Our first goal with any new horse or rider is to achieve relaxation. Without relaxation horses and humans cannot effectively learn, thus leading to needless repetition and drilling. We utilize a variety of groundwork, breathing, and riding exercises to teach both horses and riders how to let down and relax in each other's company. We then continue to focus on relaxation throughout the training process to avoid building tension into any part of the horse or rider's training. Horses and humans learn how to quickly return to a state of relaxation and maintain relaxation throughout normal work and potentially stressful situations.
Many training programs rely on a rhetoric of "being the boss" or establishing "leadership" over the horse. Here at Free Heart Stables we work with the horse by addressing his mental and emotional states in order to create an environment and work situation that the horse truly enjoys. After all, no horse should hate their job. Horses learn that they have a choice in what they do and riders learn how to let go and truly be the kind, fair, and honest partner their horse wants. What results is a willing partnership.
We strongly believe that every good training program is based on developing correct biomechanics for both horse and rider. We use classical dressage principles, suppling exercises, and focused bodywork to improve horses' gaits, straightness, and balance. We teach horses to use their cores, engage their hindquarters, and lift their backs to allow them to use their bodies correctly. This takes stress off the horses' musculoskeletal system, promoting soundness and longetivity. We also teach our riders correct riding position and aids in order to be effective, balanced, and harmonious with their horses.
"Wow! My first lesson with Stephanie far exceeded my expectations. At first, I was a bit nervous about getting on a horse after 30+ years, let alone working so closely with one. However, Stephanie was very patient..."
"Stephanie Walker at Free Heart Stables is a true horseman. She understands the equine holistically and teaches her clients from where the horse is at physically and mentally, and always for the good of the horse..."
"Stephanie is an all- around great horse woman. Her knowledge got my mare started on a path to success!"
I currently have a few horses that are really learning to use themselves. They are all suffering from PSSM, which has certainly contributed to their fundamental lack of balance and awareness of where to put Read more…
I’ve been doing a lot of theory blogs recently so I thought it might be fun to mix it up and do something a little bit more accessible that you can incorporate with your horse Read more…
Every horse in every minute gives off a certain energy. In fact every creature does, we are just very bad at reading it. Most people can feel the energy shift when a horse tenses and Read more…
(408) 800-3347
7777 Frazier Lake Rd, Hollister, CA 95023
Please Note: Visit by appointment only. This is a private facility.
Monday ----------- 8:00am - 7:00pm
Tuesday ---------- 8:00am - 7:00pm
Wednesday ----- 8:00am - 7:00pm
Thursday -------- 8:00am - 7:00pm
Friday -------------- 8:00am - 7:00pm
Saturday ---------- 8:00am - 12:00pm
Sunday ------------ Closed
450 S Abel St
P.O. Box 361751
Milpitas, CA 95036
