Patience

We always hear stories about how owners are told their horse's have their number. We have seen examples of this....however, this doesn't mean this is always the case. Remember the saying, you catch more flies with honey than vinegar.....this is true with horses too. We get several horses a year where someone has tried forcing issues with the horse....instead of just asking nicely and being patient, they get the spurs and whips out. Remember Sugar? A little sugar with Sugar went a long way. Sugar didn't want to leave the barn by herself....so push her hard, get after her, she's got your number.....well that didn't work. Doing it Gary's way, she goes down the trail by herself and quite comfortable when she knows she can trust her rider.

It's been awhile!!

It has been a few years since our last post....seems we get busy with our website and facebook page that we forget about this blog. A lot has changes in just a few short years. Lots of travelling to horseshows in the states as well as travelling with our horses and going on some great trail rides.

Merry Christmas

I cannot believe how fast this year has flown by....it has been another busy year here at our farm. We were very excited to have Nella's first foal arrive! Dolly arrived while Jenna was on foal watch! She was thrilled to be the first to see Dolly. It was all over facebook for several days! We also are very excited to have Genuine Oso's first foal ready to start training. "Pippa" (Genuine Oso Triple) is a pretty palomino who is paid up into the OBBO Reining Futurity and if she's anything like her Dad, she will be very pretty to watch! We welcomed "Peanut" (Topdun Starlight) to our barn late last fall and his training has been coming along real well. Peanut has just an amazing temperment and he's such a natural at the reining manoeuvres. We can't forget everyone's favorite, Earl (One Slick Pepto). Earl has been with us since his 2 year old year. Earl was ready to show this year and made his debut at the OBBO. Earl is a very happy horse who loves his job and has mastered the turn around. Gary is known for his patience and, unlike other trainers, he doesn't believe in pounding on a horse and having him spin out of fear. He wants them to turn around with confidence and enjoy the turn around. Gary is always educating himself and learning new techniques to help improve his horses. This year he was very happy to work with Loris Epis and together, they helped Earl and his spin. It was great to hear Loris say that Earl was definitely an Open horse and a smart horse. We would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas. We hope everyone takes the time to enjoy the holiday season and spend it with their family and friends. From our home to yours.....Merry Christmas!

Re-training the Race horse

The current horse market is being flooded with race horses that are going real cheap or free to good homes. Those are the fortunate ones. The unfortunate ones are being put down. Gary would like to make everyone aware that these horses can, in fact, be re-trained. With the right trainer and program you can give these beautiful animals a new lease on life. If you have the opportunity to re home one of these race horses and not sure what to do, please feel free to contact Gary. He can answer questions and help you determine if this is the right decision for you. Gary has spent over 30 years working with race horses and has, on many occasions, re-trained them for various disciplines. Give him a call or email with any questions. (519) 794-4715 or email gktrainingcentre@hotmail.com

Ontario Quarter Horse Breeders Futurity Celebrates 50 years

I can remember when I was a young girl seeing boxes of letters sitting on our dining room table. Sundays were always days for my mom to make long distance calls and weekends were the times when my parents would drive around Ontario seeking out Quarter Horse owners to talk about the Ontario Quarter Horse Breeders Futurity. This was they way it was done back then...there was no internet, emails etc. You did it the hard way. This year marks the 50th Anniversary for the OQHBF and it brought out a lot of fond memories and discussion between my parents, George and Barb Coverdale, Gary and myself. My dad, Doug Morden, was Chairman from 1966 - 1971. It was these early years when the Quarter Horse was new to Ontario. The weanling class was part of the futurity because there really weren't many horses older than that....what a long way the Quarter horse has come in Ontario. While talking about these early years and the long hours they put in they also shared the determination they all had to make this show a success and to create a market for the Ontario Quarter Horse. We have gone from there being only a few Quarter Horses in Ontario to this breed being very popular in Ontario. Almost everywhere you go you will find a Quarter Horse. Congratulations to the OQHBF and a very Happy 50th Anniversary!

Fun Night Wednesday August 1, 2012

We would like to thank everyone that has come out to our fun nights so far. They have been a lot of fun with a lot of very nice people. Our next fun night will follow the same format starting at 7 pm. Please have in mind something you would like to work on with your horse.

Next Fun Night - Tuesday, July 17, 2012

We have scheduled our next fun night for Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at 7pm. Each horse and rider will have the opportunity to work with Gary on any area that they would like to either improve on or learn. It's a great evening of riding and afterwards a relaxing time enjoying some refreshments and snacks. Please call 519-794-4715 or email gktrainingcentre@hotmail.com to reserve your spot. Space is limited.

Fun Night

Despite the heat and humidity we went ahead with our fun night last night! We met some really nice people and some very nice horses! This is something new that we have started so we expect each night to get better and better! Last night we worked on some basics as well as lead changes and some reining! Each fun night will be slightly different as it will depend on each individual and what they would like to work on.

Fun Night on June 27, 2012

Come and ride with Gary on Wednesday, June 27, 2012 from 7:00 - 9:00 pm. Bring your horse and join us in a relaxed atmosphere for a night of learning and meeting new people. Price $25.00 per horse/rider Please call or email us to reserve your spot. Space is limited.

