Training and coaching for the modern equestrian athlete.
The Ledyard Equestrian Style & Approach
For nearly thirty years I have made my living in the horse business as a judge, trainer, competitor, coach and now as an author. I have been blessed to work with so many wonderful students and horses, many of whom have ridden with me for years. Safety and details are at the forefront of my disciplined approach. I do my very best to coach in such a way that lifts a person up, approaching the horse and rider as a pair of athletes, giving them the respect they deserve.
Feel good about reaching out to Ledyard Equestrian. I promise I will do everything I can to
keep you safe, having fun and helping you and your horse become your absolute best.
Family photo credit Adrienne Morella Photography
I offer two types of clinics
Call, text or email me at shane@shaneledyard.com or 267-446-8392 to learn more or to set up a clinic at your facility.
Ledyard Equestrian Services
Riding Instruction
Your riding ability will thrive in our healthy, positive atmosphere that stresses the technical side of the sport as well as a disciplined yet fun approach to horsemanship.
Horse Training
Ship-in or send your horse to a wonderful facility with caring, seasoned professionals. Your horse will enjoy a kind, common sense approach to training that specializes in hunters, jumpers and equitation horses.
Young and problem horses of any discipline have always been a strong suit for me. You will feel good knowing that the training staff and I use only correct, patient and
classic training methods.
Judging
Fair, honest and accurate judging for hunters and equitation for USEF, IHSA, NCAA, IEA, 4-H and schooling horse show venues. The integrity of the sport is of the utmost importance to me, and I will be well-prepared to be a great compliment to your show.
Business Profitablity & Flow
Running a horse business can be tough. I completely understand this and after years of frustration I learned how to make it fun & profitable while maintaining my integrity. I can teach you how to do the same!
We can work together to help you enjoy the horse business, make it more profitable and strike that coveted "work/life" balance.
Equestrian Safety Expert
As an expert in equestrian safety you can hire me to come to your farm to enable your staff and clients to create a safer and more positive environment for everyone.
Whether you are just getting started or if you have been at it for years, with my coaching you will find ways to stream-line your horse business and spend more time with the people in your life you care about most. I cover brand image, business strategy and client relationships. I would love to help you achieve all of your goals. Feel free to reach out to me anytime!
Horse Gone Silent Trilogy
Available on paperback, Kindle, Audible and in Spanish
Coloring books designed from original photography of so many fun adventures. The series includes classic farm scenes, wild horses and more! Color Me Real Coloring Books make great gifts for relaxation and creativity.
In The Pony That Wouldn’t Whinny, Bravado is a sweet pony that has lost his way in the world. Traded from owner to owner, he has been separated from his family and his friends.
Will Bravado ever be reunited with his loved ones? Will he ever find his true purpose?
This heart-warming children's book about faith, encouragement and friendship will inspire the reader to find their very own purpose in life, despite any difficult circumstances
they may go through.
Rates
Instruction & training rates include ongoing support during the week
& a strategy for success going forward.
Horse Training
Training rides for regular clients~55
(+10 with groom)
Groundwork 75
Custom monthly training programs availiable.
Private & Group Lessons
Private over fences~85 Private flat~70 Group~65
(Ship-in & horse use additional)
Show Coaching 85/division plus travel
Clinics
Please contact me for a specialized farm quote. The rates are very reasonable and offer profit & fund raising opportunities for you or your farm.
OnForm Virtual Lessons
Send me your round from showing or simply some video from home. I will voice-over the footage and give you valuable feedback. $35/session.
Grooming
Basic system: Pick feet, comb mane, curry body, hard brush,soft brush legs, dandy brush, towel*, soft brush, tail (Towel optional)
Clipping (touch-up)
Mane pulling/management
Tail management
After-ride care
Curry, dandy brush, towel, soft brush
Bath vs no bath with fan, curry, soft brush, towel, softbrush
Seasonal adjustments to grooming such as bathing and cooleruse
Standing Wraps
Ice Boots
Poultice or Liniment Use
Cooler use
No cooler
Irish knit
Medium weight
Heavy wool
Turn-out/Bringing in; proper procedure
Bringing a horse in from a field
Turn-out
Understanding the turn and face method
The halt before stall entry
Riding and Training
Position (Hunt Seat, Jumper Seat and adjustable training seat)
Line, Pace, Impulsion, Collection
Pace must be adjustable at all three gaits
The two parts to line: The horse’s body and the line that he is riding
Five rein aids (basic)
Three leg aids
Half turn
Reverse Turn
Control of the outside aids
Turn on the haunch
Turn on the forehand
Shoulder-in
Haunches-in
Tack
Conditioning and cleaning
Leather selection
Parts of the tack
Bits for each horse (Exploring different types)
Saddle fit essentials
Over Fences Training
(Fundamentals of flat work for both horse and rider must bein place before over fence training begins)
Line, pace, impulsion, collection understanding
Warm-up
Height choice and preparation
Setting of jumps: Hunter/Equitation/Jumper
Gymnastics
Wrapping, bandaging and booting
Polo wrap
Standing bandage
Shipping wrap
Poultice wrap
Injury wrap (laceration)
Sweat wrap
Bell boots
Jumping boots (open and closed)
Trail Riding
Preparing the horse-the things the horse needs to know before he goes out.
Courtesy to other riders.
Courtesy to property owners.
Using the trail to prepare a show horse.
First Aid
Basic first aid for wounds
When to call the vet
Wrapping a wound (Covered in Standing Wrap for lacerations)
Wrapping a hoof that is injured or that has a missing shoe
Pulling a shoe that is partially off (Advanced/AgeAppropriate)
Poulticing legs
Poulticing feet
Recognizing signs of colic
Recognizing signs of laminitis
Trailering
Hooking up a truck and trailer
Loading properly and safely
Shipping of the horse
Handling a trouble loader
Ground Training & Longing
Understanding that horse training is nothing more thanpressure and release Everything is achieved through these two principals
Reading body language
Intelligent Longing*, including use of rope halter, sidereins and rigs
Horse Show Preparation
One-day show checklist
Away-show checklist
Training set-up the month prior
Training the week of
The approach in the warm-up ring
Treatment of staff at the competition
Mental approach to competition
Horse and Horse Selection
Parts of the horse
Conformation for particular use
Personality
Facial structure and how it pertains to personality/performance (Advanced)
Professional Section
Interacting with clients and vendors
Treatment of clients
Cultural awareness in the business
Social Media conduct
Web presence
Professional Section-Finance
Business plan, strategy, values and mission
Comprehension of finances for the business including bookkeeping,vendor relationships, credit, and taxes
Personal finance vehicles comprehension. Strategies for savings,retirement accounts, investments, and health care
Conclusion
This is an ongoing list that has been established to make amore complete horseman that is as safe and proficient as possible. At Ledyard Equestrian, we embrace an old-school style combined with a modern, intellectual approach.
As a client of Ledyard Equestrian, these horsemanship lessons come at no additional cost to your training fees. Please make sure you
take advantage of them. Remember, it is up to you to ask for help, as any good horseman would indeed do.
Contact me today to accomplish your equestrian goals. I look forward to helping you succeed.
You can fill out the form below, or if you prefer call or email me directly.
One of my Success Secrets
EquestrianCoach.com is my favorite on-line resource to improve my coaching and riding. Sign up today and invest in your ongoing education from some of the best horseman in the country.
"Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."~ Joshua 1:9
Copyright © 2022 Shane Ledyard