Our Services
Kintail Equine offers a truly unique and comprehensive approach to horse training — bringing everything your horse needs together in one place. From building solid foundations on the ground to developing confidence and performance under saddle, every program is tailored to the individual. We go beyond standard training with real-world exposure, fitness work, and full care options to make the process seamless and stress-free. Whether you’re starting a young horse, refining their education, or tackling serious behavioural challenges, we specialise in creating safe, willing, and capable partners — and setting you both up for long-term success.
Handling and Groundwork
When it comes to training horses, the groundwork is where it all begins. A well-trained horse under saddle starts with establishing trust, respect, and clear communication while working on the ground. Through consistent groundwork, horses learn to understand cues, build confidence, and develop the physical and mental skills they need to succeed as ridden partners. Groundwork not only enhances a horse's responsiveness but also creates a strong bond between horse and handler. Remember, the effort invested on the ground lays the foundation for a safe, willing, and well-mannered horse, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable riding experience. After all, patience and preparation in the early stages can make all the difference in creating a reliable and happy equine partner.
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Starts and Pre-starts
Establishing a strong and coherent foundation under saddle is crucial for both the horse and rider. This foundational work ensures better communication, trust, and long-term success in any equestrian discipline. A well-trained horse, with a clear understanding of basic cues and aids, is not only safer to ride but also more confident and willing to learn advanced skills over time. Skipping these essential steps can lead to confusion, behavioural problems, and even physical strain on the horse. By investing time and patience into groundwork and basic training under saddle, riders create a partnership built on mutual understanding and respect, laying the foundation for a positive and rewarding journey together.
Hill Work, Schooling and Conditioning
Hill work and schooling form an important part of the training we provide, helping to build fitness, strength, balance, and endurance in both horses and riders. Our approach not only improves physical conditioning but also develops responsiveness, rhythm, and coordination, laying the foundation for more advanced education. For green horses, incorporating hill work and structured schooling into their program is especially valuable, encouraging correct muscle development, confidence, and a natural way of going. By combining physical conditioning with thoughtful training, we support each horse’s overall development and prepare them for the next stage of their ridden career.
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Problem Solving
From time to time, horses can present difficult challenges—some can be frustrating, while others can be downright dangerous. The first step is always to find the root cause of the issue, and open communication with us about what’s happening is the most important place to start. If a horse’s behaviour has become dangerous or is outside the current handler's capability, it’s best to get in touch straight away so we can step in and work directly with the horse in a safe, controlled environment. Alternatively, if the rider has simply reached a challenge they can’t overcome, a problem-solving lesson can provide the skills and confidence needed to move past it. Every situation is different, and solutions and timeframes can vary greatly, but with patience, careful guidance, and the right approach, both horse and rider can progress safely and effectively.
Other Agistment Services
Alongside our professional training programmes, if wanted, we can take care of all other aspects of agistment, including feeding, barefoot trimming, hot shoeing, basic clipping and transport to our facility (for problem loaders). By combining these services with training, we provide a seamless, stress-free experience for both you and your horse. Our all-in-one approach ensures your horse’s health, comfort, and wellbeing are consistently looked after, allowing you to focus on enjoying the partnership while we handle the day-to-day care and support needed for them to thrive.
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