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FOUNDATION 
TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

Bridge to a full life with your horse

foundation and development horse training in Smithers BC
I believe Life is worth developing,
Truth is worth seeking,
and Potential is worth taking seriously.

The point is not that I can ride your horse.


The point is that you can. 

THE TRAINING PROGRAM

Taking horses now

PRICE

$400/week training

plus

$80/week board
$80/week hay (or bring yours)

billed weekly, Sundays

TERMS

 

horses and owners

who are a good fit


open ended

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no minimum stay

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STRUCTURE

6 work days/week 

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written report every Sunday

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voice-over video update

every 2 weeks

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or schedule to come watch

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DAILY LIFE

 

electric fencing,

individual pens

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free choice hay

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 TRAINER

Zuzana Schrammová

timeless principles 

sound biomechanics

clear leadership, real-life priorities

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Education
teacher level, Mary Wanless 
advanced instructor, Josh Nichol 
Manuel Jorge de Oliveira's Vertical 

LOCATION

 

Smithers, BC

out-of-area horses welcome


help with transport options

NEXT STEP?

... we talk

or

Tell me about your horse in this short form

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WHO THIS IS FOR

It doesn’t matter to me what breed your horse is, what discipline you ride, or how far along he is.

What matters is what he needs, what you want, and whether I can genuinely help.

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It is for horses who need clarity, confidence, balance

-  a stronger foundation for the life ahead -

whether they are just starting out or farther along.

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It is not for rushed timelines or quick fixes.

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WHAT FOUNDATION MEANS

This is what I do.

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I build the foundation that lets the horse understand pressure, stay available, regulate emotion, use his body well, and meet the human world with confidence. He learns to pause and think, stay present and work together with his person. 

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Foundation is not just manners, miles, or obedience.

It is the work that makes everything else possible.

WHAT HAPPENS IN TRAINING

Real foundation work starts with truth.

I look at what the horse is showing me, what he needs, and what could best help him understand the human world.

HORSEMANSHIP

Bridge to understanding

  • clarity of space, mind and pressure

  • emotional regulation

  • thinking skills

  • relationship and liberty

  • basic skills: lead, feet, tie, load

  • building the try

IN HAND WORK

Bridge to balance

  • flexions

  • mobilization

  • lateral work

  • vertical balance

  • advanced work

  • physical rehabilitation

RIDDEN

Bridge to possibility

  • start under saddle

  • walk trot canter basics

  • trails

  • advanced work

  • Working Equitation

  • Sale preparation

INSIDE A SCHOOLING SESSION

A spring 2026 session with voice-over explaining what I see, why I make particular choices, and how the work fits into the larger development of this young horse.

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Turbo is a five-year-old gelding who had been under saddle for about a year when this was filmed.

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I started and trained him.

 

He is a good representative of my work: attentive, willing, developing athletically, and a joy to ride.

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Every horse is different, but these are the qualities I work to develop consistently. They matter in every horse, whatever the job or discipline.

That is what a real foundation makes possible.


The goal is not simply to teach movements, but a horse who understands the work, becomes more capable, and can more fully express the life and potential within him.

"I pay you to build a house. You dug a hole!"

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Foundation work often looks unrelated to the goal.

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I make a mess first.

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Instead of indiscriminately building on what is already there, I dig.

 

I make sure the foundation can reliably carry the future work.

 

 

​I explain what I see,

work from what I believe the horse needs,

build the foundation so the change can be real. 

Trust

...the foundation of safety and performance.

Not the absence of fear.

Not perfect obedience.

Trust.

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Staying in the Conversation

Life is full of uncertainty.

A horse cannot be prepared for every situation.

 

The goal is not to eliminate struggle.

The goal is to remain connected through it.

A horse that pauses before reacting.

A horse that seeks understanding.

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A horse that stays in the conversation,  takes care of his rider.

OWNER INVOLVEMENT

YOUR PRIORITIES

Your horse - Your goals

Your input matters

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Custom training plans

UNDERSTAND THE WORK

Weekly written reports

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Voice-over video every two weeks

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View training by appointment

TRANSITION HOME

Understand the changed horse

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Carry the work home

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Be supported through the process, virtual online options

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AN ACTUAL CLIENT UPDATE 

These clips come directly from a voice-over report sent during training.

They show how I observe the horse, make decisions, and explain the work.

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Shared with the owner’s permission.

HAVE QUESTIONS? COME SEE FOR YOURSELF

Sending your horse for training with me doesn't mean losing touch or wondering what's happening behind closed doors. You are an active partner in the process.

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  • Customized Training: Your horse, your goals. We tailor the work to what you prioritize and what matters most to you, rather than a rigid, one-size-fits-all program.

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  • Clear Communication & Open Doors: Stay connected through detailed weekly written reports and bi-weekly voice-over video updates—or choose to come watch sessions by appointment (instead of the video updates).

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  • No Rigid Contracts: Open-ended terms with no minimum stay—because partnership should always be by choice, not obligation.

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  • See the Work First: Still deciding? You are welcome to arrange an appointment to come out, see the facility, and watch me work the horses.

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Out-of-area horses are welcome, and we are happy to help coordinate transport options.

THE PROOF IS IN THE HORSES

Understanding

A horse that understands what is being asked.

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Willingness

A horse that wants to participate.

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Athleticism

A horse capable of carrying itself well and remaining sound.

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Confidence

A horse prepared to meet new situations.

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Thoughtfulness

A horse that can pause, process, and respond rather than simply react.

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Adaptability

A horse that can succeed beyond a single trainer, arena, or routine.

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Capability

A horse prepared for a Full Life.​​

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