Strong Foundations From the Beginning
Careful early education helps young horses develop confidence in people, their environment and the work that will be expected of them throughout their future careers.
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 wide selection of quality bits, we can take the time to find an option suited to the individual horse’s mouth, conformation, comfort and preferences.
A comfortable horse is better able to relax, concentrate and respond positively to its education.
Ground Manners & Handling
Good ground manners form the basis of a safe and successful partnership.
Through regular and consistent handling, young horses learn to stand quietly, lead politely, respect personal space, tie up confidently and accept grooming, equipment and everyday activity.
They also learn to work independently when required while remaining relaxed and sociable around other horses.
The aim is a horse that is respectful without being fearful, confident in its surroundings and easier for its future owner, rider and equine professionals to manage.
Teaching Horses to Think
Young horses will encounter unfamiliar environments, pressure and new experiences throughout their lives.
Through round-pen work, extensive handling and carefully managed exposure to different situations, we teach horses to think rather than simply react.
They learn how to process pressure, regain relaxation and develop the ability to self-soothe.
This creates a more confident and adaptable horse that is better prepared for future training, competition, travel and changes of environment.
Building Balance, Softness & Rideability
Once the horse is confidently working under saddle, its education continues 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
- Remain confident when introduced to new exercises
This attention to detail helps produce a horse with a more balanced way of going, a lighter and more responsive mouth and the foundations required for continued training.
The goal is a horse that is enjoyable for its owner or rider to continue educating.
Foundations for a Successful Career
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 regular handling, everyday routines and the expectations placed on a professional sport 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 dressage, jumping, eventing or another chosen discipline.
BOUTIQUE TRAINING
Individual Attention & Regular Updates
Brookby Heights is a boutique training facility and accepts only a limited number of young horses at one time.
This ensures that 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 can follow their horse’s development throughout its stay.
Owners are also welcome to arrange visits, see their horse working and discuss the next stages of its education.
There is no fixed programme length because every horse develops at a different rate. The appropriate timeframe depends on the horse’s starting point, maturity, understanding and the outcome agreed with its owner.
