Ronnie Ford Equine Training Center

THE ORLANDO SCIENCE CENTER

2011-05-24T12:59:00.000-07:00

Hi Everybody! We had a great time at the Orlando Science Center for DNA day. Kids and adults alike enjoyed Banjo and Shadow. It was a super good time and OSC asked if we would consider future participation. Of course, we said YES! Here's a few pix from the day.

Stayed tuned for photos from our recent "Trail & Error" Clinc!

Shalamar Creek Clinic

2011-04-08T04:20:00.000-07:00

Ronnie explains how round pen work helps to establish to the horse, "pay attention".

Gloria Dowe observing Ronnie work her horse, "Rose".

Sharon Morrison gets a closer look at Gloria's horse, Rose.

Genny Duncan presents her horse, "Cupid's Black Pearl", a gorgeous gelding she calls, "Little Bit".

Lauren learns a little bit about rein management. "The reins are connected to the feet".

Ronnie demonstrating the importance of learning how to control the front shoulders and hind quarters.

A little flexing session for "Little Bit".

We had a great time at Shalamar Creek. Thank you to everyone who either audited or participated.

Kristen Adams & Jill

2011-02-25T11:47:00.000-08:00

"Chester" the Western Pleasure Donkey

2011-02-04T09:09:00.000-08:00

Horse Trainers: Knights or Nightmares?

