Equine Schooling

At Van Delden Equestrian, our equine schooling is centred around correct, thoughtful training that supports the horse’s physical development, confidence, and long-term soundness. We work with each horse as an individual, taking the time to understand their way of going, their strengths, and the areas where they need support.

Our approach is calm, systematic, and progressive—building from the basics of relaxation, rhythm, and balance through to improved suppleness, strength, and rideability. Whether your horse is young, returning to work, or needing a reset, our schooling programmes are designed to create willing, confident partners both on the flat and out hacking.

We believe good training should improve the horse—not overpower it—resulting in a happier, healthier athlete with a clear understanding of their work.

Starting

Our programme develops calm, willing horses through steady, patient training and clear communication. Each horse progresses at its own pace. We do not rush development — we build it. Training begins at liberty, using Pat Parelli principles to establish true connection before introducing gear, the rider’s weight, and aids step-by-step in low-stress conditions. Groundwork and ridden work follow the classical German Training Scale: rhythm, relaxation, contact, impulsion, straightness, and collection. The result is a young horse that is mentally balanced, physically correct, and confident in its work.

Horsemanship/Liberty

Training begins at liberty, using Pat Parelli principles to establish true connection before introducing gear, the rider’s weight, and aids step-by-step in low-stress conditions.

Lungeing & Backing

We begin using horsemanship rope halters and training ropes, gradually teaching the horse to lunge in rhythm and relaxation. A traditional cavesson is introduced to preserve the mouth’s sensitivity for future refined rein aids. Once the horse shows balance on curved lines, we further develop environmental resilience, incorporating TRT methods and other proven approaches before introducing the rider’s weight.

Schooling

All our ridden work follows the classical German Training Scale (international standard for schooling dressage horses): rhythm, relaxation, contact, impulsion, straightness, and collection.

Back-into-Work

Whether returning from a spell, injury, motherhood, or a change in routine, our back-into-work programmes are designed to rebuild strength, confidence, and fitness without rushing. Each programme is tailored to the horse’s age, condition, and previous workload. We focus on correct basics, progressive conditioning, and maintaining relaxation throughout the process—ensuring the horse comes back into work stronger, sounder, and mentally settled.

Corrective Riding

Corrective riding is suited to horses that have developed tension, resistance, imbalance, or unwanted habits. Our goal is to identify the cause, not just address the symptom, using correct riding, clear aids, and thoughtful training methods. Through patient, consistent work, we help horses regain balance, softness, and confidence, improving rideability while supporting long-term soundness and comfort.

Break-into-Harness

Our break-into-harness programme introduces horses to driving in a calm, structured, and confidence-building way. Beginning with thorough groundwork and long-reining, horses are taught to understand voice commands, straightness, and steady contact before progressing to pulling weight.

Each step is taken at the horse’s pace, ensuring they feel secure and relaxed in the harness, resulting in a safe, willing driving horse with a solid foundation.