The 'Vita Method' - HORSE-FRIENDLY TRAINING
By: Joe M. Vita, Ridding Master

Obedience - Responsiveness - Agility

    Shallowbrook offers training programs tailored to the needs of horse and rider.  Schooling and reschooling courses correct bad habits, develop new skills, and develop teams capable of truly superior performance.  Functional areas can include Hunter/Jumper, Medal/McClay Equitation, Eventing, Dressage, Polo and Western.  Board for horses and accommodations for the rider are available at reasonable rates.

TYPICAL PROGRAMS:

30-Day Schooling Program: As an introduction or refresher for the horse, focuses on usability, sensibility, maneuverability, flexibility and on obedience to common commands and signals. 

60-Day Schooling/Training Program: Begins with the 30-day program for the horse, then is followed by 30 days of intense work with horse and rider to develop team proficiency.  Riders learn how to maintain their horse's abilities, and further develop their own. Horse and rider teams make extensive, enduring progress in very short time, capitalizing on the synergistic effects that a schooled horse and trained rider achieve as they complement and reinforce each other.

The 4 R's: Cornerstone of Training

Teach your horse to be an all-around performer and be happy about it with 4  simple "R" steps:

An example... turn to the left

Redirect - Bring horses head to left with left open rein and...
Restraint - Hold open rein firm until you get the desired...
Response - Your horse will yield to the open rein.   To show him he has given what you want...
Release -  You and your horse have accomplished  the Corner Stone technique. 

In each and every lesson you and your horse should repeat the 4 "R" steps. 
Through repetition and practice you will develop a light and agreeable mount.

Be patient, the results are amazing!
From left open rein, yield to pawing, bowing, even lying down....

Joe M. Vita - Former manager of the Cincinnati's most successful Cross Country Jump Training Facility and its' Program for Training Horses, Students and Instructors.  Developed and Managed the County Parks Special Riders Program for the Physically Challenged Riders of Cincinnati. Trained the County Park Mounted Rangers and the Cincinnati Mounted Police.

Schooled horses are occasionally available for sale.

For more information please contact me at:
247 Hall Hill Road, Somers, CT 06071 (860) 749-0749
Visitors are always welcome!