, step by step, he moves towards walking around carrying the rider.

At the same time, we ensure the horse understands voice and other cues to stop and go and to yield hindquarters, shoulders and the head and neck. We expect the horse to give in many different ways and only by well timed release can this give be rewarded. In this way, a horse learns quickly how to respond to the handler's or rider's requests. And then it all comes together, the mentally and physically well prepared horse has learned to carry the rider and accept his directions.

Smokey
Chris and Smokey

Work with a young horse should be fun for both with plenty of variety in the work and small challenges to entertain and occupy the mind of horse and rider.

Morgana - first time in roundpen April 04
Chris and Morgana

First time under saddle in the roundpen. This is where the solid foundation laid by good groudwork really pays off. The filly is relaxed but going forward well, following voice and body cues. She is listening to the rider and maintaining a slight bend to the inside. A couple of minutes of nice work like this and she got a big pat for a job well done and the rest of the day off!

Our training is based on classical dressage principles, a good understanding of anatomy and conformation and movement. We have several years of experience in working with horses of many different breeds. Gaited horses with their unique abilities to execute the smooth saddle gaits are our specialty. We have worked with and trained several breeds of gaited horses. We strive to improve our skills through continued learning.

Our horses respond to light cues to increase or decrease speed and to bend laterally, to turn or move sidewise.We use various exercises to make the horse more supple and enable it to carry a rider in balance. We reward every try and aim for lightness at all times.

A balanced, responsive horse, guided by light aids is a happy horse and a delight for the rider. Working in harmony allows the team to achieve their set goals. And if ever they end up in a sticky situation, that teamwork will see them through.

Please contact us to discuss your requirements.

Please note: We reserve the right to accept or reject any horse for starting or further training. We urge you to describe honestly and realistically your requirements, the training level of your horse and the envisaged outcome of training we are to provide. Owners of horses coming to Narrawin for training must read and sign a training agreement before the horse arrives at Narrawin.

Harry
Chris and Harry - developing the rack