The most complete training on the market for you and your horse or mule.
Working on horses and mules with ATH follows precise progress modules for breaking-in/training. Working periods depend on the level of preparation required for the horse or mule and the rider’s skills; riders are advised to be present as often as possible and to participate actively during the training period. At the end of the period, the work sheets remain with the owner as a reminder of the training carried out and a guide for continuation, as well as certification of the work done. The owner is constantly updated on progress through media sent by ATH. Furthermore, the horse/mule is constantly monitored at an osteopathic level thanks to the collaboration with animal osteopathy expert Michela Avian and will be entitled to one treatment per month included in the breaking-in/training service.
Horse training services
Breaking-in is understood as the set of exercises that make the horse/mule manageable in everyday life, so that it accepts and respects humans and knows how to manage its emotions. The breaking-in period can vary from one to three months, depending on its previous experiences, age, and character. Deep ground work will help the foal/horse/mule learn all the exercises proposed in this work module. These foundations are essential for the correct psychophysical development of the horse/mule regardless of its future and the type of riding it will undertake.
The ATH training program includes a specific module for saddle preparation. During this work period, which can last from one to three months, the foal/horse/mule will develop a series of exercises aimed at accepting the saddle, strengthening muscles, coordination, and balance necessary to support the rider even before they get into the saddle. This work phase is also universal for all subjects in training.
The first approach in the saddle happens with the bosal. The foal/horse/mule learns the basic commands for saddle management by associating the aids it has already learned from the ground in the second module with the rider in the saddle. Transitions, the stop, and the back are learned, as well as moving freely outside the round pen, first in the arena and then also on trail rides. Teaching of the neck rein, leg work, shoulder and hindquarter control begins, along with some safety maneuvers. During this period, thanks to targeted work in a surcingle, the foal/horse/mule also learns snaffle management without the rider. This work module can last from one to two months. Universal module for all subjects in training.
Once the bosal module is consolidated, the foal/horse/mule can start working in a snaffle. The commands learned in the bosal are then transferred to the snaffle, aiming to obtain a subject that is light and responsive to the hand. Various exercises for managing fears from the saddle are carried out in this module, as well as trail rides and acceptance of spurs. If the owner’s request is to continue in the bosal, the parts relating to the snaffle are excluded, while all other exercises continue. This module lasts from one to three months. The foal/horse/mule now has solid and safe basic training. From here, an advanced path related to the future discipline or type of riding can begin.
For horses/mules aiming for precision disciplines, advanced training aims to refine horse control. You can move on to work with a bit, speed variations within the gaits, lateral work, two-tracking, counter-canter work, collection, and flying changes. The work can continue until the desired level is reached.
Once basic training is completed, ATH can prepare the horse or mule to face certain disciplines, even presenting the subject at competitions. The program also includes participation in small local shows to get the horse used to the competitive environment.
The disciplines that ATH can prepare for:
- Reining
- Trail
- Mountain Trail
- Show jumping
- Gymkhana
Solving a problem in a horse or a mule involves retracing the entire training path to get to the root of the problem and solve it. We don’t look for a temporary solution or a workaround, but to solve the problem definitively. The timing depends a lot on the type of problem, how deeply rooted it is in the behavior, and the age of the subject.
Preparing a horse or a mule for sale requires a good photo set, presentation videos, listing the subject on various media channels, and contact with potential buyers. ATH takes care of all this, keeping the subject in work twice a week. No commission on the sale will be requested and ATH will not negotiate the price proposed by the seller. The horse/mule will not be trained during the sale period, unless otherwise agreed.
A service at the ATH headquarters for those who want to learn with their own horse or mule. ATH proposes to guide the rider day after day during the training of their horse/mule, recommending a work program and ad hoc solutions. ATH will never work directly on the horse/mule, but will follow the progress of the horse/mule and rider step by step.
Thanks to this service ATH will work a foal, a horse or a mule, evaluating its abilities, possible problems, and proposing a tailor-made work program for the client. During the consultancy ATH will not give lessons, but will work the subject personally. The service can be carried out at the ATH headquarters or at your home.
ATH certification allows you to have a technical training evaluation sheet regarding a horse or a mule, whether the goal is to purchase the subject or if an evaluation of its abilities is requested. The document will then have value in the case of subsequent purchase/sale of the subject.
