Training Program
New horse evaluation
When I get a new horse into my training program I like to do a non-riding evaluation with the owner. This means that we physically go over the horse together, grooming, checking legs and feet, looking for any pre-existing conditions (minor cuts, scrapes) and check for any soreness (haunches, back, saddle fit.) This is to ensure both the owner and myself are on the same page, and allows us time to discuss horse and rider goals, concerns, difficulties etc, as well as establish that the horse is heathy and sound when it arrived in my care.
I also ask that upon arrival all owners fill out a provided form listing emergency contact information for both horse and rider as well as a ‘chain of command’ of protocol that they would like followed in the event of an emergency where the owner cannot be reached.
Riding evaluation (see training)
Boarding
PLEASE NOTE THAT OUR BOARDING PROGRAM REQUIRES A COMMITMENT THAT THERE WILL BE NO RIDING OR HORSE HANDLING THAT TAKES PLACE WITHOUT A PROFESSIONAL ON THE PREMISIS.
OUR COMPREHENSIVE BOARDING PROGRAM IS $1,200.00 PER MONTH PER HORSE.
This includes:
Heavily bedded 12x12 stalls with wood shavings
Free choice hay
Grain
Full day or partial day turnout.
Turnout is a personal choice and I try to abide by owner desires. I like my horses out as much as possible (weather providing) so I encourage owners to provide a lightweight turnout sheet for rain.
Turnouts are groomed daily for manure, holes, and waters checked, cleaned and filled daily as well.
This includes, at minimum, 30 minutes in addition to normal training schedule of hand walking on days where turnout is unavailable; pouring rain, thunderstorms, icy conditions/winter weather.
Blanketing, stable wraps
Night check (late night hay and water check)
Please note:
Boarding fees are due at the first of every month.
Termination of boarding contract requires 30 days notice.
Barn Hours are 7:00am-7:00pm.
General grooming and care
While I encourage all owners to groom and spend time with their horses, as a professional it is important to me that I am involved in the daily care and that I get to know the ‘quirks’ of every horse. This makes it easier to catch a potential problem very early on and to get to know the personality of each individual horse.
I personally provide the care for all of my training horses.
This includes (but is not limited to):
Stall cleaning, feeding, turnout
Grooming and care supplies
Professional grooming. I like all my horses to look their best and ‘show ready’ at all times. In addition to regular brushing and bathing this means, manes and tails are kept brushed and trimmed accordingly. Legs washed, monitored for dirt, cuts, scraps, fungus and clipped accordingly.
Hoof care; picking feet 4-5 times daily (before and after ride, before and after turnout, at the end of the day before they get put in their stall for the night) hoof oil/ conditioner daily to prevent cracking and promote growth and strength. Thrush preventative and medication as needed. Hoof packing with Magic Cushion or Magna Paste after hard workouts or new shoes to prevent soreness.
Non veterinary maintenance. Our horses are high performance athletes and should be treated as such. After tough workouts I provide icing, liniment, poultice, magic cushion, magna paste, etc.. as needed.
As a trainer it is imperative that I put the horses first 100% of the time. If there is a lameness or shoeing problem I like to be involved so I know how best to continue working with the horse. In all veterinary and farrier situations it is important to me that all parties (myself, the owner, vet/farrier) have a clear, open line of communication so that we can best serve the horse and find a solution as quickly as possible.
I am always available for questions and emergencies. I encourage owners to reach out if they have any questions or concerns. I can be reached at 339-832-1895 or ccollari@icloud.com
Feeding schedule
Hay 1st or 2nd cut grassy mix. I feed hay 4-5x a day. AM, Noon, PM, Nightcheck, and hay in the turnouts (decided on a per horse basis). The amount of hay I feed is dependent on each individual horse, and can be discussed during the new horse evaluation, and of course can be altered throughout the course of training. When possible I like to allow the horses to have free choice hay.
Hay net, bags, slow feeders etc.. are used at owner discretion and must be provided.
What I feed them
I feed Cavalor brand grain. It is a product I have used for a long time and have had good results with. Cavalor makes a variety of feeds geared towards performance horses, senior horses, low starch/sugar feed for easy keepers and metabolic prone horses. Cavalor is a complete feed, meaning that a daily ration has all of the vitamins and minerals of a once daily supplement, negating the need for a multivitamin and making it more cost effective (YAY!) In my experience I have found that the Cavalor representatives are easy to contact and helpful if you have questions or concerns regarding feed.
