Over the last fifteen years or so Scott has been influenced by the horsemanship styles of Tom and Bill Dorrance, Ray Hunt, Buck Brannaman, Bryan Neubert, and other fine horsemen who have worked to preserve the centuries old methods and philosophy of the Californio vaqueros of patiently developing the bridle horse, while still recognizing the daily life for most modern horseman. They renewed interest in a style of horsemanship that was on the verge of becoming lost.
This philosophy requires a patient, thoughtful approach to educating a horse from the time he first encounter humans through getting him started riding, then progressing thorough the snaffle bit, hackamore, two-rein, and finally straight up in the bridle. Every step is built on the previous ones, and is taken with the next steps in mind, and how they all fit together to produce a horse that is truly versatile.
Scott’s exceptionally quiet, gentle, and straight forward manner has proven to be very effective with all types and ages of horses. He does not rely on shortcuts, gimmicky equipment, or “ten easy steps.” While never utilizing force or fear, these common-sense methods will help the rider achieve partnership with the horse using the smallest of efforts based on the concepts of feel, timing, balance, and release.
Scott’s horses have earned a reputation as quiet, calm horses that take care of their riders. The ultimate goal is to produce a truly versatile horse, one that can hold down a “real” job on a farm or ranch, compete at the big events, and be steady and reliable for the kids after school.
No matter how good the intentions, how good the trainer, how good the equipment or breeding or health care or environment—if the foundation is not solid, nothing else is going to be quite right.
Polite, respectful horses are a joy to be with. They create a dimension in life that isn't imaginable without them. Many horse owners start with the best of intentions, and would do just about anything possible for their horse—but too often they find themselves in trouble. All horses need a good foundation and that foundation starts and ends with us.
Young horses need to get started off right and establish good habits from the beginning. Older horses may have habits that are anywhere from annoying to downright dangerous to themselves, other horses and humans. Problems might include biting, kicking, refusing to stand quietly for clipping or trimming or mounting, trailer loading, bucking, rearing, running off, the list goes on and on. It just doesn't have to be this way. Often these reactions are the result of what we have inadvertently taught the horse or a natural reaction to a situation we have put them in. The horse should not be blamed or punished for reacting in a way that is perfectly logical to them.
This is a natural and effective way of working with horses. You will see this difference in our Azteca (half Andalusian), and Andalusians and Quarter Horses for sale when you visit our ranch. We are building a relationship based on mutual trust and respect, becoming true partners and friends.
