Patrick King’s Green to Gold program is a progressive pathway to developing a solid foundation with your horse. A rock solid foundation for your horse is all about clear communication, confidence, & respect, as well as the preparation and building blocks for specific disciplines or endeavors.
A child doesn’t just develop from infant to adult. Neither does a horse just develop from a ‘green colt’ to a finished performance horse. The more solid the foundation and preparation, the more successful the outcome will be for the horse and rider.
In all, there are four stages of the Green to Gold program that lead to a solid foundation for you and your horse. Having this ‘ladder’ will give you the focus and directions needed to progress and reach your goals faster than ever before.
Stage one, Green and Growing, is about understanding and basic control. Learning to speak specifically to each part of your horse sets the stage for more sophisticated communication and body control. This stage starts you on the road to an outstanding partnership with your horse.
With stage one under your belt, you and your horse will be ready to become real working partners. Stage two, Mellow Yellow, brings you greater control over your horse’s mind and body. Your horse will become more aware of your cues, as well as becoming more responsible and relaxed. Complex concepts will become familiar components of everyday riding and handling: Self-carriage, balance, rhythm, suppleness, engagement, lead changes, impulsion, lightness, soft feel, and more.
The level of communication and control achieved in stage three, True Blue, is beyond what most people would consider foundation training. The final ingredients of collection and advanced control are introduced at this stage. Everything will be done with more accuracy and finesse. The conversations between you and your horse will become subtle enough to be nearly invisible – you will be achieving harmony and unity.
After you and your horse have completed the first three stages of Patrick King’s Green to Gold program, the foundation has been set for you to explore the training principles of competitive disciplines. Stage four is where your horse becomes your Solid Gold partner.
