Remedial Programmes

The ultimate solution for horseowners experiencing all sorts of behavioural issues ranging from :

• Refusing to load into Horseboxes or Trailers
• Bucking, rearing, napping or bolting
• Refusing to be caught
• Showing aggression to humans or other equines
• Fear of traffic, loud noises, plastic, dogs, farm animals, vets, farriers, dentists
• Loss of interest in work - ie competition horses losing their motivation
• Nervous disposition or unsettled when stabled
• Problems standing still to groom, clip, tack-up, plait or wait at shows
• 'Naughty' ponies proving to be too much for children

At Westcourt all owners are encouraged to take as active a part as possible in the training of their horses, including 'call-up', so that the training methods learnt can be continued when the horse returns home.  We therefore book daily sessions for you to work with us at Westcourt, starting with the initial assessment which is generally on a Monday - the day after the horse arrives.  For more information please see our FAQ page or contact us.

For many owners the high point of their visit to Westcourt is when their horse, without halter or rope, follows them around the pen for the first time, an experience that has moved some owners to tears.

The starting programme Gary uses to produce racehorses, is also used to excellent effect on horse and ponies that come to Westcourt with their owners.  These owners may have heard about Natural Horsemanship from someone who has been delighted with the results achieved with their own horse or have seen Gary's success with horses at demonstrations.  The methods that result in calmer racehorses also produce safer family ponies and horses, even those that have been neglected and bear the scars of maltreatment in the past.

With all remedial cases the aim is to confront and deal with the behavioural problem but the foundation of this work is teaching owners how to gain their horse's trust and respect and thereby Establishing Leadership of the horse by the owner and any other handlers.  After going back to basics through work in the round pen and developing the horse's trust in its handler, a de-flighting programme is started.

Whatever problem horses bring with them, all those that come to us are dealt with on an individual basis but the points and call-up is the starting point from which work progresses.

De-flighting in all cases strengthens the bond between horse and owner - and builds up the owner's confidence - this work exposes the horse to a wide range of 'scary' situations such as flapping umbrellas, motorbikes, banging water containers or a whole pack of foxhounds for a horse scared of dogs!  It culminates in the horse first going over, then under and, finally being wrapped in, a plastic tarpaulin - and having to stand still in the process!  Gary has demonstrated hundreds of times that, given the trust that is built up during 'call-up' this can be done with any horse from a shire to a thoroughbred.

If you are experiencing problems with your horse, we recommend coming to us on a Remedial Programme with your horse initially, if you are considering any general training in Natural Horsemanship, or even a career, this is a good introduction as you know your horse and can evaluate the success of the methods we teach you against the results!