Welcome and Thanks for Visiting!

Philosophy

History

Clinics

Location

Philosophy

Riding is a team sport. Getting better, like any other sport, takes commitment, but it should be fun for you and your horse.

In the gaited horse industry, many horses need to be brought into a more classical frame to gait. It is common practice to use large bits and equipment to try to obtain gait. The problem is that many horses trained by these methods become pacey or reactive or both, as the use of force creates stiffness. The gaited horse, like all other breeds, must have rhythm in his movement and footfall. When there is stiffness or braces, the horse loses rhythm.

We must train our horse not only physically, but mentally and emotionally. Horses express their emotions often by tensing up physically against outside stumuli, including any form of contact with the handler. Instead of getting relaxation, so we can "teach" a correct response, it seems easier to put a piece of equipment on the horse to persuade him. Depending on the severity of the equipment and the riders hands or temperment, the horse begins to react. Horses that react are not as reliable or consistent as those that learn to respond to subtle cues. Crisis management is not management. It leaves many victims in its path. We don't want to "get" horses to do things, that is not training.

It depends on the level of training you want your horse to have, but most people should be able to put a "basic handle" on their horse. That means you should be able to get your horse to the right place at the right time with the least amount of effort.

History

Larry Whitesell has been training gaited horses since 1980. He has been very successful in the show ring, winning many regional, national and grand national championships. He held judges cards in several gaited breeds. In 2002, he was Trainer of the Year.

In the early 1990's, Larry was not satisfied training horses to just win ribbons. He wanted to train "using" or pleasure horses to a very high level, to make a safer, more dependable horse for his clients. Horses trained like this should also do well in the show ring or anywhere else an owner wanted to take them.

Larry began learning classical dressage because he wanted correctness, and liked the lightness and softness these horses showed. Later, after spending time with several "natural horsemen", he felt they were teaching him the same things his classical teachers had. They taught the same movements, philosophy, and basically the same techniques. They just called movements different names and dressed differently. So he continues to learn from both schools.

Now, Larry travels the U.S. and Canada doing clinics and horse fairs. He still primarily spends time training the ultimate pleasure horses for people around the country.

Clinics

There is no limit to auditors, but clinics are usually limited to 15 to 25 riders depending on the facility. You will learn the most by bringing your horse. Your skill level does not matter. However, the horse should be able to handle an arena situation. If you have a very green horse, you would be better to come to a 5 day clinic at the farm in Cookeville. You will be working with your horse about 6 hours per day. It can easily be handled by horse and rider. You will learn many exercises that can be done at home, to help your horse steer and gait better. After the weekend, your horse should turn on the forehand and haunches, move off your leg, and have better footwork. You will learn the beginnings of collection. Individual situations will be looked at.

We also have several 5 day clinics at our farm in Cookeville, TN. You can bring your horse or use one of ours.

Location

Whitesell Gaited Horse training barn is located just outside Cookeville, Tennessee. It is 60 miles East of the Nashville International Airport on I-40, and 90 miles West of Knoxville. We are a 4 hours drive from Atlanta, Georgia.

Directions: Off I-40, take exit 286 South 8 miles. Old Mill Road will be on the left. The stables are 1/2 mile on the left.