turnout Archives - Free Heart Stables

Keeping Horses in Stalls

There is a common thought in the equestrian world, especially in the Bay Area, that horses should be kept in stalls. There is a large number of people that even believe that keeping horses in stalls is better than putting them out in a paddock or, dare I say it, Read more

By Stephanie Walker, 7 yearsApril 15, 2020 ago

Uncategorized

Being a Little Different

This week I’m going to get a little more personal. If you know me, I’m a fairly young trainer. I am just starting out my career, relatively speaking, and I do things a bit differently than a lot of trainers. I believe every horse should be in pasture, regardless of Read more

By Stephanie Walker, 8 yearsMarch 6, 2019 ago

Teaching Philosophy

Free Heart Stables' riding program centers on building a solid foundation both in and out of the saddle. Rider's position is a constant focus in order to ensure that riders are safe and able to move forward in their riding. Groundwork is utilized to help riders develop the horsemanship, feel, and timing necessary to communicate effectively with the horse, resulting in a more relaxed and willing partner. Horsemanship is integrated into our program to ensure that we are producing well-rounded riders. An emphasis is placed on the rider's physical and mental preparedness for tasks to ensure confidence and enjoyment, both critical to the continuation of a rider's career. Each lesson is tailored specifically to the individual to address their unique needs and goals. This allows riders to get the most out of each lesson, resulting in greater confidence, learning, and enjoyment.