by Cody Harrison
At CH Equine, we believe developing the young horse is an art of patience, not a race toward perfection. The goal is not to produce flashy movements or quick results—but to build a strong, balanced, and mentally confident partner capable of long-term soundness and joy in their work with beauty, elegance, and class.
Too often, young horses are asked for advanced or dramatic movements before they have the strength or understanding to perform them correctly. While this may look impressive for a moment, it places unnecessary stress on a horse’s joints and mind as it learns to carry itself, causing them to break down before they can reach their full potential. True brilliance in movement comes only when the body and mind are developed in harmony.
Our work with young horses always begins with large, flowing circles and long lines. We avoid tight corners or small circles that can strain developing joints. Instead, we focus on forward rhythm—encouraging the horse to push from the hind end, stretch through the back, and find natural balance. This lays the foundation for future collection, not by force but through proper gymnastic development.
As the horse gains strength and coordination, we introduce short moments of lateral work—gentle leg-yields, shoulder-fore, and transitions that promote suppleness and understanding. These moments are not about “showing off” but about teaching the horse how to use its body efficiently and with confidence.
The process mirrors human development. Just as a child progresses from grade school to middle school, then to high school, and eventually college, so too must the horse move through each stage of learning. Skipping steps or rushing the process only creates confusion, imbalance, stiffness, and a shortened career.
When we take the time to preserve the young horse’s body and nurture its mind, the result is a functional athlete who moves with grace, strength, and pride—without ever losing the joy of movement.
At CH Equine, our mission is to develop horses that are not just beautiful to watch, but beautifully built from the inside out: strong in body, soft in mind, and confident in spirit.
Because true brilliance isn’t found in flashy moments—it’s found in the quiet strength of a horse that has been developed with care, patience, and purpose.
by Cody Harrison
In today’s world, everything moves fast. Information, communication, even our expectations. We live in a culture of “next day delivery” and instant gratification — where results are measured in how quickly they appear rather than how deeply they last. Unfortunately, this mindset has crept into the horse world, too.
Everywhere you look, trainers advertise guaranteed progress: 30-day wonders, “finished” horses within just a year’s time, a season to reach collection, a program promising a set number of goals in a set number of weeks or months. But horses are not machines. They are living, breathing beings with minds and bodies that develop at their own pace — and when we rush that process, the horse pays the price. If you get to a “finished” horse to soon, you will only enjoy it for a short time before the medical bills start to pile up.
At CH Equine, we don’t believe in “speed training.” We believe in functional training — thoughtful, classical work that develops the whole horse: physically, mentally, and emotionally. When horses are rushed, you may get obedience, but you lose understanding and trust. You might get movement, but not balance and suppleness. And over time, what looks like progress becomes tension, resistance, and eventually breakdown.
Our preferred age to start young horses is between four years old. This isn’t arbitrary — it’s based on anatomy, biomechanics, and decades of classical horsemanship. At this age, most horses’ skeletal structures have matured enough to carry a rider in balance without undue strain. The joints, ligaments, and growth plates have had time to develop; the mind has had time to observe, learn, and gain confidence.
By waiting, we give the horse the greatest gift we can: time to become strong before being asked to perform.
Just as every child grows and learns differently, so too does every horse. Some are physically advanced but still mentally unsure. Others are confident and willing but need more physical strength to support their natural ability. The art of training lies in recognizing where each horse is on that spectrum and meeting them there — not forcing them forward to meet a schedule.
When a young horse is allowed to develop slowly, they grow to love their work. They associate riding with clarity, comfort, and fairness — not confusion or pain. This foundation pays dividends for years to come. Horses started with patience are more sound in their body and steadier in mind. They learn to think through challenges rather than react to them. They carry their riders willingly, not defensively.
The result isn’t just a “broke” horse — it’s a functional athlete capable of a long, happy career.
This philosophy echoes through everything we do at CH Equine. Whether we’re starting young horses, retraining older ones, or guiding riders through advanced movements, our approach is the same: listen to the horse, respect their timeline, and never sacrifice quality for speed.
Because true progress isn’t about how fast you get there — it’s about how well the horse understands the journey.
At CH Equine, we train with the future in mind. Every ride builds on the last, each exercise designed to develop strength, suppleness, and understanding. We want horses that move freely, think clearly, and remain sound — not just for a few seasons, but for a lifetime.
So while the world rushes ahead, we’ll keep doing what’s right for the horse: taking our time, staying true to classical principles, and building partnerships that last.
Because real horsemanship isn’t measured in days — it’s measured in decades.
by Carrie Harrison
Part 2: The Horse’s Development – Why Maintenance Matters
Horse training isn’t a one-and-done process. Without consistent support and proper schooling, even a well-educated horse will begin to lose precision, strength, and clarity in their work. Muscles weaken, bad habits creep in, and the horse’s confidence can erode if they’re unsure of what’s being asked.
A trained horse needs ongoing education to stay at their level—and a developing horse needs even more support to get there. Horses don’t generalize well; a skill taught in one context must be reinforced in many others before it becomes reliable. And they’re always changing—physically and mentally. What worked last month may need adjusting today.
Examples of how horses can regress without guidance:
- A horse previously soft in the bridle may begin bracing if the rider’s hands become unsteady or inconsistent.
- A once-forward horse may lose motivation or develop sourness if exercises become repetitive or confusing.
- A young horse in development can become defensive or shut down if asked too much too soon, or without clear leadership.
Being in a structured program keeps the horse engaged, fit, and mentally balanced. Regular check-ins with a trainer ensure small issues are addressed before they become bigger problems. It also helps the rider better understand their horse’s needs and build a consistent communication system.
Most importantly, training is about longevity. A horse that’s physically fit and mentally confident will stay sounder and happier longer. Whether you’re working toward competition or simply want a trustworthy trail companion, proper, ongoing training is a commitment to the horse’s well-being.
