Foundation Training

Foundation Training at

Golden M Stables

‘A beginner rider wants to work on intermediate horsemanship. An intermediate rider wants to work on advanced horsemanship. But an advanced horseman works on the basics.’ – Duke Williams 

Foundation training is an essential fundamental of good horsemanship. It shapes the way you communicate with your horse - and this communication is the basis for everything you will teach your horse throughout your life together, whether that is readiness for trail riding, recreational riding, upper-level training such as advanced liberty, bridle less riding, competitive, or collected riding. A horse with a strong foundation is comfortable in many environments, and he allows you to move and direct him where you want him to go. His view of people and learning is positive. And his responsiveness to his rider is eager and readily, happily given.

Without strong, clear, positive communication, gaps in your and your horse’s foundation begin to show, and simple tasks become harder to achieve. This, in turn, requires heavier and more coercive aids and stronger tack to achieve your desired result. Forceful measures however, often cause a horse to exhibit anxiety or problem behaviors instead of the voluntary, peaceful submission that you seek. It also reduces opportunities for harmony and joy between rider and horse. 

Imagine a life in which your horse is excited to greet you, and eager to train with you. A life in which your horse responds happily and confidently to your requests. A life in which you and your horse can accomplish your goals, together. These amazing things start with the foundation you build together.

Golden M Family Farms is excited to introduce a new training program in foundation horsemanship, lead by Golden M trainer Jahi Bickham, for the horse whose foundation has significant gaps, leading to mild-moderate behavioral and emotional concerns.

A comprehensive assessment is required to enter the program in order to determine goodness of fit:

Assessment is completed in person by Golden M trainer at your current barn

Recommendation on goodness of fit for the program provided within 1 week

Cost of assessment - to be paid at time of booking - is $300.

Training Program Details

Individualized training program created specifically to address the horse’s current needs based upon pre-program assessment and goal setting collaboration between owner and trainer.

Horse works with trainer 25-30 hours per month

Trainer works with horse and owner together 4-6 hours per month

Only horses with mild-moderate behavioral and emotional concerns can be accommodated at this time

Horses with a history of dangerous, aggressive behavior are not allowed in the program at this time

Training and full service board is included in training package price:

Barn stall: $2500 per month

Mini barn: $2350 per month

*Please see board page for information on full service board

  • A person interacting with a horse in an indoor arena, holding the reins with a sandy floor and metal fencing in the background.

  • Indoor horse riding arena with a horse and rider. The arena has a sandy floor and wooden beam roof. Surrounding landscape includes hills and trees.

  • Indoor horse riding arena with people and a horse under a wooden roof.

  • Indoor horse riding arena with a person training a white horse, large roof structure, and scenic outdoor view at dusk.

  • Person riding a horse decorated with festive lights at night, wearing a blue Santa hat.

  • A horse decorated with white string lights and feather-like adornments standing in the dark.

  • A horse adorned with glowing fairy lights being ridden at night

  • Two horses wearing decorations near a fence with multicolored lights at night.

  • A person standing next to a horse with ribbons under a tree, dirt ground, and a corral in the background.

  • Silhouette of a horse jumping over a barrier in an indoor riding arena with hills in the background.

  • White horse wearing multiple colorful ribbons on bridle.

  • A group of people dressed in costumes with two horses, decorated for a Halloween-themed event, standing in a forested area with hay bales and pumpkins around them.

  • Person dressed in black riding a horse in a rainy equestrian arena, waving while a person standing beside them wears a top hat.

  • A person wearing a helmet sits on a horse with a gold mask over its head. The scene is foggy, with trees and a stable in the background.

  • Horse riding practice at a stable with people and horses, some riding and others standing by a white fence and a small hut; background of trees and fog.

  • Person riding a white horse in a wooded area with a white fence on a sunny day.