Training Programs

It is very important when your horse has finished it's training period with your trainer that you understand your horse's program that you are to follow at home. Too many times owners take their horses home and follow the program for a week or so...then a "friend" gives their input. Next thing you know, tack has been changed and so has the program. Sometimes it's very difficult to tell your friend thanks but I'm going to stick with my trainer's program but you are far better off to hurt their feelings than possibly get hurt yourself. You have to remember you have paid for your trainer's knowledge and experience, which is why they are the "trainer". Most trainers have years of experience combined with knowledge. They spend time with your horse and they know what will work and what won't. Experience isn't something you can learn from a book. When horses leave our facility we have now implemented a written program for the owner to follow. Once they can follow this program on their own with confidence then you can start to make changes. This can happen because you are now working as a team and you are comfortable with your horse. If you get into trouble with your horse and nothing seems to be working then go back to the beginning. Go back to the program your trainer sent you home with including using the same equipment. Work with those basics until you start to have good consistent sessions with your horse. If all else fails, call your trainer and see if you can take your horse back for a lesson. This will allow your trainer to look at what you are doing or not doing and get you back on track. Gary always tells his clients to call if they run into any problems. No matter how silly you think it may sound, he would rather help you work through it before it becomes a big problem. Before any horse leaves our facility we insist the rider come out and ride the horse before they go home. This way they are being taken through the whole program step by step.

Buying a horse

Gary has been helping people purchase a horse for many many years and with great success. There have been too many times to count when owners come to our facility to get training on a horse they have purchased but just can't handle. A good rule of thumb to follow is a green horse and a green rider do not mix. Having said that, a young horse with a nice temperment combined with professional training can work out well. If you are a new horse owner with little experience, it would really benefit you to take lessons from a professional. These lessons help you to build a better relationship with your horse and with a better relationship comes more enjoyment. We used to send every horse home with written instructions for the owner on the program they should follow. We did get away from doing that...why? Not sure, probably just lack of time on my part. However, we are putting that back into practice as it gives the owner something to always fall back on. You can always refer to it when things start going backwards. This allows you to always get back to square one when you get into trouble. Gary keeps these programs pretty simple and he also includes a list of the suggested tack. For example, what type of bit works best for both the horse and rider. When the owner is comfortable with that program, they can then move forward and work on something new.

We're back!

Hello Everyone! It's been awhile since our last post but we are back. It's been a busy winter with all the horses and owners that have been through our facility. Gary has been busy getting our horses ready to show in both Quebec and Ontario. One Slick Pepto will make his debut in Quebec and King's Triple Storm and I will be showing in Quebec as well. Listo Bandito and Shoulda Been a Dude have gone home to their new owners. We miss both horses and will certainly miss Dude in the show ring this year. She was a great horse to have and travel with as nothing ever bothered her. We have two really nicely bred 4 year old fillies for sale. One pretty palomino filly with extensive trail miles and 30 days reining training and one pretty sorrel mare with extensive reining training and show pen ready. Gary is working with a nice 3 year old gelding that is very well bred is should be ready by the fall of this year. As always, we love to hear from our customers! Gary is now booking lessons both here at home and at your facilty. Call for more information.

Winning Pro/Am run at Quarterama featuring Peptoleap

Watch the winning go at Quarterama for the Pro/Am Class. Anne Salter and Molly Stevens rode Peptoleap and moved the crowd to tears. What an amazing run with an amazing horse. Peptoleap passes on his incredible talent and temperment to his babies. We are very proud to own a son of Peptoleap, One Slick Pepto.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zaw-Jwz6gKg

Clinic with Gary Marsolais September 10 &11, 2011

This is the first time a 2 day format has been offered. Each horse will be ridden and assessed by Gary and their rider will receive individual instruction from Gary. Along with learning from your session, you will be able to watch and learn from every horse and rider.

We will provide a hot lunch, tea & coffee and snacks for you and a friend both days.
Bring your horse, tack and a friend for two days of fun and learning. Give your horse a great tune up and meet new people and learn new skills. Gary will teach you exercises to work on at home to help you build your desired relationship with your horse. Gary has experience and success in several disciplines so all are welcome.

Fee: $200.00 per horse/rider combination (this includes a pass for a friend)
Deposit is required to reserve your spot, space is limited.

Please call 519-794-4715 or email gktrainingcentre@hotmail.com

Note: These clinics are not for starting young horses, only horses that have been started previously. If you are looking for help starting your horse please contact us for rates.

It's a Girl

The first foal for Genuine Oso was born on April 28, 2011. Congratulations to Lisa of Walkerton! Genuine Oso has passed on some nice white markings and correct conformation. Lisa's mare has produced a nice filly and we are very excited for this filly's future.

Merry Christmas

2010 has flown by with many changes. Gary showed in Quebec this past summer and thoroughly enjoyed it. AQR has a great facility as well as very well organized which makes the whole process of entering your horse(s) quite easy. We are looking forward to taking our horses there again in 2011.

