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CH Equine

2 weeks ago

Time Over Timelines

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 too 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.

Pictured is Cody Harrison riding our 5-year-old Hanoverian mare, Versailles. ... See MoreSee Less