Looking for Lynn Strand Training Center you're in the right place!
For 17 years STC has focused on the Novice and Intermediate Recreational Trail Riders with a time tested program of successful trail horse training along with "Confident Effective Horsemanship" which enables our riders to deal with the "common" and "not so common" situations that occur on the trail and/or in the arena.
All horses are schooled in the same techniques with individualized attention to their strengths and weakness.The approach is simple. In most cases horses are by instinct "Herd Bound Animals" one leads and the rest follow. Horse owners must become aware of the "Herd Leader" role and how to use it fairly, so their horses quickly step into the place they are most comfort and confidence following a firm but gentle leader they can trust in almost all situations.This technique can be easily mastered by keeping the training and lines of communication for both the horse and rider at its simplest level, which means at STC both the horse and rider are able to find common ground, understanding and accomplishment.
CONGRATULATION 2007 NATRC WINNERS!
There's a new kid in the Barn - Lisa Kunzman's - Bey Dreamer click here
2008 Orange Park Arces Trail Blazers Show series Sponsor click here
~In Dedication to my mom Lucille 'LJ' De Bell - click here ~
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Trail Training Checklist
Many riders believe that a horse must possess a particular personality type in order to be a good trail mount. Although we agree a calm, self assure attitude makes a good prospect, almost any horse can with confidence building become comfortable on the trail.
Think about the checklist I wrote for the article in Horse Illustrated March 2002 called: "Outward Bound" by Audrey Pavia :
- What are your horse’s abilities and limitations? Are you the cause of some of these limitations? Could your own fears be keeping your horse from performing to his/her highest level?
- Have all the Training Basics been well established? Does your horse halt and stand obediently at all times? Do you have a walk, jog and lope in a controlled manner? Does she/he stand for mounting? All of these should be answered with a definite and confident YES!
- Do you know your horse's true personality? Is he Bold or Passive? If bold is it true confidence or out of the "fear and flight" mechanics that will keep a horse constantly moving and trying to get away.
- Do you know the trails you are attempting to ride over? If you are trying to create a good trail horse and you are not prepared ahead of time on what is scary and what is not, your own confidence levels will be lowered and this can and will effect how horse reacts. Having a confident horse and rider with you during these introductions and training can make or break a good trail horse.
- Do you really know who you are riding with in a group of trail riders? If any horse or rider seem unruly, ill- mannered, or simply disrespectful of you or your horse’s abilities, Don’t ride with them!. Anyone who will not ride at your level of experience simply is not worth riding with in the long run of your horse’s training.
- Do not underestimate incorrectly fitted tack, including bits, girths and cinches, and saddle width and/or padding. A horse with improperly fitted tack, can and will be a danger to you and themselves if enough pain is inflicted and/or incorrect leverage and pressure is applied at the wrong moment.
So after reading this list just how prepared are you and your horse to venture out into open country? If you did not answer all these questions and statements with a confidence and positive response it may be time to have a look at our client recommendations and our programs listed below for what you may need to change your present situation.
STC Summer Hours of Operation
Monday-Friday 6am-12:00pm / Monday-Thursday 6:30pm-8:30pm
CTR workouts Saturdays 6am –12:00pm
Training and Lesson Fees (No Lesson horses)
1 day per week - $175.00 to 5 days per week -$400.00 per month
Special Notes: Young horses must have min.1 year pro training under saddle
STC Maintenance Riding - Care Programs
1 day per week - $150.00 to 5 days per week - $350.00 per month
Prices do not include boarding fees... Please call Peacock Hill Eq Center 714 997- 7720
for boarding fees and availability
Along with Training and Lessons, STC offers a Full Care Program with maintenance riding and/or lunging, feed and supplementation, vacation care or illness injury recovery programs available through “The Care Barn” with Lisa Kunzman to help keep horses happy and healthy. Back all this up with experienced, knowledgeable professionals that truly care about you and your horse.
- About us - Lynn Smothermon and Lisa Kunzman
- NATRC - North America Trail Ride Conference - Competitive Trail Riding at its finest!
(c) Lynn Smothermon -Smothermon Training Center 2008
Smothermon Training Center
formerly Lynn Strand Training Center
Lynn Smothermon - Owner/Trainer
Recreational/Competitive Trail Horses
Emphasis on Gaited Horses - All Breeds Welcome
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"Celebrating our 17th Successful Year in Business"
