Seth’s training techniques follow strict standards of non-abusive treatment to the horse. He understands horses do not learn under stressful conditions due to their instinctive behavior to escape anything that is stressful, dangerous, or scary. For this reason, Seth takes the approach of teaching the horse instead of training the horse, and provides an environment where the horse can learn on its own.

Seth continually challenges himself and his riders to greater understand the horse, thus allowing the horse to better understand us. Every horse speaks the same language regardless of their origin. They will always speak “horse” no matter what the training. Seth’s goal is to learn to communicate with the horse so they gain understanding and knowledge through non-verbal communication, and to make the relationship between horse and rider more rewarding.

Seth’s training philosophy is taking every horse that comes into training back to square one and starting with the basics. Without the basics, it is impossible to move on to greater, more complex lessons. He has experienced many horses that have missed a vital basic step in its training, which have caused many problems for both the horse and rider. Seth believes there is a proper order to training a horse. The horse needs to be able to understand each basic principle through consistency and repetition before moving on to more complex events. Seth views being a horse trainer much like being a teacher. A good trainer must have a well thought out lesson plan with each horse and must understand that each horse is different. Horses learn in different ways, react to situations differently, and respond to riders differently. Therefore, Seth feels it is important to take time out of the equation, and allow each horse to learn on its own schedule.

Seth’s horses have respect and discipline, as well as trust and an understanding to please with this approach. After the horse understands the basics, Seth focuses on the horse’s strengths and natural abilities and helps them excel in this area. Each horse’s natural talents are developed to produce a supple and athletic partnership. Seth understands every horse will not be a show horse, but each horse should be able to understand its rider, be soft and supple, easy to work with, and have a willing attitude.