Welcome to
Eagle Wings Ranch!

Success In reining, success can mean a winning Futurity run or the light on a child's face after that first blue ribbon. To reach either goal a horse must have not only physical ability but also a great mind. At Eagle Wings Ranch, we recognize this truth and strive to give our colts the mind it takes to succeed.

Our Formative Training Program creates a submissive and willing mind set in our young horses. It sets up a system of advanced communication between horse and handler and results in a longer attention span. In short, our colts learn HOW to learn! As Benjamin Franklin said, "Let your child's first lesson be obedience, and its second be whatever you wish."

Formative Training has three basic phases: Imprinting, Early Ground Training, and Advanced Ground Training. Once a yearling has competed these three steps, he is physically, and more importantly, mentally equipped to begin the vigors of mounted training.

Imprinting
Imprinting is begun immediately after birth, and includes teaching the foal to submit to restraint, to accept contact (desensitizing), and to move away from pressure (sensitization).

Practicing Side Passing

Early Ground Training
The early training extends from the first few weeks of life until after weaning. Early training focuses on ground manners and teaching the basic cue points for all communication.

Advanced Ground Training
Advanced training continues until the colt is started under saddle. It polishes the skills already learned into refined maneuvers such as spinning, and sidepassing, and includes the round penning and lounging skills. At this time muscle and stamina are also enhanced.

Learning "Whoa!"

Sailin High Seas

Of course, the best preconditioning program in the world will do little good unless you start with the right breeding. That's why we start with great colts by Topsail Cody and out of mares from the likes of Leonard Milligan, Mr. San Peppy, and Taris Catalyst.

Click here to see some graduates.

Click here to learn more about Formative Training