Let’s face it. Establishing a solid training foundation is paramount to the enjoyment and safety we experience with our horses. Every time we handle a horse or swing into the saddle, we’re communicating with a prey animal weighing on average, 1000 pounds. The horse is also pre-programmed with a strong fight or flight instinct. So, a solid training foundation sets a horse up for future success in the human world.
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The Importance of a Solid Training Foundation
Establishing a solid training foundation makes the horse’s life easier and more comfortable as they ease into the human world. Not only will humans be riding these majestic creatures, the horses will also need to tolerate medical and farrier care. Horses are social animals; they thrive on connection and trust. As herd animals they can feel vulnerable when there is no clear leader.
Who Will You Trust to Build a Solid Training Foundation on Your Horse?
So, who will you trust to build that solid training foundation in your youngster, or even a more seasoned horse who may need a tune-up?
Two trainers at Varian Equestrian Center are ready to set a solid training foundation on ANY breed of horse. Ismael (Mike) Perez and Jaime Hernandez are consistently available and come with years spent with Sheila Varian learning “The Varian Way” of setting a solid training foundation. The Varian Way lets the horse set the pace gaining trust each step of the way.
Mike Perez specializes in establishing respectful ground manners, responsive halter breaking, and setting up horses for the halter ring. Jaime Hernandez primarily focuses on starting horses under saddle in a variety of disciplines. Both trainers got their start with Sheila Varian, and continued to be the team to put a solid foundation on all her horses for over 20 years.
The Varian Way at Varian Equestrian Center
Today, Mike and Jaime are both at Varian Equestrian Center still providing The Varian Way of training to a variety of horses. Many of the horses Jaime starts for western/ranch horses, trail/pleasure to hunters and English saddle horses even Dressage, go on to show trainers who rave about the solid training foundation in each horse. Mike has turned out many young horses for the halter arena. He establishes trust and respect of the human in each horse.
The Varian Way Team Gets Results
“Four of our current show horses have been in training with either Mike or Jaime or both. Totally Hot CF, Mac A Wish V, Ella V, and Om El Shamira have won at Class A, Scottsdale, Regional & National level shows in Halter and Western Pleasure! Mike & Jaime have had a strong influence on our horses and have earned our highest recommendation.”
Ken and Laurie West
The training team of Mike and Jaime are highly recommended and are internationally known in the Arabian horse world.
West Arabians in Clovis California has been breeding, raising and showing Arabian and half Arabian horses, including many National winners for over 50 years. They rely and trust Jaime Hernandez and Mike Perez at Varian equestrian to help train, develop and ready our horses for the show ring.
Ken and Laurie West of West Arabians explain why they use Mike and Jaime, “We currently have a yearling filly in training with Mike to teach her manners, cross tying, bathing, clipping, trailer loading and showing at Halter. We also have a 3/4 Arabian mare in training with Jaime for Western Pleasure. Both Jaime and Mike worked with the legendary Sheila Varian for over 20 years, and also learned from many other nationally recognized trainers who regularly visited the Varian Arabian farm. One of the advantages of having them train our horses is that they are not on the road going to shows, but rather are there at the ranch to work with our horses every day.”
“Four of our current show horses have been in training with either Mike or Jaime or both,” continue the Wests. “Totally Hot CF, Mac A Wish V, Ella V, and Om El Shamira have won at Class A, Scottsdale, Regional & National level shows in Halter and Western Pleasure! Mike & Jaime have had a strong influence on our horses and have earned our highest recommendation.”
Varian Equestrian Center Provides Specialized Care
Horses coming to Varian Equestrian Center for training will also be well taken care of with. The crew at VEC in Arroyo Grande offers specialized care. A variety of stabling options as well as care options are available to suit every horse and situation. The Varian Way training techniques are suitable for any breed of horse or discipline.
A solid training foundation can turn your fight or flight animal into a safe and fun partner. The team of Mike and Jaime at Varian Equestrian Center in Arroyo Grande is here for you and your equine partner.
Photo credit: Sharon Jantzen Photos
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