Best trainers for backing young horse

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BBP

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I know these threads are done over and over but people change and move, so starting fresh.

If you had a young horse ready to back and didn’t feel able to do it yourself, who would you choose and why?

Someone who focusses on proper posture, and horse focussed not time focussed. Goal of getting them happy out hacking. I like the Warwick Schiller (modern version as I know he has changed how he does things)/Sean Coleman sort of mindset but open minded.

Suggestions in Cambs/Beds/Northants/Herts particularly useful, but it’s a broader question so in your own area would be interesting too. I’m not sure I’ll send him away when the time comes, but if I have any doubt in my abilities I would like to have down my research on giving him the best start.
 
I'd do it in two stints - there's a fabulous classical lady who I've done some training with and I'd get her out for groundwork during years 3/4.

Depending on how developed physically then I'd likely ask the lady I bought baby cob from to do the actual getting on and riding away. She's light, sensitive and brave.

Neither of those are near you but as I'm the silly type who'd buy another youngster then wonder WTF I'd done I have given it some thought!! (Common sense prevailed this time. ..)
 
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I wouldn't send a horse to anyone who doesn't realise that sitting on a horse's back while they're standing still is physically taxing for a horse, especially a young one who hasn't yet developed core strength to hold their back up under the rider.

A well regarded Western trainer sat on my friend's 3 year old for over 2 hours while giving lessons to others to "teach" her horse to stop reactng to other horses in the school. I have heard of other Western trainers who expect horses to act as chairs for long periods of time. It shows a fundamental lack of understanding of horse physiology, which isn't restricted to Western trainers.
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I have had several back mine, and the best outcomes which keep the horse happy are the ones that do not concentrate on getting to do things 'properly' and have perhaps get them out hacking and out of the school. Often they only back a few horses a year and take their time.
The least successful are the ones IME who want to look smart and be able to canter a twenty metre circle, and when you visit if you know your animal they just look stressed.
A part a dealers daughter all the ones who were supposed pro's, I would never send one to again, including those that competed affilated at higher levels. The one that was backed on a dealers yard came home looking hunting fit and went out on two short hacks a day and out in traffic, and I loaned it out to a competant family with no issues.
 
Dan Wain - he's focussed on the horse using it's body properly. and will ensure it's comfortable before backing. He's totally horse centered. I sent my horse to him (although she was already backed) and he was amazing.
 
Dan Wain. Hes northamptonshire. He is an absolutely gifted horseman who is also a very nice person. He has a brilliant eye and is so soft and quiet. His entire focus is on posture and body strength. He absolutely will not rush or cut corners. He wont fleece you either. I cannot speak highly enough of him. I have given up owning horses now and the one thing that makes me think about doing it again, is so I could have sessions with Dan again.

https://www.facebook.com/DanWainEquestrianLtd
 
this post is exactly how he is in person and describes his ethos perfectly

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Argh! I cant get it to embed, so you have to click the link. Its safe even though it looks dodgy!
 
I'm Dun said:
Dan Wain. Hes northamptonshire. He is an absolutely gifted horseman who is also a very nice person. He has a brilliant eye and is so soft and quiet. His entire focus is on posture and body strength. He absolutely will not rush or cut corners. He wont fleece you either. I cannot speak highly enough of him. I have given up owning horses now and the one thing that makes me think about doing it again, is so I could have sessions with Dan again.

https://www.facebook.com/DanWainEquestrianLtd
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oh I'd forgotten about Dan - he's fabulous.
 
HuskyFluff said:
Dan Wain - he's focussed on the horse using it's body properly. and will ensure it's comfortable before backing. He's totally horse centered. I sent my horse to him (although she was already backed) and he was amazing.
Click to expand...
I think I’m right in saying he is who Tom Beech recommends for follow up work to his osteopathy sessions? I always wish he was just a bit closer to go to the clinics there.
 
I'm Dun said:
this post is exactly how he is in person and describes his ethos perfectly

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His ethos matches my instructors perfectly, and many of her recent posts (she just doesn’t do backing). He is a good shout. A little further away than I would prefer, but worth it for the right person. I’ve made a preliminary enquiry (given I won’t send him anywhere until next spring).
 
BBP said:
I think I’m right in saying he is who Tom Beech recommends for follow up work to his osteopathy sessions? I always wish he was just a bit closer to go to the clinics there.
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that's right.

My friend used to regularly take her horse to Dan's for a treatment with Tom after her lesson and I went to watch once (I think Dan goes to her yard now).

Another friend saw Dan as a rider at a clinic with another professional many years ago. What struck her was Dan refusing to carry on when he decided the horse he was riding had done enough. He was apparently very polite, but also very insistent that the horse had done enough for the day.
 
BBP said:
I think I’m right in saying he is who Tom Beech recommends for follow up work to his osteopathy sessions? I always wish he was just a bit closer to go to the clinics there.
Click to expand...
He is - while my horse was at Dan's yard she had a few treatments with Tom Beech. Watching them work together is fascinating.
 
BBP said:
His ethos matches my instructors perfectly, and many of her recent posts (she just doesn’t do backing). He is a good shout. A little further away than I would prefer, but worth it for the right person. I’ve made a preliminary enquiry (given I won’t send him anywhere until next spring).
Click to expand...
Dan is great. My only caution is I think he’s got wet land re winter turnout depending when you send a horse to him.
 
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