HORSE BASICS @ Sweet Grass Farm
Training for Horses and Their Handlers
What are you doing with your horse this year?
Training for Horses and Their Handlers
What are you doing with your horse this year?
Horse Basics is a service I provide to help to define and achieve your goals, whether it is learning more about training and horse care or just about building a better relationship with your horse. I've been helping people enjoy their horses since 1983, typically defining many details that have been passed over or not clearly explained in your horsemanship journey so far.
Lessons and visits are held here at our Sweet Grass Farm, located near Orton, Ontario, open 7 days a week by appointment. Remote lessons are available on request. I work with many different breeds and disciplines, with a keen interest in classical horsemanship, recreational trail, Extreme Cowboy racing, handling, husbandry and behaviour. Lessons can be simply finding the right equipment, saddling and bridling, or leading and longeing through to riding skills. I can help to set you and your horse on a realistic path to continue your work at home. You're not alone but you can feel that way when you try to find simple answers to everyday questions.
I hold my Theory of Coaching Levels 1 (1985) & 2 (2001) from the National Coaching Certification Program and Western Rider 1 (2008) and 2 (2013) from Equine Canada under the mentorship of Pat Carter. In 2022, I became a Level 1 EXCA (Extreme Cowboy Association) judge, working events in Ontario, California and New Zealand.
Horse Basics Programs
Horse Basics instruction is available on an individual basis in our bright 70 x 140 indoor arena or, weather permitting, our 100' x 200' fenced grass ring. Lessons can be private or semi-private if you want to work with friends. Groups will always be small to allow attention to each guest.
Ship-ins for lessons and Sweet Grass Obstacle Park use (using your own horse) will run from May through to November, weather and access permitting. Winter lessons are available in our indoor arena, using our herd. There are seasonal trails around our 76-acre farm for your quiet enjoyment - take your horse in-hand, under saddle or driving through woods and hayfields. Park visits and coaching are private - you won't need to share your booking time with others unless you invite them!
Cost
Private Obstacle Park and Trail use (3 hours) $34
Private Coaching (1 ½ hours) $68
Coaching with Friends (1 ½ hours, 2-3 friends) $56 each
Clinics & Workshops are individually priced.
Lessons and visits are held here at our Sweet Grass Farm, located near Orton, Ontario, open 7 days a week by appointment. Remote lessons are available on request. I work with many different breeds and disciplines, with a keen interest in classical horsemanship, recreational trail, Extreme Cowboy racing, handling, husbandry and behaviour. Lessons can be simply finding the right equipment, saddling and bridling, or leading and longeing through to riding skills. I can help to set you and your horse on a realistic path to continue your work at home. You're not alone but you can feel that way when you try to find simple answers to everyday questions.
I hold my Theory of Coaching Levels 1 (1985) & 2 (2001) from the National Coaching Certification Program and Western Rider 1 (2008) and 2 (2013) from Equine Canada under the mentorship of Pat Carter. In 2022, I became a Level 1 EXCA (Extreme Cowboy Association) judge, working events in Ontario, California and New Zealand.
Horse Basics Programs
Horse Basics instruction is available on an individual basis in our bright 70 x 140 indoor arena or, weather permitting, our 100' x 200' fenced grass ring. Lessons can be private or semi-private if you want to work with friends. Groups will always be small to allow attention to each guest.
Ship-ins for lessons and Sweet Grass Obstacle Park use (using your own horse) will run from May through to November, weather and access permitting. Winter lessons are available in our indoor arena, using our herd. There are seasonal trails around our 76-acre farm for your quiet enjoyment - take your horse in-hand, under saddle or driving through woods and hayfields. Park visits and coaching are private - you won't need to share your booking time with others unless you invite them!
Cost
Private Obstacle Park and Trail use (3 hours) $34
Private Coaching (1 ½ hours) $68
Coaching with Friends (1 ½ hours, 2-3 friends) $56 each
Clinics & Workshops are individually priced.
What can you learn? You may want to consider learning more about these topics:
Equipment - how to evaluate what you have and what you need to do what you want.
Longing - everyone assumes you know how to do this, right? They also assume that the horse knows too.
Leading - it's good to develop some good habits and get the right equipment to keep you, your horse, and others safe.
Ground driving or line driving - typically used for early work on a riding or driving horse, you'll be surprised at the depth of skills involved and how you can use them.
Showmanship - if you want to 'get to your horse's feet', there's no better way than through developing showmanship skills. It's not just about the bling.
In-hand obstacle work - this is where it all starts: on the ground, for all ages of horses.
Goal setting - making SMART goals means you're more likely to achieve success by setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and timely objectives.
Obstacle work - you can learn the basics in the off season that apply across several disciplines involving obstacles so you'll be ready when your chosen competition or recreational trail season arrives.
Trailer loading - I can offer you and your horse a positive perspective.
As always, I’m available to help you give your foal or green or new horse a good start with the Horse Basics Kindergarten (basic social skills and manners), Junior Public School (preparation for backing) and Senior Public School (walk/trot under saddle) programs. I’m also available to consult regarding management and husbandry, from basic horse care to facility design to foaling and to do some troubleshooting, filling in the gaps that may be hindering your progress.
Equipment - how to evaluate what you have and what you need to do what you want.
Longing - everyone assumes you know how to do this, right? They also assume that the horse knows too.
Leading - it's good to develop some good habits and get the right equipment to keep you, your horse, and others safe.
Ground driving or line driving - typically used for early work on a riding or driving horse, you'll be surprised at the depth of skills involved and how you can use them.
Showmanship - if you want to 'get to your horse's feet', there's no better way than through developing showmanship skills. It's not just about the bling.
In-hand obstacle work - this is where it all starts: on the ground, for all ages of horses.
Goal setting - making SMART goals means you're more likely to achieve success by setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and timely objectives.
Obstacle work - you can learn the basics in the off season that apply across several disciplines involving obstacles so you'll be ready when your chosen competition or recreational trail season arrives.
Trailer loading - I can offer you and your horse a positive perspective.
As always, I’m available to help you give your foal or green or new horse a good start with the Horse Basics Kindergarten (basic social skills and manners), Junior Public School (preparation for backing) and Senior Public School (walk/trot under saddle) programs. I’m also available to consult regarding management and husbandry, from basic horse care to facility design to foaling and to do some troubleshooting, filling in the gaps that may be hindering your progress.
What can I offer you and your horse for 2026?
Private or small group sessions.
Insured, professional and ready to help you enjoy your horse.
Let this be the year you achieve your dreams!
e-mail me to find out more at karen.dallimore@gmail.com
or call 519-855-1127
I'm on Facebook under Sweet Grass Farm and Horse Basics.
Make Your Dreams Your Goals
Dare to Dream
Nemo's Winning Style
Erin Fair 2022
Ground Driving
Horsemanship
Foaling & Stable Management
Family Fun at the Fair
Creating Confidence
Horse Basics Dressage Buddy
Basic English and Western Dressage
Showmanship
Extreme Cowboy Competition
Defining and Achieving Goals
Jake showing Extreme Cowboy at the Millbrook Fair 2017.
Tatti & Jake at RTR Trail Trials winning 1st & 2nd.
Spike and Jake showing at Ontario Pinto.
Jake doing Extreme Cowboy Rookie Race at Windsong Ranch 2017.