*       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!



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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.