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

Groundwork · Backing · Schooling

Starting a young or inexperienced horse correctly lays the foundation for a lifetime of confident, willing work. Our starting programmes focus on creating calm, understanding horses through correct preparation, clear communication, and a steady, unrushed approach.

Groundwork
Groundwork forms the basis of everything we do. Horses learn to respond calmly to voice, body language, and pressure, developing balance, confidence, and respect before any ridden work begins. This stage builds trust and understanding while preparing the horse physically and mentally for the next steps.
Backing
Backing is approached quietly and systematically, ensuring the horse understands each new concept before progressing. We focus on relaxation, correct responses, and confidence under the rider, allowing the horse to accept weight, aids, and direction without tension or confusion.
Schooling
Early schooling reinforces the basics of rhythm, balance, and straightness. Sessions are kept short and positive, helping the horse develop correct movement patterns and a willing attitude while gradually building strength and understanding.

Back-into-Work

Whether returning from a spell, injury, or 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.