Rickford Stables

• MAIN
• WELCOME
• MEET TRAINERS
• TRAINING SERVICES
• LESSON PROGRAM
• ONLINE TRAINING
• JR. EXHIBITOR
• AMETEUR CHAMPIONS
• HORSE CHAMPIONS
• CONTACT

TRAINING SERVICES
AND
PHILOSOPHIES
 

Rickford Stables has succeeded over the years in large part to our training philosophy as well as their use of techniques used in the development of the highly-regarded bridle horses of the California Vaqueros.  We are not interested in turning out the most show horses, simply the best that we possibly can.  Therefore it is important for owners to understand that the development of consistently honest show-ring performers takes years, not months.  We simply do not know how to make "Ninety-Day-Wonders."

We accept both un-started colts and older horses who have already been campaigned.  We will accept colts in the fall of their two-year-old year, but under-saddle work will not begin until they are three-year-olds.  We feel this is one of the major reasons why horses trained by Rickford Stables have long, sound show careers, some competing successfully late into their teens or early twenties.

BELOW ARE INFORMATIONAL HIGHLIGHTS YOU MAY FIND HELPFUL:

• Rickford Stables accepts horses of all breeds, both young and un-started as well as seasoned campaigners who can be improved.
• All horses placed in training with Rickford Stables must be accompanied by a current Health Certificate, current Coggins, and have received vaccinations for West Nile and Strangles.
• All horses placed in training with Rickford Stables must be halter broke and have had their feet trimmed regularly as well as being up to date on health care.
• Rickford Stables will not accept young horses under the age of 18 months for performance training.
• Progress is based on the individual's mental maturity, physical maturity and physical talent to meet the requirements of the desired discipline.
• Evaluations of suitability and progress will be discussed with owners every 30 days.
• Rickford Stables does not accept difficult horses who have come from harsh or badly trained backgrounds.  As a rule, most have deeply ingrained emotional scars that make a successful future doubtful, and therefore a poor investment in time and money for their owners.

TRAINING AVAILABLE IN THE FOLLOWING DISCIPLINES:

• Carriage Driving ~ Working, Reinsmanship and Obstacles
• Hunter Pleasure ~ Junior Horse through Open Horse
• Hunter Hack ~ Over Fences Introduction
• Side Saddle ~ Intermediate and Finished Hunter Pleasure/Western Pleasure Horses
• Trail ~ Junior Horse through Open Horse
• Western Pleasure ~ Junior Horse through Open Horse
• Western Working Versatility ~ Pleasure, Trail, Reining, Roping, Cattle Work, Etc.

If you feel we might be of service to you in developing your next performance champion, please don't hesitate to contact us for further information.  We are accepting horses for the 2005 season and only have a few openings left, so don't hesitate.  Call or e-mail us today!
 

RICKFORD STABLES
Dale and Terri Rickford
Fort Collins, CO
970·215·5422
E-Mail:  terri@rickfordstables.com

If you feel that we might be of service to you in developing your next or current show prospect, we'd be happy to discuss the possibilities with you at your convenience.  We will also be glad to forward a current list of our rates for services.