EARLY EDUCATION

Starting Horses Under Saddle

Brookby Heights starts Thoroughbreds, Warmbloods, sport horses and pleasure horses under saddle using the same patient, progressive approach.

Our focus goes far beyond simply getting a saddle and rider onto a horse. We take the time to develop confidence, understanding, good manners and a willingness to learn.

Only a limited number of young horses are accepted at any one time, allowing each horse to receive consistent handling and individual attention.

DISCUSS YOUR YOUNG HORSE

THE RIGHT START

Education, Not Just Breaking-In

Starting under saddle is a significant process made up of many small and important stages.

We do not measure success by how quickly a horse can be saddled and ridden. Instead, each stage is approached carefully and progressively, giving the horse time to understand what is being asked and develop confidence in the process.

Every horse is different. Temperament, maturity, previous handling, physical development and life experience all influence how a young horse learns.

The programme is adapted to the individual horse rather than expecting every horse to progress according to the same timetable.

The aim is a horse that is not only ridden quietly, but is also confident, well mannered, responsive and willing to continue learning.

individual early education for a young warmblood at brookby heights

FOUNDATIONS THAT LAST

Strong Foundations From the Beginning

warmblood mouthing and bit selection at brookby heights

Thoughtful Mouthing & Bit Selection

Comfort and understanding are essential to developing a light and responsive horse.

We place considerable emphasis on mouthing and, where appropriate, work alongside an experienced equine dentist.

With access to a range of quality bits, we take the time to find an option suited to the individual horse’s mouth, comfort and preferences.

young warmblood learning confident ground manners at brookby heights

Ground Manners & Handling

Young horses learn to stand quietly, lead politely, respect personal space, tie up confidently and accept grooming, equipment and everyday handling.

These foundations help produce a horse that is safer, easier to manage and better prepared for its future owner, rider, trainer and equine professionals.

young warmblood developing confidence through round pen education

Teaching Horses to Think

Through round-pen work, consistent handling and carefully managed exposure to new situations, we help horses learn to think rather than simply react.

They develop the ability to process pressure, regain relaxation and approach unfamiliar experiences with increasing confidence.

PROGRESSIVE EDUCATION

From Groundwork to Starting Under Saddle

The ridden stage begins only when the horse has developed the confidence and understanding required to progress.

Saddling, mounting and the rider’s aids are introduced carefully so that each new step becomes a natural continuation of the groundwork already established.

The first ride is not treated as the finish line.

Once a horse accepts a rider quietly, we continue developing its confidence, responsiveness and understanding so that ridden work becomes familiar rather than simply tolerated.

Our focus is on a horse that moves forward willingly, remains relaxed and begins to understand clear communication between horse and rider.

young warmblood progressing from groundwork to starting under saddle

young warmblood developing balance softness and rideability under saddle

BEYOND THE FIRST RIDE

Developing Balance, Softness & Rideability

Education continues well beyond the point where a horse can simply be ridden quietly.

Working in the arena, each horse learns to travel forward in a soft, relaxed way while gradually developing balance, responsiveness and confidence.

Through systematic and progressive education, we encourage the horse to:

Work correctly through its body
Develop balance on both reins
Build natural suppleness
Move smoothly through transitions
Accept a soft and consistent contact
Respond clearly to the rider’s aids
Approach new exercises with confidence

This attention to detail helps create a horse with a more balanced way of going, a lighter and more responsive mouth and strong foundations for continued training.

FOUNDATIONS FOR THE FUTURE

Ready for the Next Stage

Whether the horse’s future lies in dressage, show jumping, eventing or another discipline, strong foundations make every later stage easier.

Our goal is for each young horse to leave Brookby Heights ready to continue progressing with its owner, rider or trainer.

Confident & Willing to Learn

Able to approach new exercises and unfamiliar situations with increasing confidence.

Well Mannered

Comfortable with handling, everyday routines and the expectations placed on a ridden horse.

Balanced & Responsive

Moving forward willingly with an understanding of the rider’s basic aids and soft, consistent contact.

Ready to Progress

Prepared with strong foundations for its owner, rider or trainer to continue developing.

BOUTIQUE TRAINING

Individual Attention & Regular Updates

Brookby Heights accepts only a limited number of young horses at any one time.

This ensures every horse receives consistent handling, individual attention and the time required to progress confidently and appropriately.

Karen provides regular video updates through Messenger or WhatsApp so owners and trainers can follow their horse’s development throughout its stay.

Owners and trainers are also welcome to arrange visits, see their horse working and discuss the next stages of its education.

There is no fixed programme length. The appropriate timeframe depends on the horse’s starting point, maturity, understanding and the outcome agreed with its owner or trainer.

video progress updates for young warmblood owners at brookby heights

Give Your Young Horse the Right Start

Contact Karen to discuss your horse’s age, previous handling, intended future and readiness to begin its education.

ENQUIRE ABOUT STARTING UNDER SADDLE