As most of you know, Gary and I are on the ORHA's OBBO Reining Futurity Committee. This show is held every year during the London Western Fair in mid September. This year was the 19th year and it was a great success. We added some great new sponsors including Continental Saddlery and Ionsons Saddlery. Together they donated a really nice Continental Saddle for the Two Year Old Reining Pleasure Class. We are looking forward to next year's show which is also the OBBO's 20th Anniversary.

We have donated a 1/2 breeding to Genuine Oso to the OBBO Futurity again this year. This means that through the OBBO you may breed your mare for $375.00. Please feel free to contact us for more information. We are standing Genuine Oso to a limited number of approved outside mares. You may also go to the OBBO page on the ORHA's website to see a list of Stallions available for 1/2 price. You will see that Ontario has some very nice, well bred stallions that have proven themselves as sires and money earners.

Gary is currently in the process of recovering from knee surgery. After years of struggling with his knee he finally agreed to have a partial knee replacement done. The challenge at the moment is keeping his mind occupied as he is really missing the barn and his horses.

If you are looking to have a horse trained, we are currently booking into March. Gary has one opening left for March and space is limited for April. Please contact us if you wish to reserve a spot.

Please check out our website, www.gktrainingcentre.com if you are looking to purchase a horse. We currently have some nice young horses for sale that have been well started. Some have already competed in the show pen and are derby eligible and some are ready to be pointed into your specific discipline.

Last but not least, we would like to extend a very heartfelt Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone. May you find joy in your hearts during this time of year.

Sincerely,
G & K Training Centre
Gary, Kerri, Jenna and Kendra

We are back!

It has been sometime since we've posted anything on our blog. There have been a few reasons for this....one has been lack of time. Life has just been so busy with horse shows this past summer as well as my new job keeping me on the run.

Gary and I receive a newsletter from a trainer in California. While we don't read it for the tips, we read it for his very blunt words. This man is an accomplished trainer but it's the way he gives his advice that just puts a smile on my face....He says it like it is...much like Gary. There is nothing Gary hates more than someone who wastes his time. I think we all deal with that in our daily lives....we've had horses for sale in the $5,000.00 - $10,000.00 price range. Someone will come out and try out the horse, tell us they absolutely love it, they've never ridden anything so well trained BUT their budget is maximum $2,500.00 REALLY??? Glad you enjoyed our horse but please DON'T come back.

I find this trainer's newsletter very informative but entertaining as well. That is what I want for our blog. I want you to be entertained but also walk away with some valuable information. We will also keep you up to date as to the happenings around our training centre and in the horse industry. I will be posting articles on various people that have had a positive impact on the horse business. Please feel free to comment or ask questions. We look forward to hearing from everyone.

Enjoy!

The Summer so far....

It has been a very busy summer so far...I've started a new job and I'm back in sales which I'm very happy about....unfortunately this has not allowed me the time or opportunity to show this summer....But I have great hopes for next year....

Gary and Jabanic have been showing in Quebec this year and really enjoying the facility and the Quebec reining association. Their first time out they placed 2nd with JB showing that he hasn't forgotten a thing. With some fine tuning on their partnership they are back in Quebec this weekend and then heading to Fletchers for their first ORHA show.

Gary has been very busy working on his 3 Year Old and our 2 year olds....Each one of them showing some promise for the show ring.

After some lengthy discussions and a lot of thought, Gary and I have decided to put Nella up for sale. Nella is a 1998 AQHA mare that Gary put extensive training on as a 2 & 3 year old. We showed her extensively as a 3 year old. She was very competitive in WP & HUS and with some tuning up could easily compete at the WHA level or club show level. Over the past few years Gary has also used her to work cattle and she took to that naturally. She is a very well put together mare with a very competitive spirit. The picture shown with this post was taken when she was 2 and I had first purchased her.

FloraLake MiEbony Gryphon -American Bashkir Curly

American Bashkir Curly horse, Gryphon, professionally trained by Gary.

Check out his video....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4QCWYuqKC4

For Sale: High Test Pepto by Mr. Roan Freckles

High Test Pepto is a 3 year old gelding by Mr. Roan Freckles out of High Test. He has been lightly started and is ready for his new owner to put the finishing training on him. He has excellent conformation and temperment, a very willing attitude. Mr. Roan Freckles is a NCHA money earner of over $48,000.00 and High Test 1993 Bay Few Spot ApHC mare by High Sign Nugget & out of SW Red Velvet.  'Tess' is both a World Champion Working Cow Horse & a Canadian Supreme Open Snaffle Bit & Reining Futurity Champion.  Her 2001 son by Sugars Plain Remedy, Test This Remedy, is the 2006 World Champion in Jr Working Cow Horse & Snaffle Bit Hackamore Reining. as well as the 2007 CCHBG Super Stakes Open Bridle Champion & Reserve World Champion Non Pro Working Cow Horse. She is also the producer of the MRCHA Amateur Derby Champion & Canadian Supreme Non Pro Reserve Champion Snaffle Bit/Hackamore.