Training & Showing

Carousel Show Horses specializes in training AQHA and APHA pleasure horses with an emphasis on the all-around horse including Showmanship, Hunter Under Saddle, Equitation, horsemanship, trail. We work with horses of all ages and stages, and help both horse and rider set and achieve their goals. 

Yearlings are handled 2-3 times a week and learn to behave as patient citizens. However, they are only lunged twice a week as we believe that this is the safest on their growing bodies. They are worked with to reinforce patience as we slowly start to incorporate lunging, saddling, and the bit into their routine. At the end of the yearling year, they are ready for the first ride. 

As two-year-olds, horses are started under saddle a few times a week. Once again, we feel slow is best on growing bones. The 2-year-old year is very important. This year creates a solid foundation so any late 2-year-old can go on excel. As the middle to end of the 2-year-old year approaches we start to incorporate the owner working with and riding the horse. At that time we also start to expose the horse to other riding environments. As the horse becomes comfortable in those new atmospheres, we can start to plan on showing.

As the horses mature and begin their show career, much of the training time is spent reinforcing the cues and cleaning them up as we start to expect consistency as well as building muscle and self-carriage. In addition, we may start to add more classes to their skill set such as Horsemanship or Equitation as the horse as become confident in the show ring. Much like life, these plans/goals are unique to every situation and horse. Some horses mature quickly and absorb quickly, while others take a bit longer. We make sure to continue to communicate throughout the process with the owner and set achievable goals.