Facilities include: 
Dressage arena (20mx40m.)  Jumping field with stadium fences and cross country fences.  Grass turnout.  10x12 or 12x12 matted stalls.
"Sinnerman"  Preliminary - Shepley Hill Horse Trials, 1986

I believe in bringing horses along slowly, with an emphasis on ground work, manners and longe line work.  We will also work on trailer loading, standing for the farrier, clipping, etc.  Under saddle, I believe that learning to go freely forward is the most important foundation any horse can have.  I generally use a hollow mouth three peice snaffle or plain hollow mouth with a flash or figure 8 noseband.  I always use wool saddle pads for protection and sweat absorbtion.  You may think it looks funny to use a western pad with a dressage saddle, but I have found these big blankets to be the best for the horses' backs.  I am not a great believer in gadgets, but for some horses once in a while I will use draw reins (although I believe many people overuse and abuse these.)  I will also use a Chambon on the longe line for horses who are reluctant to relax and come down and through their backs.  I do not believe in using harsh bits (I would never even own a bicycle chain bit, much less use one!)  Most of my horses have gone cross country in a snaffle.  For young event horses, I believe in getting out and going across country, whether it is fox hunting, hunter paces or trail riding.  They need to learn how much fun it is to run and jump.

"Happy Appy"  Training level - Doornhof Farm Horse Trials, 1985
Water can be fun too!

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