Kendall Robinson

I am often asked what "method" I use. Most often my response is "all of them". It all depends on what horse I am working on, and what I am trying to accomplish. In one situation, a three year gelding old may respond to more love, and a quiet, soft approach. In another situation, a ten year old mare may need a more aggresive rider that needs to tell her, not ask. Another thing I am asked often, is how much will a horse learn in 30 days.  I can give a general idea, but the truth is, horses work at different paces, just like people. I will only go as fast as the horse will allow, and only ask for what they are ready to do. In 30 days, usually a green broke horse can learn to walk/trot/lope, move off leg, and get a good foundation.

Before horses even look at a pattern, they need to be able to do the basics. Once the foundation is laid, then the horse can start walking the pattern, and learning how to manouver around the barrels or poles. To run a successful pattern, a horse must be able to bend, move off leg, whoa, collect, yeild and an array of other manouvers. Once the pattern is introduced, a horse is kept on it's toes. Not trained to run around the pattern itself, but to rate, turn, collect and go when the rider asks them to do so. I am always watching new videos and reading new books from professional trainers and racers. Their ideas, mixed with my own and a lot of knowledge I have collected through the years make up my training techniques for barrel horses, and performance horses in general. Every exercise, or session is molded to the  horse I am working with. There is no cookie cutter way of training a horse.

How I teach a student to ride, whether it's their first time on a horse, or they are learning to turn a barrel, styles will always be similar, but mold to the rider. I will never force a rider to go farther than they are comfortable. Lessons go at their pace, revisiting basics every ride. Horsemanship is very big. If you have good horsemanship skills through you're balance or communication then riding and barrel racing becomes much easier. One thing at a time is worked on, going step by step so the student retains the information, and it eventually becomes second nature. When group lessons or clinics are given, riders are not singled out, but they will participate in group activities and some "taking turns", learning to do manouvers, while watching other riders to see their errors and successes. In lessons, off horse time is also available and encouraged. Here, students will learn horse anatomy, general knowledge, horse health, proper procedures, proper tack fitting and almost anything they want to learn. Everything is done is a fun, but sometimes challenging way.

I would love to help you and your horse work as a team!

Currently, I am only offering session training and lessons on your horse.

Normally I can offer monthly training which includes board, feed and at 5 days a week sessions. A monthly rate for this would be $500, discounts can be given if you provide feed, clean your own stall and more. Unlike a lot of other trainers, you can choose what type of feed I will give your horse...this will not be available until I am in a barn where I can do this type of training.

I can also offer to come to you, whether you have an arena, round pen or just a pasture, we can work with what you have. This can be a one time thing, weekly or even monthly. I can also evaluate what I think we should do and we can discuss a good plan. A session is usually 1 - 1/2 hours, I will not only work with the horse, but show you what I am doing, and help you be able to do it yourself.  $25 an hour, if I have to travel very far to get to you, it will be extra ($5-$10)...if I work with more than one horse, you will not need to pay the extra for gas for the horses after the first.

As far as lessons go, that is my very favorite. I will come to you, and work with you and your horse. Just like in training sessions, this can be a one time thing, weekly or even monthly. I can also evaluate what I think we should do and we can discuss a good plan. $30 an hour, or $50 for two hours, on your horse...if if I have to travel very far to get to you, it will be extra ($5-$10)...if I work with more than one person, you can definately split the gas...if I haven't seen you before, the first lesson is $25 with no gas charge!

Clinics and group lessons are available too! If you would like to host a clinic at your facility we can discuss what to cover, time and what to charge. We can split the profits and get some good advertising for your barn. Group lesson rates will depend on how many students. These can be one time, weekly, monthy...or whenever!

Frequently asked question about my training style, my lessons and clinics, starting barrel racing, or other questions! 

If you have any questions of your own, please ask my on the contact page!

1. How long does it take to break an unbroke horse?

There is no set time to "break" a horse. Before you mount, a horse should have all the ground skills and manners. One of my biggest pet peeves is a great horse that walks all over you and doesn't stand still. To start from nowhere, it can take from 30-90 days to put a good foundation on the horse. To me a "broke" horse is on that has good ground manners, can walk, trot, lope, stop, back and work off of rein and leg. Every horse is different, and every horse takes a different amount of time for training.

2. Can you teach my green broke horse to race?

First you need to define green broke. I call a "green broke" horse one that can ride, but may not be able to lope well, move off leg, one that may buck or refuse things I ask. Basically, a horse that has holes in the training still. Before I ever put a horse on the pattern, they must have a complete foundation. So yes, but after a good foundation is layed and the horse is fully prepared.

3. I ride english, can I barrel race?

I get asked this often. Barrel racing equates more to english than western pleasure riding. In western a horse is taught off neck reining and usually have a more collected gait. Western pleasure horses can make great gamers, but most need to be taught to bend and flex more than others. In english riding, your horse listens to direct rein, leg, your seat more like barrel racing than western pleasure riding does. To me, barrel training fits somewhere between english and reining. It's a mix. so yes, if you are an english rider, chances are you could easily learn to run barrels.

Have a question you would like answered?