2011-01-26T14:14:00.000-08:00

Horse trainers are a proliferative breed here in FL. With Ocala being the horse capitol of the world it shouldn't be surprising to find that the numbers of trainers are nearly equal to the numbers of horses. With so many needles in one haystack, it can be a tumultuous task to find the right needle for your particular fabric. Part of a successful result in your search is having a clear understanding of your goals, expectations and objectives for the outcome.
First of all, you need to educate yourself about the various types of trainers and their philosophies, methods and attitudes toward the horse and owner/rider. Identify those that more closely match your ideas and concepts. In doing this, you can narrow the selection field considerably. The reason this is important is because you want to avoid a mismatch between you, the trainer and your horse which constitutes certain failure. Secondly, understanding what will be required of you from the horse and the trainer is critically important. Many enthusiasts who realize they need to acquire the services of a trainer tend to put the need for training solely on the horse. The reality is, you and your horse are in a partnership. This means you are expected and required to participate, learn and undergo the same training as your horse! Most nightmare experiences between trainers and clients are directly related to the client's lack of understanding or misconception of the training process. Finally, another critical step to a successful outcome is to be willing to consider the possibility that some of what you think you know about horses and training may not be entirely accurate. One impediment to successful client/trainer relationships is pride about one's experience and knowledge base. It is an observable and well known fact that in many cases, the horseman/woman is unwilling to concede authority to the trainer they have selected. Your attitude toward receiving instruction from a trainer will mean the difference between viewing him/her as a knight or a nightmare.
Horse trainers tend to hold to a few core philosophies upon which they build their methods and techniques in training the horse. Trainers can differ widely in these areas. Do your research to develop an understanding of what will be offered to you. Compile a checklist of the desired methods or techniques that you find to be in accordance with what is important to you. The internet contains a vast ocean of information about these topics. Once you feel you have a generally good understanding of the various training techniques, then begin your search for trainers who use these, specifically. This will increase your chances of selecting a trainer who will more closely meet your needs and expectations. It is a nightmare to find yourself in contract with a trainer with whom you seem to disagree at every point. Conversely, taking on the responsibility of educating yourself with the information so easily at hand is certainly worth the effort to increase your satisfaction and success with the trainer of your choosing.
After narrowing your selection field of trainers, make contact with them. It is important that you interview each one in some fashion. Ask questions. Listen to what the trainer tells you and then tell him what you understood him to say. Give the trainer the opportunity to correct any misunderstanding you may have of the information given. Communicate to him clearly what you expect from him as a trainer and the specific goals you want to achieve. Ask him what will be required of you from him to be successful in reaching these goals. Many good trainers will expect the client to play a heavy role in the training process.
Ronnie Ford is one such trainer. As owner and operator of Ronnie Ford Training Center in De Land FL he has over thirty five years of experience in the field and has worked in every discipline and with every breed. He has competed in National level horse shows and various other events as well as serving in the judging seats. He has been in a position to observe horses and their handlers at these events and says it's appalling to see such a prevalent lack of horsemanship. "People are yanking, jerking and pulling on reins and wonder why their horse is rearing and going out of control. If somebody was yanking on my mouth like that, I'd do the same thing. The horse is just trying to get relief from all that pressure on his mouth. A good many of them don't understand how the different bits function in the horse's mouth and most of them are strictly hands riders and do way more with the reins than the horse says is necessary. A rider needs to learn how to properly use the bit and other tack. This is one reason a client really needs to participate fully in the training process." He goes on to make the point, "I can get on a client's horse and train the horse to do exactly what the client wants without the client being involved. The problem comes when they take their horse back home because then I get a phone call from the client complaining, 'My horse isn't doing what I paid you to teach him'. I tell them the facts, "That's because the horse has learned to move according to my feel and my movements." Ronnie says clients often do not understand how a horse learns, thinks and processes information. "It is very important that a client be committed to the process of training their own equine under my guidance and direction. Clients have to learn how to execute the communication to the horse in order for the horse to perform the desire of the client. For this to happen, the client has to work the horse so that the horse learns to feel for the client."
One analogy that might be helpful in illustrating this point would be to think of it like learning to drive a car. Your instructor can drive the car all day and show you how the accelerator, brake and steering wheel devices operate but you will not master being in control of that car until you actually sit in the driver's seat and learn to feel how much to press on the pedals and how much to turn the wheel to get where you're going. The difference here, of course is that the car doesn't feel back for you as the horse does. But, in both cases pressure is a matter of degree to get the desired result.
An exchange of information and communication between you and your trainer will bring you the best possible path to the success you are paying for. Clear objectives and expectations help you to maintain your focus and pave the way to a great training experience.
The last point to consider is that of your existing knowledge base. Many horse enthusiasts enjoy a certain amount of success with training their own horses. Unfortunately, there are some that carry such a pride about their abilities it actually impedes their progress in expanding those abilities. There is a phrase among those who teach, instruct and educate that crosses all professions whether it be horse training or the study of medicine: "They know just enough to be dangerous". Resist the temptation to impress your trainer with your knowledge. His years of experience have given him a much broader scope of practice than you can imagine.
In knowing just enough to be dangerous there is a level of understanding that people reach where the proverbial light bulb comes on and shines around them leading them to believe they now can see enough to know what they're doing. However, this light that has dawned isn't far reaching. It only illuminates their immediate surroundings and they lack the experience to know there is darkness beyond the light. It is here where success can become lost in that darkness. The successes you have experienced in the past should be used as a platform for reaching a higher level. The point of seeking help from a professional horse trainer should be met with an attitude of endeavoring to expand the knowledge you currently have while at the same time considering there may be holes in your frames of reference and also the possibility that some of it could be blatantly wrong. Rather than get into a debate with your trainer on a difference of opinion, present your point in a question. Professional trainers are paid for their expertise and experience. If you assert to challenge him in a manner that postures arrogance and assuredness, he's likely to ask you why you sought his services if you're going defer his methods. Good trainers will listen to you and answer your questions but few will entertain a client who is clearly attempting to match wit against wisdom and experience.
As with anything else, perfection is a tall order and to expect it is to meet with failure face to face. Selecting a trainer that is right for you will take effort, research and time. But, if you do your research and arm yourself with the right attitude, you have just taken some important steps to increase your level of satisfaction. Remember, your attitude, education and clear goals play a very important role in whether you find yourself a knight or a nightmare!
Ronnie Ford Training Center in De Land Florida offers you the most complete one on one training program that is so difficult to find in today's market. Ronnie Ford is one of a very few horse whisperers who still remains focused on the language of the horse. His common sense approach to the horse combined with his hallmark natural horsemanship philosophies have crafted his style into a uniqueness that is all his own. With over thirty five years of experience in every discipline and breed, he brings to the horse world a wealth of knowledge and wisdom that is inspiring and remarkable. To watch this man step into the round pen with a horse is spiritual and poetic. His hands, calloused from years of ropes and lariats become soft and graceful whispers to the horse and the response is fluid movement. The communication between them is rhythmic motion. If you ever have the opportunity to watch him work a horse, you will be inspired and will hunger for more!
Contact Ronnie either by phone or his email through his website: http://www.ronniefordtrainingcenter.com and let him give you his thoughts about your opinions, questions and concerns.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Beverley_J_Ford

Ronnie Ford Training Center FORUM for your Horse Questions/Comments

2011-01-26T13:19:00.000-08:00

Ronnie Ford Training Center has just created a "forum" and we would LOVE for you to visit, post photos or videos, make comments or ask questions. This makes Ronnie more accessible to the public. We invited you to come and be a part of our family!

http://apps.facebook.com/facebook_forums/welcometoronniefordequinetrainingcenterforums-2396/

HH Painted Tom (Tommy) has been SOLD!

2011-01-20T05:11:00.000-08:00

CONGRATULATIONS to Michelle Branch and a very blessed paint horse, Tommy! Wishing you both many happy trail rides into the sunset. Michelle, Ronnie and I will still be here if there's anything you ever need help with. Thank you so very much for giving Tommy a great home and for visiting with us. We enjoyed meeting you and your family!

COMING SOON...more videos footage!

2011-01-19T08:16:00.000-08:00

I'm going to be turning out new videos on a more frequent basis. Ronnie is getting busier and doing more things thanks to all of you out there who are helping us get the word out. Please continue with your support! We appreciate you!

Ronnie Ford rides Tommy through the Obstacle Course

2011-01-18T12:19:00.000-08:00

Tommy does a GREAT job with obstacles. Trail riding with this boy is like a knife through butter! If interested in looking at him further, just give us a call and come and ride him yourself. We have him for sale at a great price...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skphGyeBOnQ&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL

HH Painted Tom for Sale!

