Every year Lana finds 2-3 special horses to train. She exposes the horses to everything she can think of that a new owner might want to experience from cart driving to parades. Spending two or more quality years with the horses helps prepare them for most situations and objects they will encounter in their lifetime. A major benefit of working with a small number of horses is that she can spend as much time as necessary, moving at the horses pace, to get the desired outcome. Spending many hours every week with each 4 legged friend also enables Lana to gain a deeper understanding of each horses mind. She can tell when the horse has learned all she can teach it, when the horse has surpassed initial training, and when it's ready to start looking for a new home. Learning the personality of each horse also helps her find just the right match with a potential owner. Finding the right match might ensure a perfect home where the horse is kept their entire life.

All of Lana's Horses have been professionally exposed to the following:

Alpacas, chickens, geese, deer, dogs, cattle, balloons, bridges, water crossings, steep terrain, slippery footing, halter training, ground manners, riding next to the ocean, camping, traveling to at least 12 different riding locations, riding in different groups of horses, vehicles including tractors, quads and loud parade entries, face and body clippers, fly spray, ponying horses, being ponied, twirling a lariat and dragging objects, tarps, bags of shavings, blanketing, pool noodles, firecrackers, parades, bicycles, baby strollers, bathing, oral antiparasitics, teeth floating, bridling, saddling with a western saddle, rear cinches, farrier work (at least front shoes), herd socializing in a large pasture, being stalled, standing quietly while being tied, trailer loading and unloading, mounting (from the ground, mounting block, fence and side of the trailer), riding in a halter, bareback riding, lunging, vaulting, many different riders, arena work (walking, jogging/trotting on a loose rein, galloping/cantering on a loose rein, both leads, in circles and in straight lines, simple lead changes (circles and diagonals), speed control, half haults, beginning reining, roll backs, turn on the haunches and shoulders, side passing, leg yielding, counter bending, stopping to weight aids and voice signals, backing through "L" shapes, arena trail obstacles, opening and closing gates from both sides, snaffle bits, jointed copper bits with shanks, and more. If a horse shows potential to go in a certain direction, for example, hunter jumper or cart driving, the horse will be started on beginning ground poles and cross rails or ground driving in a harness, and a pulling a 2 wheeled cart.

Training Philosophy

Training techniques have been learned from Tom Dorrance's book "True Unity" and Ray Hunt's book "Think Harmony with Horses", while studying Animal Science at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Lana believes she's not a horse whisperer or a trainer but more of a listener. She claims most of the training has actually come from long hours on horseback where the horses taught her. She takes the time to listen to the horses and believes they will tell you all you need to know through their non vocal signals. The best horse communicators listen intently first, and then offer feel, timing, balance of pressure, and repetition based on the horse's comfort level. Lana's goal is to have the horse as comfortable and willing as possible, with their mind in neutral, kind of like a dancing partner, where the rider and horse work together interpreting each others subtle signals, working together as a team, in a fun, rewarding environment.

The Proof is in the Pony

(About the Training)