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Useful Information
Our Training Methods
 I would like to explain the training of our young horses. I know that other breeds of horses are started at age 3 and 4. Our gaited horses can be started at the age of 18 months. The colts are worked with and handled from the day they are born. Taught to halter, lead and have hands on, get groomed bathed, clipped and loaded in a trailer. I wait until I see what kind of mind they have and how their growth is progressing before I start a colt under saddle.
 Some are started at 18 months, others later. Only "Gentle Horsemanship" methods are used. Each colt is an individual and progress at their own pace, not mine. We saddle and ride them in an enclosed area, usually in the hallway of our barn and get them used to a rider on their back with a full cheek snaffle bit in their mouth. As they progress, we teach them to set their head and gait when asked, turn right, turn left, back up, whoa and stand still.
When they are ready, and only when they are ready do we take them on trail rides.
They build good muscle, along with good mind sets because we make it "fun" for them to be ridden. We never push a colt to the limit. He is given plenty of rest during trail ride training which is great for teaching them to stand still.
All of our trail horses that are ridden alone and in groups, on country roads and trails, around cars, trucks, tractors, ATV's, cattle, chickens, barking dogs and are desensitized to as many different obstacles as possible.
Our trail rides consist of going uphill and downhill, through creeks and water, rocks and mud, and sometimes roadside riding, so that the horses will be versatile and experienced on trails.
 I will represent any horse for sale as honestly and accurately as possible. Potential buyers have the option, and are welcome, to come and test ride any horse.
You're welcome to accompany me on a beginner trail ride at my place or if you are an experienced trail rider and feel comfortable with your riding ability on the horse you are test riding, we can take the horses on a trail ride. Please describe your riding ability honestly.
Shoeing the Tennessee Walking Horse and Spotted Saddle Horse
 Question: If you were to cut off your toes, how would you walk?
Answer: Like a Quarter Horse!
Walkers and Spots walk like you and I do...Heel-Toe-Heel-Toe!
Please make sure you hire an experienced farrier for this job. You wouldn't want your smooth gaited horse to start trotting now... under saddle, would you? A hoof is not just a hoof!
Gaited horses also trot out in the field when playing and turned out. It's a natural gait of these horses. If you have trouble finding a farrier or if your farrier is willing to listen to a teaching farrier regarding this important issue, drop us an email. We will be glad to help
 To Learn About the “Gaits”
To understand, distinguish and learn how to ask for all the different gaits of your horse, you will find Liz Graves very helpful! You can visit her web site at lizgraves.com/
Equine Dentistry
 Teeth problems are another issue sometimes not thought of when caring for your equine buddy! We have solved many behavioral issues of horses with a visit from our equine dentist Dr. Ron Johnson! Dr. Ron has a web site with some great information at spottedfeverfarm.com/Horse%20Dentistry.htm
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