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Training


Training Livery


Training livery includes five days of individually tailored training sessions, seven days full care, homegrown ad-lib hay or haylage and Simple System Feeds hard feed, including a balancer. The use of a fully rubber matted stable and a secure individual paddock with other horses over the fence is included, with 24/7 turnout possible in dry conditions.

The cost of these services is £210 per week.

As of 1st April 2025 the cost of Training Livery shall be increasing to £231 per week (£33 per day).

Training livery includes but is not limited to the services detailed below:


Handling


Balanced Equine offers a range of handling services for horses ranging from foals and weanlings upwards, including, teaching to lead, foot handling, desensitizing the horse to clippers, catching, standing still for mounting and preparing for the vet or farrier. For any other training issue, no matter how small that you need help with Jo would be happy to chat over options and try to help.


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Starting/Backing

Starting a horse is the process of introducing the first saddle, long lines and rider. It is undoubtedly one of the most important and influential phases of the horse’s life. A good start can install good behavioural patterns and a willingness to work. At Balanced Equine we work with the horse mind as well as his body creating a bond built on trust. The horse is encouraged to see the handler as a leader to work with in partnership. This method causes them to become far more mentally stable and often their whole outlook on life is changed for the better.


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Bringing On/Schooling


Joanna enjoys producing her own young horses and competes in a verity of disciplines, although her passion lies in eventing. She believes that eventing gives the horse such a good all-round education and enjoys the preparation that goes into it. Horses can be taken for schooling to improve their flat work or to introduce them to jumping.


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Groundwork


Groundwork is fundamental to any equine – human relationship. In the wild the only way one horse can assert authority over another is to move its feet. Therefore, for you to be able to create a good connection and be a good leader to your horse you must be able to control your horse’s feet.

Groundwork can be done close to the horse on the halter or at a distance on the long lines. Either way it is a fantastic way to improve your relationship with your horse, teaching manners, respect for your space and it is also great for building confidence both in horse and handler. Above all it can also be great fun for you and your horse achieving things you didn’t know were possible.


Loading


Balanced Equine can help with your loading problems whether they be into a trailer, lorry or starting stalls. Jo starts with groundwork to build trust between herself and the horse and then assess what the horse is afraid of. Is it the ramp? Is the horse claustrophobic? Jo then works with the horse to overcome this fear and get it confident about loading into and standing quietly in the trailer, lorry or starting stall.


Spookbusting


A spooky horse can take some of the pleasures out of riding. Particularly if out on a hack you have to be on super high alert just in case you come across a bicycle, Leprechauns in the bushes, or worst of all the dreaded plastic bag!! Balanced Equine can help by working with you and your horse to help him overcome these fears. We cannot guarantee a “bomb proof” horse as the horse is a flight animal after all but we can make a big difference to his confidence level when approaching scary objects.


Racing/RoR


Jo worked in racing for several years before setting up her own business. She worked with point – to – point and National Hunt horses in Ireland before spending twelve months as Head Girl on a flat yard in Australia.

Balanced Equine specialise in the backing and schooling of youngsters, store horses and older horses. Jo’s patient approach and vast experience means that your horse will receive the top class care and attention to get him off to a great start for a career on the track. We can take on both homebred and horses direct from the sales for starting under saddle and also take horses for pre- training before they go on to a trainer’s yard. Sales preparation, rehabilitation and re-schooling can also be arranged. Please call Jo for an informal chat to discuss your horse’s individual requirements.

Jo also has experience in re schooling ex racehorses to give them a chance at a second career whether it be a quieter life as a leisure horse or as an RoR horse for competition.


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Re-Starting


Re-starters are horses that people have begun the starting/breaking process with and then experienced problems. Sadly, many people underestimate what it takes to start a horse successfully and create a willing partner.

Remedial work can be done with many of these horses but unfortunately it takes much longer to undo undesired learned behaviour and to rebuild trust than it does to do it right in the first place. Remedial work can also be done with ridden horses that have developed an unwanted behaviour such as napping, rearing or bucking. These horses will undergo a thorough assessment, including physical soundness, after which an honest opinion will be given as to the quality of horse that can be produced.

All sizes catered for.

All sizes catered for.


If you have a specific need or for more information about any of the service listed do not hesitate to contact Jo for friendly help and advice.

Although Jo will help clients with riding their horses after backing or re schooling she does not provide riding lessons.

Before Balanced Equine starts work with a horse Jo requests the owner to fill out a Training Livery Agreement and a short Assessment Form so that we can identify the key goals that you would like to achieve. Jo will then work with you to devise a plan that suits you. Jo likes the owners to be hands-on so that she can coach you for a successful future with your horse.

Training livery spaces can be booked with a £100 non-refundable deposit.

Training livery spaces are open ended so that horses are always offered all the time they need. There is a wait list for training spaces. A deposit secures your place on the list and Jo will keep you updated as to when a space will become available. Spaces cannot be held without a deposit. Get in touch to find out the approximate time scale of the current wait list. This will change as each deposit is taken.


Bringing Your Horse to Balanced Equine


To bring your own horse to Balanced Equine for an individual training session the cost is £35 per hour session. This can include any of the services above except for starting and re starting.


Home Visits


Home visits for foal handling, general handling, groundwork and loading are occasionally available when time allows. The cost is £35 per hour + travel at 0.50p per mile round trip.