ATH does not deal with third-party transport, but among its secondary services is the possibility of moving a horse if requested to complete one of the main services listed above.
The FULL IMMERSION service involves breaking-in/training the horse or mule intensively with two work sessions a day, 5 days out of 7. The service is evaluated with the client and based on the subject’s abilities.
Rider services
Various services dedicated to you as a rider to follow you on your path of equestrian refinement. On-site, at home, and even remotely. ATH is at your disposal.
ATH lessons for the rider are tailor-made for the pair. The goal is to increase the rider’s awareness and the horse/mule’s abilities with the correct aids, regardless of the final goal, be it competitive or recreational. Lessons can be with your own horse/mule or with a school horse. Packages last for one year and can be used as desired at times agreed with ATH. For competitive riders, in addition to lessons, there is also the possibility of being assisted at shows, with the right advice and support from ATH.
A service created for those who need to be followed remotely and want to receive quick answers to questions about their horses/mules. The service lasts one year and allows you to get a technical response from ATH within 48 hours of receiving the question on any media channel. Questions, photos, and videos of the problem can be sent. You might be asked to elaborate on the topic with further photos or videos.
These services bring together the needs of the horse/mule and the rider, in order to offer a complete package. The maximum flexibility of this formula allows you to have ATH at your disposal for a period of time that can range from half a day to a week. You just have to choose which one and for how long.
Clinic services
ATH events allow many riders to get closer to the ATH method or to expand their equestrian knowledge. The maximum flexibility that ATH offers allows us to tailor a course based on the needs of the center or the organizer. Clinics, demonstrations, theoretical courses, and a mix of services. Just ask us and we will try to organize your day with ATH.
Clinics are group courses ranging from half a day to three days. ATH will propose a flat price charged to the host center and not a price per participant. Clinic topics can be on the ATH method or other previously agreed themes, also in collaboration with other professionals. Standard clinics are:
- THE BASIC ATH GROUND METHOD: Learning to understand and manage the horse/mule from the ground, theory and practice. Course for riders of any level. Duration: at least 3 days (in one or more meetings to be agreed upon)
- THE ADVANCED ATH GROUND METHOD: Advanced management of the horse/mule and control of its movements. Course for those who have participated in the basic ground clinic. Duration: at least 2 days (in one or more meetings to be agreed upon)
- THE BASIC ATH SADDLE METHOD: Knowing the basic commands of the horse/mule and knowing how to manage them. Course for riders of any level. Participation in ground courses is recommended. Duration: at least 2 days (in one or more meetings to be agreed upon)
- CONTROL OF HORSE/MULE MOVEMENTS FROM THE SADDLE: Improving control of the horse/mule from the saddle and managing the various parts of its body. Course for riders with a basic ability to ride at all three gaits. Duration: at least 2 days (in one or more meetings to be agreed upon)
- INTRODUCTION TO MOUNTAIN TRAIL: Course to get to know this discipline and learn how to face mountain trail obstacles both from the ground and from the saddle. Course for riders with a basic ability to ride at all three gaits. Duration: at least 2 days (in one or more meetings to be agreed upon)
- OSTEOPATHY, STRETCHING AND MUSCLE WARM-UP: With animal osteopathy expert Michela Avian, we start from the horse’s anatomy to understand the most common physical problems, how to recognize them, prevent them, and implement strengthening and prevention exercises. Course for riders of any level. Duration: at least 2 days (in one or more meetings to be agreed upon)
- GYMKHANA REFINEMENT CLINIC: How to best face gymkhana obstacles to get the best results in competition. Course for competitive riders. Duration: at least 1 day.
Demonstrations can be half a day or a full day. Horses/mules proposed by the host center or by riders who make a specific request will be used. During the demonstration ATH will illustrate step by step what work is carried out on the horse/mule used and will provide all the information requested by the participants. No lessons or courses will be given to the riders.
Theoretical clinics concern topics agreed upon with the organizer. They normally take place in locations suitable for the purpose. During theoretical clinics, horses/mules will not be worked except for demonstration purposes of the topics covered and no practical riding lessons will be given. Theoretical clinics can supplement practical clinics. Possible theoretical clinics:
- Bits and their function (duration half a day)
- Horse communication (duration one day)
- Fears according to the horse (duration half a day)
- Basic saddle commands (duration half a day)
- Animal osteopathy and learning the correct animal observation technique (half a day – with Michela Avian)