Not only were most of our horses very neglected and thin when they came here - NONE of them were immediately suitable for beginner riders. This takes training, and often months or even years of it! They graduate through stages in our 'Guide Horse Program'.
Stage I, the horse is solely ridden by our onsite trainer, until they've graduated to being calm and bitless (no metal in mouth). This stage may last anywhere from 1 month - to 6 months. However long it takes, we'll put that time into them!
In Stage II, they are ridden by our advanced rider volunteer as Guide Horse. This stage may also last for several months. Generally, they are also proven in Endurance/Competitive Trail competition during this Stage. Before they are ready to graduate to Stage III.
Stage III is for experienced riding clients. Again, this stage may last for several months as they develop 'auto pilot'
Stage IV is when they've finally graduated for riders of all levels.
The average time the project horses take to fully graduate from the Guide Horse Program is 1 YEAR!
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