Our Training Philosophy

At MacDonald Performance Training we believe success showing horses begins with a quality colt started on time and trained thoroughly, gently and intelligently.  In every aspect of our training we focus on lightness and correctness, avoiding the use of force or fear. 

We operate under the premise that showing and competitive goals are secondary to respect and consideration for the horse and its owner. Our goal for every horse is to achieve excellence through understanding and lightness. 

"When you can direct a horse's movements through feel, then there's understanding taking place between the person and the horse.
That is the sign of true horsemanship." Bill Dorrance

Whether your horse is a potential Futurity champion, breeding stock, your trusted ranch horse, or your kids' best friend we believe it should understand and love its job.

Top 5 Training Rules:

1. ALWAYS warm the horse up sufficiently.
2. Ride where you are, ie: take into consideration experience, location, physical state and mental state. Consider these things for both the horse and the rider. If you can be aware of what is really happening at the precise moment, you can feel the horse and what the horse is preparing to do.
3. Remember that you can never make a horse gentle. Expose your horse to his fears gently and build his confidence.
4. Balance action with inaction; authority with friendship.
5. Know when to quit.