Snow Valley Farms Inc. maintains a training arena for the use of it's clients and guests for the purpose of training horses in an enclosed round pen. The pen is steel and capable of handling very large animals. It is suggested that all draft animals have pen time prior to being used in draft as a method of reviewing commands and polishing responses from animals prior to drafting with passengers. Further it is recommended that horses work in the pen to wear off any excess energy and to work out any stiff muscles which may lead to surprises for the driver or passengers prior to hitching.
The pen is supplied with a bit harness which guides the horse in head placement and in getting used to a bit for direction while under hitch. Lounge lines are available for additional control while training or reviewing.
It is recommended that a trainer use the pen for no more then 30 minutes prior the hitch work or for lessons as the focus of a horse can be difficult to maintain on repetitious work inside a confined space. Donkeys are even less likely to be productive for extended periods of time so we suggest a similar limit for them.
Snow Valley Farms Inc. will work with draft horses in the pen if there are mannerly horses, broken to lead, to stand, and disease free confirmed by veterinary check.
The training Snow Valley Farms Inc. is capable of performing in conventional harness training involving standard commands. Gee, Haw, trot, walk, and stop in its various forms. Harnessing, running under lines, hitching to stop boats, and single or double carts can be accomplished along with driving under hitch on our property.
Snow Valley Farms Inc. has built and maintains several miles of cart trail for the purpose of training and driving enjoyment. The trails consist of twelve foot wide disked and harrowed paths between grain fields, forests, lakes, and gardens. The trails can be driven to give the horses a wide range of experience. Hills or flat land, furrowed fields or orchards, vineyards or logging yards. We give our horses and donkeys the widest possible agricultural experience. We do not have access to road travel sufficient enough to train for highway use, we do drive on the county roads which are gravel. Generally our horses are not shoed for other than parade or draft events.
Our rates are based upon the expectations of the owners, the experience of the equines, and the length of stay at the farm. Generally our rates are $100 per week per animal which includes daily feed and care, one session per day in the ring or under hitch. We suggest the owner participate in a day of training to familiarize them with the methods, expectations, capabilities of the equine, and the limits of their particular equine.
If any horse is discovered to be dangerous beyond normal expectations the training will be either limited or stopped depending upon the degree of control possible without extraordinary means.