The Erin Valley Trainer’s Program is designed for riders ages 13 and up who want to move beyond standard riding lessons and begin learning the art and responsibility of horse training.
This program focuses on developing feel, timing, leadership, and understanding — teaching students how horses think, learn, and respond, not just how to ride.
This program focuses on developing feel, timing, leadership, and understanding — teaching students how horses think, learn, and respond, not just how to ride.
Program Overview
Start Date: March 2nd- August 28th
Schedule: Monday–Thursday
Time Off: The six-month program includes three scheduled weeks off due to three five-week months within the season. Tentative break dates are June 8–12, July 13–17, and August 3–7.
Ages: 13+
Spots: Limited to protect coaching quality
Students in the Trainer’s Program are expected to show consistency, respect, and commitment. This is a learning-focused environment designed to build solid horsemanship foundations.
Start Date: March 2nd- August 28th
Schedule: Monday–Thursday
Time Off: The six-month program includes three scheduled weeks off due to three five-week months within the season. Tentative break dates are June 8–12, July 13–17, and August 3–7.
Ages: 13+
Spots: Limited to protect coaching quality
Students in the Trainer’s Program are expected to show consistency, respect, and commitment. This is a learning-focused environment designed to build solid horsemanship foundations.
What’s Included
Participants receive:
This program emphasizes quality over quantity — learning how small actions and correct feel make a big difference to the horse.
Participants receive:
- Two structured lessons per week
- Education in horse training principles and progression
- Hands-on learning both on the ground and under saddle
- Development of timing, softness, and clear communication
- Riding opportunities at least once per month, based on readiness and progress
- Instruction grounded in Erin Valley’s horsemanship standards
This program emphasizes quality over quantity — learning how small actions and correct feel make a big difference to the horse.
What Students Will Learn
Through this program, students will begin to understand:
This is where riders begin to think like trainers, not just riders.
Through this program, students will begin to understand:
- How horses perceive pressure, release, and movement
- Why small cues can have a big impact on the horse
- How to build confidence without force
- The importance of consistency and correct progression
- How groundwork and riding work together
This is where riders begin to think like trainers, not just riders.
Pricing
- $685 plus GST/month
- $300 non-refundable deposit required to hold your spot
Who This Program For
Who It’s Not For
- Is For Riders who want deeper horsemanship knowledge
- Students curious about horse training, not just riding
- Those willing to learn patience, responsibility, and feel
- Riders interested in progressing into advanced programs
Who It’s Not For
- Riders looking for casual or drop-in riding only
- Those unwilling to follow structure or coaching guidance
- Students seeking fast results without foundation
Registration & Placement
Enrollment in the Trainer’s Academy is limited to maintain coaching quality and student experience.
Program Begins First Week of March
Spots are limited to maintain safety and quality instruction.
To apply, please email us with the subject line:
Trainer’s Program Application
In your email, include:
Important Note:
All students receive two lessons per week. Lesson days and times are assigned based on availability, program balance, and coaching capacity.
Submitting an application does not guarantee placement. Students are accepted based on program fit
Enrollment in the Trainer’s Academy is limited to maintain coaching quality and student experience.
Program Begins First Week of March
Spots are limited to maintain safety and quality instruction.
To apply, please email us with the subject line:
Trainer’s Program Application
In your email, include:
- Student’s full name and age
- Parent/guardian name (if under 18)
- Riding experience (brief)
- Why you’re interested in the Trainer’s Program
- Availability:
- Preferred lesson days (Monday & Tuesday or Wednesday & Thursday)
- Confirmation of availability for standard lesson times (3:30 p.m. and/or 4:45 p.m.)
- For Wednesday & Thursday only: please note if you are available for earlier lesson times (1:15 p.m. or 2:30 p.m.)
Important Note:
All students receive two lessons per week. Lesson days and times are assigned based on availability, program balance, and coaching capacity.
Submitting an application does not guarantee placement. Students are accepted based on program fit
Horses in Training at Erin Valley
Erin Valley Riding Stables accepts a limited number of outside horses into training each season. All horses are developed using the Training Thru Trust Method, a consistent, trust-based approach focused on communication, softness, confidence, and long-term reliability.
Each horse receives an individualized training plan based on temperament, needs, and long-term goals.
Horses We Accept for TrainingWe selectively accept horses for:
- Softening and refinement
- Problem-solving and confidence rebuilding
- Finishing horses under saddle
- Developing horses for rodeo events, including barrel racing and pole bending
- Creating seasoned, automatic horses suitable for riders of varying experience levels
- Consignment horses, professionally trained and prepared for sale
Professional Oversight & Training Method
All horses in training are worked not only by students under constant supervision, but also by Lynette Mills and Kaylee Walden, ensuring professional oversight and correct progression at every stage.
By allowing horses to learn the same Training Thru Trust Method from multiple riders, we build a stronger, more adaptable foundation. This produces horses that are:
- Confident and responsive
- Safer and more reliable
- Not dependent on a single rider
- Suitable for riders of all experience levels long-term
Living Arrangements & Horse Care
Horses in training are housed in large outdoor pens in herd settings, separated by mares and geldings. Pens are secured with electric fencing, and horses are maintained on round-bale, full-time feed, automatic waterers, with daily monitoring to support health and condition.
For owners requesting individual housing, barn board in private pens is available for an additional fee, subject to availability.
Training & Board Investment
Horse training is offered on a monthly basis, with limited availability to ensure quality results and horse welfare. A $500 deposit is required to hold your spot. The remainder is due on the first of every month.
Training Investment
- $1,400 per month + GST
Six-month training commitment required - $1,500 per month + GST
Month-to-month training (no long-term commitment)
- Full training using the Training Thru Trust Method
- Hay and board
- Daily care and consistent handling
- Professional oversight by Lynette Mills and Kaylee Walden
- Private barn pen: $350 per month + GST, subject to availability
Limited Availability
Training spots are very limited. Six-month commitments are prioritized for intake. Not all horses are accepted; placement is based on suitability and alignment with the program.
Inquire About Horses in Training
If you are interested in placing a horse into training, finishing, or consignment, please reach out to inquire about current availability.