My Training Program

Here at Rosa Roca, I specialize in natural training for Miniature Horses and American Shetlands. Natural training means teaching in a way that the horse can understand. As much as we'd love to be able to explain to our horse what we want him to do, it won't work. "I'd like you to walk into this horse trailer, Smokey. I know it looks dark and scary, but it's safe. So, just walk in without a fight, okay?"  But the horse won't understand that. To him, you're still asking him to walk into a strange, dark cave that frightens him.

Think about horses in the wild. They are herd and prey animals. They rely on a strong leader to keep them safe and tell them where to go. Our domesticated horses still have all of their wild instincts. They want and need a strong leader. If they don't have one, they will become the leader and will dictate where they go and what they do. We must become the leader our horse needs so that he will follow us with respect and a lack of fear.

Horses react to danger, whether real or imaginary, in predictable ways. Their first line of defense is their speed. When faced with something that frightens them, they run away. If they can't run, they fight. They bite, they kick, they buck. It's our job as trainers and owners to teach the horse to curb his natural reactions and to think, instead.

Correct training is important for every horse, whether he's a show horse or a backyard pet. No one wants a horse that they can't catch or that kicks them if they step into his stall. But what everyone needs to realize is that every single time we handle a horse we're teaching him something. We might be teaching him that's it's okay to bite us or step on us. We might be teaching him to pull against the halter and drag us around when we lead him. We're not teaching him these things intentionally, but by not correcting the problem, we're actually reinforcing it.

My Natural Horse Training techniques give the horses I’m training a strong leader to follow. I gain their respect by making them move and stop when I tell them. In addition, the horses at Rosa Roca get the opportunity to overcome their fears and to develop trust in their handlers. O do a lot of the preliminary work in the round pen, where my horses learn that plastic bags, bouncing balls, and paper sacks are not objects to fear. They learn to face me rather than turn their heels or run away. They work over small jumps which strengthens their muscles, builds their endurance, boosts their self confidence, and gives them something new to think about.

Rosa Roca has successfully trained horses and ponies of all temperaments and abilities. I can teach your horse the things he needs to make his life, and yours, better and happier. My methods are safe and consistent, and they're easy for horses and their owners to understand.

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