90 Day Program

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Our 90 day training program is designed to develop a soft, willing partner with a trainable, thinking mind. This program is not a checklist or a guarantee of outcomes. Each horse is an individual, and progression is always adjusted to suit their physical development, mental maturity, temperament, and previous handling.

Our focus is on quality, understanding, and longevity not rushing horses through steps.

• Mental and physical longevity under saddle

• Calm, consistent leadership

• Correct biomechanics and balance

• Softness without loss of forward

These foundations support safety, confidence, and long term manageability.

• Good to catch

• Leads willingly and with regard for the handler

• Yields space politely in paddocks or stalls

• Picks up all four feet

• Loads into a trailer

• Stands quietly while tied

Round pen work is used to establish clarity, softness, and communication not speed or fatigue.

• Direction control

• Changing eyes

• Hooking on / drawing

• Leading by all four feet

• Roping legs and introducing hobbling (where appropriate)

Purposeful groundwork forms the backbone of our program and is aimed at improving balance, softness, and correct use of the body.

• Untracking the hindquarters / hindquarter yields

• Yielding the forequarters and shoulders

• Backing straight lines

• Backing circles

• Backing serpentines

• Circle exercises

• Sending exercises

• C-patterns

• Lateral flexion

• Leading with softness and clarity

• Confidence building with lead rope, flag, and lariat

• Leading by a lip, ear, and jowl

Ridden work builds progressively from the foundation established on the ground, prioritising balance, softness, forward, and understanding.

• Stands quietly to be saddled

• Willingly accepts the bridle

• Stands quietly to be mounted

• Lateral flexion while maintaining balance through the ears and body

• Turn on the forehand / disengagement of the hindquarters

• Backing straight lines with softness

• Leg yielding through the ribs

• Turn on the haunches / yielding the front quarters

• Backing circles

• Backing serpentines

• Maintains correct bend around the inside leg with softness through the poll, back, and loin

• Maintains forward and physical engagement while receiving direction at walk, trot, and canter

• Stops off two reins from walk, trot, and canter

After initial rides in the round yard, most horses are introduced to riding outside the arena, depending on their readiness and confidence.

• Riding out in the bush

• Riding in groups

• Riding out alone

• Working through man made obstacles

We place a strong emphasis on miles for our 90 day horses. Natural terrain and obstacles help horses:

• Find comfort in forward

• Improve coordination and foot awareness

• Understand the purpose behind our requests

• Develop confidence while staying mentally connected to the rider

Where suitable, some horses may be introduced to tracking cattle. This exposure is used as an educational tool to encourage forward, engagement, and a thinking frame of mind not to produce finished cattle horses.

• Softer, more willing responses

• Improved balance and body awareness

• Clear understanding of pressure and feel

• Mentally prepared for ongoing training

• A foundation that supports long term soundness and enjoyment

Progress is measured by quality of response and understanding not by ticking boxes.

Foundation First Horsemanship training programs are based on horsemanship principles and tailored to the individual horse. Progression, timelines, and outcomes will vary depending on each horse’s age, temperament, physical ability, prior handling, and emotional development. No guarantees are made regarding the level of training achieved within a specific timeframe. Training decisions are made at the discretion of Foundation First Horsemanship with the horse’s mental and physical wellbeing, safety, and long term longevity as the primary considerations.