Cavalor grain is included in board and we can switch your horse over slowly over the course of a week. Some owners feel strongly about what they feed and why and do not want to switch. That is ok! I am happy to feed whatever you like, but if not Cavalor you must provide it.
For performance horses, I generally feed smaller grain amounts more often throughout the day, usually AM, Noon, and PM feedings. On non work, or flex days for the horses I like to trade in a Noon or PM feeding with a mash, to increase water intake and replenish electrolytes.
I use, and feed a combination of their products. All horses are different and what works for one does not necessarily work for another. A comprehensive feeding program can be established during the initial evaluation.
Supplements
As stated prior, Cavalor is a complete feed so a general multivitamin should not be needed. Horses that get good nutrition through quality hay and grain should need very minimal supplements, base nutrition is important. Specialty supplements for things like joint, muscle, gut etc.. are used in specific cases or on recommendation from vet and farrier. With the exception of electrolytes, owners must provide supplements.
Training
Training fees are due at the first of every month.
New Horse Riding Evaluation
After the non-riding evaluation I like to ask the owners if I can ride the horse for the first time, or if they are uncomfortable with that, watch them ride on their own for the first time. This allows me to see or get a feel for the relationship between horse and rider and to get a visual overview of horse and rider strengths and weaknesses. After the ride, the owner and I can discuss and establish a training plan.
Full training
$800.00 per month (about $33 per session)
5 days a week (training rides or lessons).
1 flex day (hack, lunge, light workout, stretch).
1 day off (turnout, hand walk/graze)
Note: I allot one full hour of ride/training time per horse in my daily schedule, more or less. I allot a full hour because I feel it is very important for the horse to have time to walk for 10-15 minutes on a long rein before and after the ride to ensure proper warm up and cool down of the muscles. Proper walking is an easy way to keep the horses fit and sound with minimal concussion on the joints. The remaining 35-40 minutes of the lesson or training secession is to strengthen, supple and train towards the goals set by the owner.
Flex days/Days off
I always give the horses 1 day off per week. The second day is what I call a flex day. This means that the day is flexible depending on that weeks training schedule. If I feel the horse is tired after a particularly hard week or session they can have an extra day off, if I feel that they need one more work day, we schedule that, mostly flex days are used for hacking, stretching, light easy work or moving around on the lunge line so they don’t get stiff or tight.
Young horse starting and training programs are organized on a per horse basis. With young horses consistency is very important. However, 3-4 year old horses are not physically or emotionally mature enough to handle a rigorous training program. I usually work with young horses daily, in short secessions to ensure consistency without “overloading” or “burning them out.” It is important to me that when starting horses they always have a positive experience, and like people, it is important that they feel successful. All young horse training programs are modified to work for the individual horse/situation.
There are NO coaching/schooling fees at horse shows, you are in full training.
Trailer in/ Travel training
Trailer in lessons at Herring Brook $75 an hour
Training ride plus $25 facility fee
Off property training
Train at your farm
$75 plus mileage (Same applies for clinics)
Veterinarian/ Farrier services
I use Dr. Dana Pantano of Black Pond Veterinary Service in Norwell, MA. She is highly recommended and ALWAYS available for emergencies as well as the day to day. For specialized lameness problems or colic surgeries, Dr. Pantanto will refer out to Tufts, or Andy Kaneps of Kaneps Equine sports medicine and surgery. Dr. Kaneps specializes in lameness diagnosis and treatment, equine orthopedic and soft tissue surgery, and sport horse rehabilitation and athletic performance issues.
Jason Armstrong is a knowledgeable, careful, and highly recommended farrier.
Dr. Meghan Graham offers fantastic equine chiropractic and acupuncture services. She comes to the barn regularly to treat horses at owner discretion.
Jamie Cohen - Equine Massage Therapist.
If new clients have a standing relationship with a vet or farrier, and you are satisfied with the service you are being provided, I encourage you to keep them! Listed above are my personal preference and recommendation, however owners are in no way obligated to use them.
Extras
Extras
Trailering
Body Clipping
(Price discussed prior to service)