Progressive Training System

In general, a buyer can expect a Greenbriar-raised horse to have been through the following regimen. All horses run in pastures with hills for optimum development.

	tied in stall trailered hand-walked away from farm with dam
	tied in cross-ties trailered hand-walked away from farm with "classmates" hand-walked 2.5 miles alone spent time with herd in large pasture
	spent time alone ponied on steep hills regularly learned basics of lunging
	started under saddle with a light rider been ridden out across country

UNDER SADDLE WORK

		Preliminary Lunging Teaches word recognition (walk, trot, whoa) Loose side reins are used to accustom horse to restrictions of the bridle. Wearing a saddle accustoms the horse to a girth and a bit of flapping.
		Backing The rider's seat follows the horse. The rider only uses reins to reinforce directions given by the person on the ground.
		Long, Loose, and Listening Short trots are used to produce a good long, low walk.
		Trot Development Longer trot sequences are done with the goal of improving balance (off the forehand) and rhythm.
		Obedience An increasing number of transitions are done between halt, walk, and trot to improve obedience to the aids.
		Contact From Stage Four we segue into enough contact to start lateral work.
		Self Carriage The horse is encouraged to use the power produced behind to lighten and balance the front end.
		Canter Canter work is introduced if the horse is balanced. If the horse is lacking balance or strength the canter work won't begin yet.
		Straightness Stages 7 and 9 become necessary for the trail work expected of the horse at this stage. Until these are in place, the horse is less sure-footed on rough ground and on hills.
		Collection Adjustability in the stride isn't possible until the horse can be collected. Maturity and muscular development are necessary for this step.