2011-01-12T10:56:00.000-08:00

"Tommy is an APHA registered gelding. He is 15 years old and one smooth ride! If you want a good trail horse, Tommy is your guy! To see him in action please click on the title of this post, "HH Painted Tom for Sale"!

CLINIC IN MIMS FLORIDA

2011-01-09T15:42:00.000-08:00

RFTC was invited by Fox Lake Farms to do a clinic for the volunteers in a program developed for those who are mentally, emotionally and physically disabled. The farm is owned and operated by Gloria Moye with the help of her son, Doug Moye. They use horses for therapeutic riding which helps these individuals improve their balance strength and general well being.

Gloria has been bringing at least three horses each time she visits the training center to improve her horses' capabilities in the program. Along the way, she felt her volunteers would benefit from having Ronnie do a clinic for them to improve their abilities and skills in working with the horses. The volunteers did a great job and the clinic was a great success. Thank you to Gloria and all the volunteers for inviting us to play a role in the important work you do!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2010-12-28T07:08:00.000-08:00

We hope everyone has a wonderful New Year!

Ronnie & Beverley Ford

Merry Christmas!!

2010-12-21T05:56:00.000-08:00

Ronnie Ford Training center wishes everyone a safe, love filled and Merry Christmas! May your New Year bring you the peace and joy of the love of Christ!

Love,
Ronnie & Beverley Ford

Thanksgiving in Arkansas

2010-12-03T05:55:00.000-08:00

Although we didn't get to hold the clinic, we had a great time in Arkansas! We met with the woman who was to be our host and we are hoping to return in spring. We are going to shoot for the last of February or first of March if everything works out. Hope everyone had a blessed and wonderful Thanksgiving!

CLINIC CANCELLED

2010-11-22T15:29:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately, our host from Arkansas called and said the forecast was going to be horrendous. Rain, rain, and more rain. But that's ok! We're going to try our best to make it back this spring and she's going to secure the fair grounds to hold the clinic!

Into every life a little rain must fall...but the rain brings forth growth AND harvest!
God Bless and....

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!

My First Endeavor

2010-11-17T15:33:00.000-08:00

Well, let's see how I develop as a writer. I may not be able to train horses as my husband does, but I can tell people about it! Not bad for my first effort. I did it in a hurry. Maybe I should considering slowing down.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Horse-Whispers:-Fact-or-Fiction,-Myth-or-Legend?&id=5246642

SCHEDULED CLINIC IN ARKANSAS!

2010-11-17T14:57:00.000-08:00

     We are traveling to Arkansas Thanksgiving week and have a clinic scheduled in Benton, near Little Rock! It is a one day clinic and the news that Ronnie will work with 7 horses has those folks very excited! The enthusiasm is contagious. The host is very excited and is developing flyers to put up throughout the community. We are going to have access to an arena and roundpen.
     We are striving to make connections with horse enthusiasts everywhere we can. This is an exciting time to meet new people with the same goals and interest and I'm thrilled at the invitation! We are hoping for a good turn out that will lead to more invitations in the future!
     As events unfold we will tell you more! Pictures of the event will be posted here and on our website. Stay tuned and wish us luck!

Your Round Pen or Ours?

2010-11-15T06:40:00.000-08:00

Welcome to our blog! Ronnie Ford Training Center is becoming more and more active as we endeavor to serve the needs of equines and their handlers. We are trying to utilize the internet as heavily as possible to promote our website, training facility and services to those who are looking for just what we offer! Please help us in our quest to promote our services by referring us to anyone who owns a horse or is looking to own one. We love what we do because we see such dramatic results in both horse and owner/rider! The look of surprise and satisfaction that comes on the faces of those who come to Ronnie for lessons, advice or reassurance is a driving motivator to reach out and help others.

Although we are located in Florida, which by many is considered "off the map", we don't believe that has to be an insurmountable barrier to those who would like to meet with us and work with them and their horses. We are contemplating a travel circuit to meet the needs of those who can't come to us! However, in order for us to do this successfully, we need YOU! All we need you to do is find out who is as interested in this as you are and set a date!

These get togethers are alot of fun because we get to meet new people who have shared interests and goals. We all want to improve our horsemanship skills and knowledge. We all learn from each other and take away with us a new confidence and passion! And...another plus is that you will get MORE from Ronnie than you would at a high priced big name event that also tries to sell you things you don't really want or need. Ronnie is 100% FOCUSED on getting the best out of you and your horse! He will tell you like it is and gets right to the point so you never feel your time is wasted. He will stick with you and answer your questions honestly, but be prepared, you might not always like the answer! He has ONE thing in mind...helping you and your horse have the best communication system possible for the greatest relationship between you and your horse. We try to keep our events no larger than 10-15 people so that you all get the one on one attention that you and your horse deserves. So, c'mon! Let's get to work and make this happen! We're looking forward to meeting you!
http://www.ronniefordtrainingcenter.com/