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Our
Training and Showing program is quite varied at Sonshine Acres!
We specialize in training and creating tomorrows horses and todays youth.
We feel that the future of horse appreciation, and horsemanship is in
the hearts of the youth. A good first experience with horses is a must.
We emphasize care and knowledge of horses from the beginning. Safety
is a must.
With this in mind, we start working the foals at birth with imprinting,
and interaction. We expose them to a wide variety of things, which minimizes
the "future spook". They are halter broke and broke to lead
from the beginning. They are trailer broke with their mothers at their
side. It becomes "normal". They are gently interacted with
to naturally find their place in the human relationship. At approximately
5 months old, they are weaned, and begin their ground work. This is
done on a daily basis, a little at a time. You do not want to push to
quickly, yet you can not afford to let them slide either. There is a
fine line. Some colts begin to compete in lounge line when they are
yearlings.
We do not believe in breaking a horse to saddle before 2 years of age.
You can do everything up to the mounting, but we feel that a horse does
need to be a baby, before it grows up to go to work for its human. We
desensitize, work on ground work and movement, as well as saddle break
when the time is appropriate. The colts will know how to move their
front end, their back end, reining cues, and to give to pressure. They
will respect your personal space. They will trailer, bathe, tie, and
square up. These babies are ready for the next step as they turn two.
We have yet to have a horse buck at the first ride. That is not to say
one won't. We have definitely learned to never say never in the world
of horses.
When they are two, you work on the ground work in the saddle, and get
to know the personal likes and dislikes of certain disciplines for competition
and shows. Usually horses show an aptitude early for certain disciplines.
We begin emphasizing what they seem geared for, and what the owners
have in mind to compete in. We will look into where the shows are for
competition, and assist you in any way possible. We want you to achieve
your maximum potential with your horse.
This
is Charlie, a chocolate colored Mediterranean miniature donkey.
He is 3 years old, and a great favorite with young and old.
He is also the main member of the welcoming committee when visitors
arrive at Sonshine Acres.
EXCITING
NEWS!!
Sonshine
Acres held a Clinic on a new training tool! Another FREE CLINIC
will be held in soon.
The
Rick Wheat Noavel Headstall
Designed
by World Class Professional Horse Trainer Rick Wheat
 
Got
Time To Rock is wearing the training tool that
will be demonstrated.
Jeff
Reynolds, a certified Noavel Clinician, demonstrated.
Questions?
Contact Jeff @ 970-737-2294/534-0170
I have seen a demo on the loading aspect, and was amazed at the minimal
time it took, and that the colt kept the knowledge and applied it.
Jeff used the Noavel on a yearling mule loading for the first time,
as well as teaching a 9 mo. old Limousin bull to lead.
Works
on Equine Behavior Problems:
Biting
~ Kicking ~ Rearing ~ Runaways ~ Barn Soured ~ Hard-to-Catch
Problems
Shoeing ~ Trailer Loading ~ Head Shyness ~ Clipping
Noavels
Available for Purchase
Our
Mini Clinics will begin in April for the 2006 season!
For
more information on topics and dates please email us!
Congratulations!
to all of our participants young and old!
Please
feel free to contact us with any comments, questions, or to make your
reservation.
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