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Limited places remaining for Spring & Summer 2023/24 - Book now!
Horse Starting Under Saddle & Foundations
Melbourne & Yarra Valley Horse Trainer
It's not just about starting; it's about starting right.
A solid foundation for a horse isn't just essential; it's non-negotiable. Regardless of breed, it enables your horse to transition into specific training for your chosen discipline, whether it's trail riding, reining, western performance, or dressage. To reach their fullest potential a horse needs rock-solid foundations.
As a professional horse trainer, Mark’s goal when starting under saddle is for your horse to be not just cooperative but enthusiastic, not just safe but enjoyable - a horse you can ride with a smile.
At Mark Jones Horsemanship in the Yarra Valley, we firmly believe solid foundations aren't just about what happens under the saddle; they begin with groundwork. This shapes a horse into one that's not just willing but eager to work with its rider, understanding basic aids and questions. A horse that learns to accept what they are taught, not just to tolerate it. He’ll work with your horse to become soft, supple, confident, trusting, energetic and mentally focussed.
Starting under saddle is approximately 8-10 weeks, depending on the individual horse and what level of handling it's had. Clients are encouraged to be involved with all stages of the starting process. Prior to taking your horse home, Mark offers two lessons to ensure that you are able to successfully manage your horse from the ground as well as riding, so that you have a clear understanding of the principles of his training process and can successfully continue on with the training.
Your horse's journey begins here.
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When To ArriveWe ask riders arrive at least 15 minutes before their lesson starts to ensure there’s enough time for tacking up and a chat.
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Cancellations & WeatherIf you are unable to come to your scheduled lesson, we ask that you phone and cancel your spot as soon as possible. If less than 48hrs notice, cancellation fees may apply. For the safety of our riders and horses, lessons with Mark may be cancelled with short notice due to extreme heat, muddy conditions, rain and/or windy weather. In this case, the customer will be offered a make up lesson on a different day (date subject to availability).
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Benefits Of A Private Horse Riding LessonIn the saddle or on the ground, each lesson is tailored to the rider's ability, the problems they are having with their horse and their goals. A private lesson allows you to ask questions openly and cover more than you could in a group setting. You can focus on a specific problem or choose what to concentrate on to work towards your ultimate goal.
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What To Wear & Bring To Your LessonAll riders are required to wear suitable riding attire including an approved safety helmet, long pants and closed-in riding boots. We also encourage you to bring a drink bottle and sunscreen when required. Please also download, print and bring your signed/completed Rider Waiver to your first lesson. You can download it here.
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Lesson PricingLessons available Monday-Saturday, by appointment only Onsite at MJTS in Macclesfield Private lessons on your horse - $100 Private lessons on a school horse - $150 Shared lessons (min 2 people) - $80 per person Offsite at your facility (Yarra Valley only) Private lessons - $150 Shared lessons (min 2 people) - $100 per person Please note all lesson payments are due on the day of the lesson. We do not offer accounts. You can pay cash at time of lesson, or a bank transfer.
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Lesson FocusesTailored to your goals, lessons can focus on: Horsemanship Handling & groundwork Riding technique Western riding disciplines English riding disciplines Trail riding
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Week 2-3Now that the horse is comfortable wearing a roller and bridle and is moving freely on a lunge line, Mark begins working in the long reins. Starting in the halter, he teaches the horse to accept him being behind them and learning to steer, stop and back up. Once they understand this, the reins are attached to the bridle and he works on the same exercises. Mark will long line a horse in the arena, and around the property, using natural obstacles for them to cross during this period. The saddle is introduced next. Please note: The process of starting a horse under saddle typically spans around 8 to 10 weeks, although this can vary based on the horse's unique personality and prior handling experiences. However, this timeframe serves as a general guideline, and Mark will continue to update regarding your horse's progress, particularly during the second to third weeks.
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Week 1The first weeks usually consist of getting to know your horse, and building a connection on the ground. Mark spends the time acclimatising your horse to accepting him standing beside them on a mounting block, and being comfortable with him being above them on the fence. Mark will work on their ground manners and improving their leading, progressing onto lunging. The roller and bridle is introduced at this stage. Please note: The process of starting a horse under saddle typically spans around 8 to 10 weeks, although this can vary based on the horse's unique personality and prior handling experiences. However, this timeframe serves as a general guideline, and Mark will continue to update regarding your horse's progress, particularly during the second to third weeks.
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Length of ProgramThe process of starting a horse under saddle typically spans around 8 to 10 weeks, although this can vary based on the horse's unique personality and prior handling experiences. However, this timeframe serves as a general guideline, and Mark will continue to update regarding your horse's progress, particularly during the second to third weeks.
