Sensitivity Training and Obstacle Interaction

Bombproofing the Mounted Patrol Way

With our systematic approach to "bomb proofing," We show you how to accustom your horse to a variety of circumstances, noises, and objects, thereby turning them into a more pleasurable, submissive, confident, and ultimately safer mount.

By providing step-by-step instruction that will teach you and your horse from the simplest of necessary skills-crossing a stream, for example, to advanced situations like maneuvering in traffic or riding in parades, We prove that you can indeed prepare for the unknown, and along the way, create a better partnership with your mount.

Bomb proofing is old horseman's slang for determining the safety of a horse.  When the horse is considered "bomb proof", it is taken to mean that the horse has good sense, does not overact to situations and generally is a safe good animal.

One prerequisite for our horses is to make sure that they will stand tied together and to a tree.  We have not found any cross ties in the woods or on the trail.  Many people go on big trail rides and will stop for lunch or a break.  The worst thing is having a horse pull back and run away!

We like to know that our horses will socialize with each other and will stand quietly with riders while they rest, visit or just want to stop for a while.  If a horse fidgets, and will not stand, we do not deem them suitable for trail riders.

Can the horse go side by side quietly and into "scary" woods”?  If they remain alert, with a nice soft rein and behave, then we know that they will not shy and bolt.

Many trails require rock climbing here in Kentucky. We look to see if they will go forward over the rocks, and trust the rider. We also make sure they will walk not run, as a good sound mind and a solid horse will go over things willingly, but not in a break neck speed fashion.

We look to see if the horse will let the rider open and close a mailbox.  Many of our rural riders like to "go get the mail".  This also tells us that the horse will pay attention, let the rider take an unseated position and not bolt and run away.

We set up a numerous real life obstacles and will they stand while the rider wishes to stay for awhile. Are they gunfire and firecracker safe? Are they parade noise safe?

We see if the horse will willingly walk over poles, tires, cans, tarps. Will they pick up their feet, watch where they are going, and generally do anything the rider asks (within reason).

Also, Loading and unloading quietly and quickly is a must!

How about kids, dogs and family environments?  Our horses must stand quietly, not scare the little ones, or old ones for that matter.

We also take the horses out on the road, among cars, trucks, trains etc. and see what their response is.  Many are taken to our  miniature donkey area to test their minds out with donkeys and mules. (at the Maysville training center).

We would like to invite you and your horse to spend a day at the Winchester Training Center. Your horse can learn by doing at it’s own pace. If the training becomes too intense, we offer a nearby quiet area, until you and your horse are ready to begin again. Monthly classes start in March 2010.

For about the same cost as a trail ride, you can spend the day training yourself as a rider and your horse as a partner in our controlled equine tactical training facility.

Strodes Run Training Center

7155 Strodes Run Road, Maysville, KY. 41056 

Winchester Training Center

Kentucky Equestrian Center

Kiddville Road

Winchester, Ky.