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CELEBRATING THE TRUE EQUESTRIAN LIFESTYLE Hanoverians and Hackamores SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2012 SilverhorneHanoverians and Sporthorse Hackamores …a uniquely beautiful place where something very special is happening. he Hanoverian, one of the original German warmblood breeds having originated nearly 300 Tyears ago, and today’s modern Hanoverians are the result of strict bloodline selection resulting in the hallmark characteristics of the breed’s good temperament, athleticism, and elastic movement. Likewise, the training techniques for this breed have been as unchanged as the breeding focus…until now. Every once in a while progress requires change, and something very special happens! That “something special” is happening at Silverhorne Sporthorse, an 80-acre Hanoverian breeding farm located just east of Sacramento, California. Under the direction of horse- man Chris Cook and managing partner Barb Gualco a multi-layered training program for young horses has evolved, resulting in educated and confident horses. Barb searched for the right fit and found it in trainer Chris Cook, the resident Horse Development Manager. Chris, a soft-spoken young horseman, is not an obvious find at such an upscale show and training barn, but fit he does. At 33, he has the skill and depth of training knowledge usually found in horsemen twice his age. Their mutual training philosophy is described as “breaking it down to break ground.” In doing so, Chris and Barb are confidently stepping outside the box of decades of training tradition, and successfully implementing established natural horsemanship methods with the offspring of foundation sire Elite Hanoverian Stallion Sir Caletto. Both are proud that foals are imprinted at birth using Dr. Robert Miller’s methods, which builds a foundation of confidence. Sir Caletto offspring are consistently handled, challenged, and familiarized with various scenarios throughout their formative years. This builds confidence and encourages a lifelong eagerness to learn and the ability to calmly cope with a new situation. It also makes their lives as competition Photos by Donalyn horses a breeze. Saks Fifth Avenue Chris, Sunset Strip and Barbara South Hampton Thanks to a structured groundwork Chris starts every youngster in a western plan, Silverhorne horses quietly take saddle because, as he says, “it does a better Learn more about Silverhorne Sporthorse, saddle training in stride. The American job of distributing the rider’s weight, by visiting www.silverhorne.com. You Hanoverian Society took notice of the making it more comfortable for the horse can also call them at 916.351.1100. horse development program when the as he learns how to move and balance mares excelled beyond all expectations in with the added weight of a rider.” their latest AHS mare performance test, While Chris rode, we saw how he asked scoring nothing less than 8’s on rideability the horse to yield in front and back, flex for all six mares. his body, and lead with his hip, in order to drive from behind which all serve to Honest Horses Magazine visits strengthen the horse’s back, increase core Silverhorne Sporthorse strength, and assist in the development of We arrived early one August morning to self-carriage, impulsion, and correct lead watch Chris demonstrate the finer points departures. It’s also a great set up for easy of the program. Barb presented three flying lead changes. impeccably groomed four-year-old horses that Chris exhibited. The horses were Chris noted that in more refined riding very willing, well behaved, and respectful, that he replaces the rope hackamore with although none had exceeded 90 days of a traditional bosal to further teach and ask training. the horse to respond. He introduces the bit only after the horse is able to successfully As Chris tacked up, he explained that complete all the desired movements with beginning from the ground, each horse is softness and exhibit no resistance or brace taught how to stretch and relax online, to the bosal. He explained that the bosal respond to the rope hackamore, and yield saves the crossbars in the mouth and he to the direct and indirect rein. This is feels that a bit placed in a horse’s mouth exactly what the horse will be asked to do too soon merely causes the horse to brace under saddle, creating a seamless transition and operate off his face and mouth. This from ground-work to under-saddle, was an example of how the proper use of which is so important to the first ride. natural horsemanship training methods Chris noted that each horse will properly can be successful with any breed of horse. develop the bascule — the natural round Silverhorne Sporthorse is a uniquely arc that a horse’s body takes as he goes beautiful place where something “very over a jump — by learning how to correctly special” is happening with the Hanoverians lift his back, push up into the saddle and and Hackamores. strengthen his topline so he will be able to stay in flexion, which will then become Thank you Barb and Chris for a wonderfully part of his natural movement. enjoyable and informative day..

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