AboutSarah Lothmann Expertise Professional trainer for 10+ years. I happily offer you my expertise, techniques, and advice covering: Hunters, Jumpers, Equitation, Showing, Training, Sales, Behavior, Stabling, Grooming, Tack, Barn Management, Rider Psychology, & Effective Communication.
Experience I have been riding for over 23 years. As a kid I participated in 4H and Pony Club. I then worked as a groom and catch rode to pay my entry fees in the A Circuit. As a teenager I competed nationally in the Junior Hunters, USETs, and Medal classes. I've learned from and worked with some of the nations' best trainers. During college I began training professionally. I have prepared my students for both local and national shows. Recently I have organized two local equestrian groups for expanding general knowledge of horsemanship and for ensuring the welfare of horses. I continue my dedication in this industry by offering visual design services for equine businesses including, graphic design, web development, and photography.
Organizations ASPCA, Desert Valley Equestrians, Arizona Equestrian Network, The Equestrian Paddock, & Equine Photographers Network
Publications The Equestrian Paddock & Soon I will be announce another online publication featuring my monthly articles.
Education/Credentials AAS Degree, Veterinary Assistant, Professional Trainer
Awards and Honors Graduated High School with High Honors, College GPA 4.0, OHJA & KHJA Year End Equitation Championships as a junior rider, & ASPCA Maclay Class & USET Class wins.
Past/Present Clients In the past I have worked for and with Laurie Story, Mindy Darst & Lochmoor Stables, Chris & Matt Payne, Scott Taylor, Camargo Stables, Marianne Murphy, the Lindner family, Brigette Carlson, Bobbi Theis, Cincinnati Theraputic Riding, Sweetwater Stables, Lucy Alibaster, Los Cedros, and Leslie Stohlgren. Currently I am working with private clients.
Question I have been trying to train for western pleasure it seems like all my life. I just wanted to do one of my own. I get them going pretty good but then we get to the part where they should push through but hold on their own and we never get hooked. I have stopped trying but I have a 2 yr old at a trainer. He was with one trainer that rode him for 4 months and got him in the pen but only by being tired. I took him to a new trainer and the first day they looked good but on the third week my horse is very heavy on the forehand and not driving as deep anymore. He was already pushing through the bit but the trainer says he is getting him to push through and trying to get him to hold his own frame. I don't understand why that would make my horse, Birdy, get heavy in the front when he never was before. Is there any way or where I could have someone tell me what the whole process is on training starting at getting the horse to go through the bit. Like do you do that first and then get the hip next or should you get the front end first or ribcage. I have wanted to know this for about 20 years but have no one to ask because trainers that I meet just don't talk a whole lot. Could you PLEASE tell me what the process is from start to a finished horse before they develop any bad habits. I know they are all different but there has to be a basic process like what to start and end with. Thank you so much!
Answer Each horse is different thus the process can vary from horse to horse. When first starting a horse it is important to evaluate his confirmation, muscle tone, balance, and personality. Generally I prefer to start a horse on a lunge line, and if necessary use various training aids to help guide the horse into carrying himself properly - balanced and moving forward freely. Once the ground work is established and the foundation is sturdy, then I move on to the riding phase of his training. Ideally the transition from ground work to mounted would be seamless. Since that is often rare, I initially want the horse to learn how to accept the bit. I then work on the subtleties of turning and going and stopping. These subtleties must be carefully applied using not just the bridle, but the leg, voice, and rider position as well. To properly work the horse through the bit and into a balanced frame requires propulsion. The rider/trainer must execute leg aids and rein aids to engage the hind end. When the hind end is not engaged, then a horse can get heavy on the front end, strung out, and of course a host of other issues. Each trainer has their own style of training. I prefer to work from the hind end forward. The process can be difficult to thoroughly explain here at AllExperts. My suggestion is to invest in a few breaking and training books. I also would allow the current trainer another week or two to correct the issue. If you can, try to observe each training session. A professional trainer should be happy to answer any questions about their techniques with your horse. If you feel your questions are not answered to your satisfaction, or that the training your horse is receiving isn't adequate, by all means, find another trainer to work with. Sometimes it is as simple as a personality conflict between the horse and trainer. You are paying to see results. If you are not satisfied with the results of 4-6weeks of training, then you should definitely consider changing to another professional.
I hope I was able to answer your question. If I didn't please don't hesitate to reply.