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Week 6-7Mark proceeds to ride out of the round yard and in the large arena, where your horse will learn to develop clear paces, walk, trot and canter; track circles and straight lines; moving the hip and shoulder; then onto leg yielding on the circle. At this stage, Mark starts to ask for more collection, suppleness and smoother transitions. Please note: The process of starting a horse under saddle typically spans around 8 to 10 weeks, although this can vary based on the horse's unique personality and prior handling experiences. However, this timeframe serves as a general guideline, and Mark will continue to update regarding your horse's progress, particularly during the second to third weeks.
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Week 8-10Mark continues to refine the transitions and body control, whilst maintaining collection in the arena, and then continues training out on the roads and trails to give the horse more exposure. Please note: The process of starting a horse under saddle typically spans around 8 to 10 weeks, although this can vary based on the horse's unique personality and prior handling experiences. However, this timeframe serves as a general guideline, and Mark will continue to update regarding your horse's progress, particularly during the second to third weeks.
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Visiting & FeedWe encourage clients to visit their horse during the starting process, however we require visits to be booked in advance. While in training, horses are fed 2x hard feeds per day and are given access to ample grass hay.
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Week 4-5By this time Mark is riding your horse in the round yard, teaching them to move forward off the leg with smooth transitions and suppleness in the bridle. Please note: The process of starting a horse under saddle typically spans around 8 to 10 weeks, although this can vary based on the horse's unique personality and prior handling experiences. However, this timeframe serves as a general guideline, and Mark will continue to update regarding your horse's progress, particularly during the second to third weeks.
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Trainer for Western Horse Riding DisciplinesAs a seasoned competitor in reining and cutting himself, Mark has a natural talent for training successful Western performance horses. Whether you're interested in campdrafting, reigning, team penning, cutting, or Western pleasure, Mark's here to school your horse in the essential aids and maneuvers. Your horse will learn to executing techniques like neck reining, rollbacks, spins, slide stops, side pass, and more.
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Solving Horse Behavioural IssuesWhen it comes to horses that are giving you a hard time, addressing their challenging behavior often means digging into the underlying issues that have developed. In most cases, misbehavior stems from being allowed or inadvertently trained to do so, and/or an absence of consistent boundaries and respect. As a professional horse trainer, Mark can help you tackle horse behavioural problems help head-on, including: Agression towards people and other horses - biting, kicking, striking, food agression Fear - herd bound/seperation anxiety, general anxiety, spookiness, fears about specific things e.g. float Under saddle problems - bucking, rearing, bolting, lazy or unresponsive, impulsion, aggression when tacking up Handling and management problems - poor ground manners, pulling back when tied up, aggression during routine care e.g. farrier
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Trainer for English Horse Riding DisciplinesMark's expertise isn't confined to just Western performance horses, he's also well-versed in training for various English disciplines. Whether you're into dressage, showing, eventing, or jumping, Mark can advance your horse's training and fine-tune your horse's skills with aids and manoeuvres specific to your chosen English riding discipline. Think flying lead changes, halt to canter, half pass, and more.
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Groundwork & FoundationsNo matter what discipline you ride, or what age your horse is, groundwork will benefit your horse and improve your skills. Ensuring the basic foundations both on the ground and in the saddle are correct will help resolve problem behaviours and allow you to progress onto more advanced training.
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Float Training a HorseHorse floating can be a common problem for horse owners. Mark has a proven track record of resolving floating issues for both horse and owner. Mark can guide you and your horse through the right techniques that will make floating a breeze, having both you and your horse floating happily, without fear or stress. Whether its a horse nervous about loading onto the float or anxiety when they're onboard, Mark will help create a stress-free floating experience, ensuring the safety and comfort of both horse and rider.
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Weanling/Yearling Horse Training ProgramMark’s Weanling/Yearling training program consists of interacting, handling, exposing and teaching them the fundamentals to set them up for future success. Over a minimum of two weeks, Mark will work with the horse on: Handling, catching, washing, tying up, grooming, leg handling and rugging Lunging in round yard Float training
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Visiting & FeedWe encourage clients to visit their horse during the starting process, however we require visits to be booked in advance. While in training, horses are fed 2x hard feeds per day and are given access to ample grass hay.
To be accepted for a training program your horse will be assessed to ensure it is sound and in good health and weight condition. Feet, dental, worming and vaccinations must be up to date before arrival.
For the Truly Committed Rider
What we require from you as a client
Our horse starting and foundation services are reserved for the truly committed horse owners. It's a commitment that demands more than just financial investment; it calls for you to commit time, energy, and to your trainer. You need to be willing to further your horses AND your own education, grasping the methods and putting in the hours to practice, practice, practice. We welcome clients to ask questions and be involved in the process of training, so when you take your horse home, you know what you need to continue working on.
Mark limits the number of horses he takes in each year to ensure that every client and horse receives the utmost attention and expertise. Due to this, we extend our horse starting and foundation services exclusively to owners who are committed to their horse's education and training.
