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Training
Training begins before the foal is born. A natural pastoral environment is given to the brood mares during the gestation period to insure that all the necessary and desirable trace elements, vitamins and immunities are in place. Healthy babies are the results and minutes after the foal is born – imprinting is performed. The baby is subjected to a planned non stressful human environment - handling and petting – touching the ears, picking up feet; halters introduced, all situations that they will be able to take with ease later in life. Birthing takes place in as natural way as can be. Yet, nearby human activities continue, noisy lawn mowers and tractors, highway traffic, dogs barking and running about etc. All to which the horse and foal by intention, become adjusted to.
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Until weaning the mare and foal are allowed to enjoy life and keep good minds. The foals are halter broke, introduced to the stall, wash room, barns and trailers and encouraged with lessons of obedience to enjoy human company. |
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| After weaning and until approx. 2 ½ years of age the young horse is free to roam in spacious pastures where muscles can be formed and solid bone structure is developed. Halter training and lunging are advanced. No attempts are made to ride or put weight on the growing horse during that time. At about 2 ½ years of age, (usually in the late fall) the horse is schooled to drive. This takes about 2 months to accomplish and then typically, here in Wisconsin, cold weather slows down training. |
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At approx 3 years of age the horse is introduced to the more serious aspects of what man wants his horse to do. Using methods that connect to the horses mind and with patience and gentle firmness with much emphasis on the fundamentals, logical progression rather then sensationalism is practiced. The horse is saddled and started at riding. |
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| Although the IberAm horse has the versatile capabilities to perform well in many mediums – western, hunter jumper, driving – dressage training is preferred. Dressage historically is connected to the horses of the Iberian Peninsula and the IberAm horse adapts wonderfully to the sport. The dressage programs present the logical progression that we practice and endorse in our training methods. |
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Each horse is recognized as an individual. Its plusses and minuses are addressed at independent clinics. Dressage training and exercises takes place under the tutelage of Linda Lulaka with continuous schooling, showing and advancement until sold. |
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