Jeff Keppel is a established and successful horse trainer based at Fernvale Queensland.
Jeff provides various services to people in the horse industry, such as starting under saddle, training in any disciplines, problematic behaviour, lesson and support.
Sending your horse to a trainer is a big step. There are things you should know to get the best from the experience for yourself and for your horse. Firstly, most horses are broken in at around two years old. This allows sufficient time to get them trained if they are to compete at 3-year-old futurities, such as the NCHA , NRHA or ASH futurities.
Most breaking is done from May to December, with horses officially turning two on 1st August. The timing of breaking a particular horse depends on many factors. If the horse is well grown and can be a handful to deal with, earlier may be better than later. Many colts fall into this category.
If the horse is slower to mature and still appears 'foally' later may be better, with plenty of quality feeding and handling in the meantime. Prior to sending your horse to be broken, there are a few things you can do to make the experience easier for your horse, and may save you time and money.
ittle preparation can save you time and money in the long run. Before your horse is ready to break in, a few simple things you can do will make it less stressful for your horse. Most of them are just good horse management.
Worm your horse regularly. At least every 8 weeks. It is best to assume that if your horse has not been wormed, he is carrying them.
Take care of your horse's feet. Keep them trimmed regularly (every 4-6 weeks) and be prepared to have him shod either before breaking or at the breakers. It costs you money if your horse goes sore and cannot be ridden.
Handle your horse if you are confident to do so and have adequate facilities. A horse that faces up and can be caught, led and handled over his body is better prepared for breaking. You can also teach him to load on a float or truck, tie up and pick his feet up if you are experienced. If not, just locking your horse in a small yard and hand feeding for even part of the day is greatly beneficial.
Check your horse's teeth. By the time a horse is ready to break in, he usually needs his teeth filed, especially if he has had a high grain diet. The sharp edges are filed smooth so he is more comfortable eating and carrying the bit.
All these things can be done while being broken in but if your horse has previous experience with them, he is better prepared.
THE PROCESSBreaking takes between 4 and 6 weeks, though longer may be required if horses have had little handling. All horses here basically go through the same breaking program, regardless of their final intended use. Your horse is tied up to the tie-up-poles, where there is minimal risk of injury if he pulls back. In the round-pen, he will be hobbled, bridled, and saddled. He will be lunged with the saddle on, carrying the bit but no reins.
Next, he will be driven (long reined). This starts to develop steering on the horse, stopping and backing up. Then he will be ridden in the roundpen until he is balanced with a rider, can steer, stop and back up. Then it is outside to do the same. At this stage, horses are ridden 5-6 days a week, though they may need time off if they become sore in any way. Wet weather will also prevent horses being ridden. It is simply not worth riding young horses when there is the danger of them slipping and falling.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT
Throughout the process of breaking, your horse's condition will probably change. Some grow, put on weight or trim up. If your horse lived in a paddock before breaking, he will lose his belly once he is locked up and fed hay 2-3 times a day. It is only reasonable to expect such a horse to look different once he starts work. Most horses are fed as much hay as they will eat without wasting it, unless they are fat and holding their weight.
After breaking, your horse has been tied-up, had his feet picked up, groomed, hosed, and lunged. He has been ridden in saddle and snaffle bit in the round-pen, outside and usually down the road. Depending on the horse's stage and natural ability, he should be able to walk and trot on a loose rein, lope (canter) on each lead, stop, backup and side-pass a little. Much more than this is beyond the scope of breaking. Most horses here are ridden with a back cinch and spurs. They also wear a noseband to prevent them learning to open their mouth.
When you get your horse home, it is best to keep riding him so you get to know your horse. Lunge your horse first, with a saddle on, before you get on to ride. Feel free to contact Jeff if you have any queries.
Jeff Keppel Training is situated in the foothills of the Brisbane Valley at Fernvale and is a family run business with good old fashioned honesty and hospitality. Each member of the family is involved in the horse industry in some way.
To tell you a little about Jeff, he comes from a long line of noted horsemen from Charters Towers and his uncanny relationship with horses was recognized early in his life.
Jeff has always trained his own horses, until he won back-to-back Reining futurities in 1999 & 2000, not to mention numerous other accolades along the way.
People liked how his horses went and were impressed by his bond with young horses. Since then he has been breaking and training for the public.
Jeff's techniques for breaking and training include body control, suppling, steering, circles, stops, backing, lead departures, lead changes, roll-backs and spins.
ll these fundamentals are a great foundation for your horse whatever discipline you have in mind. In many cases it is the horse itself that determines the discipline of choice.
We also provide lessons for children, beginners or professionals, either as groups or individuals.
If you would like more information please don't hesitate to call and we will be happy to talk to you about your personal requirements.
ur professional facilities include a fully enclosed round yard, secure well ventilated stabling with day yards and a sand arena with lighting. Horses are also ridden in the large paddock with other horses, which also exposes them to other experiences such as riding through grass and water.
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