* Many of the exercises you will see on our website should NOT *
be attempted unless you are a professional... And have the
help of an assistant. A horse can easily kill you by accident
* and then wonder where you are at their next feeding... *
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We specialize in starting young horses under saddle as well as
retraining problem horses. We are devoted to building a solid
foundation using a superb natural horsemanship training
philosophy with safety, respect and communication.
“Communication goes both ways
between horse and rider.”
We believe in putting a good foundation on all horses we are
training. A solid foundation establishes a strong willing desire
for the horse to excell in any discipline.
If you are serious about your horses' future success
in the show pen or on the trail let us give them a great start!
Give us a call:
Clara 252-671-0775 or John 252-675-9452
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Chaucer is a 6 year-old Rheinland-Pfalz Saar gelding that came
to us for restarting under saddle. The photos I have taken of
Chaucer during his time here are far too numerous to publish
here. He's learned so much and is really a fine horse.
He has a great future ahead of him!














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Flashy Credentials, AKA Cassie, a two-year daughter
by our stallion, Impressivecredentials goes to work!
She's helping desensitize a nervous young horse.
Amazing job Cassie. You'r hired!








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Two-year old Saddlebred gelding, Too Sweet gets an
introduction to line driving...






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Fannys Tayler Made, a two year old Appaloosa filly is learning
what it's like to carry a saddle and rider here at Rafter JC.
The photos below show her giving to pressure, walking out
quietly, and performing her first jog.






Practice, Practice, Practice...



Fanny's coming home from her first trail ride.

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Like most horses Steele had a fear of plastics, especially in motion.
Our job was to help him overcome it. His owner had worked him
with plastic and had accomplished a lot, but he still couldn't handle
the motion. He came here to learn to cope with it...
I couldn't include all the great pictures I took. Many hours of prep
took place before we reached this point.
**** Always consult a professional when coping with fear ***





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Navajo, a five year old pinto gelding gets an introduction
to groundwork... The first step towards becoming a quiet
willing mount.


John has established communication and leadership with Navajo.
His training continues...

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The photos below are of a 9 year old gelding known as Thunder.
He came to us never having been trained under saddle or
successfully ridden. He had only once had a person on his back,
which ended in nearly disasterous results. Thunder lacked
confidence in himself, his surroundings and people. He will go
home to his owners who dearly love him a different horse...
One they can enjoy!

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Prairies Pizazz, AKA "Johnny Cash", a two-year old halter gelding
and grandson of Prairie Gold gets work under saddle at Rafter JC.

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At 3 weeks of age Zip gets his first lesson at giving to pressure.
In just 10 minutes he goes from bucking and rearing
to being relaxed, quiet and responsive to the pressure of the rope.
