Even though they are heavily involved in breeding performance horses, the Hilldale Farm team still operate a "start-to-finish" training and show program and train many horses for the public as well as horses bred and owned by the farm. For several years they have maintained a program of offering free lessons and coaching for the onwers of their outside training horses. Accordingly, many Hilldale Farm "students" have learned to ride and show competitively. Also, horses owned by clients have enhance their value by winning.

Jessicah Keller and Rondalena Chex

An effective two-year-old training program is the foundation of training success. David Hutton has primary responsibility for this vital area, and is assisted by Jason Torpey. Their goal is to get each young horse started in a comfortable but disciplined manner and to teach the basics first

The Hilldale team takes great pride in the many successful show horses that began their early education in their own program. Some of these include World Champions Cee Chex To Cash, Nu Tivio Chex and Night Deposit Chex, plus Futurity finalists RHM Peppy Nu Chex, Buenochexolena, Big Chex To Cash and Chexes Girl. They have confidence that more "wait in the wings" will join this select group of graduates.

Jessicah Keller and Nu Chex To Cash at Springfield, Illinois

Since Charlie Hutton broke his first colt over 50 years ago, he has seen many changes and improvements in this critical part of horse training. He believes the focus in 2-year-old training should be mental, teaching early lessons in a confidence-building manner.

One particular source of pride in the training program has been the show-ring lengevity of the Hilldale horses. The records clearly show that the program develops "horses that last". To achieve this, Charlie Hutton believes you must first start with a good-minded horse and then build a training founcation that allows you to break problems into parts that can be repaired.

One key to building horses that last" is what the Huttons refer to as "show seasoning". Most youngsters trained in their program run their first show pattern in the spring or summer of their 3-year-old year. By this time, the young horse has been in training for about 18 months, and has learned to correctly perform each reining maneuver. Before the colt is actually shown, it will probably have travelled to at least one show circuit to just be ridden in the horse show environment.

David Hutton and Nu Tivio Chex

The first actual show is chosen to be a low-pressure event with good ground, adequate warm up ring time and fairly close to home. Certain AQHA shows in the area have proved satisfactory. Usually the colt will be shown two-handed in a ring snaffle, but sometimes in a hackamore. The rider's attitude toward the first run is very critical. A relaxed rider makes a relaxed horse, so the exhibitor is not riding to win. In an optimal first run, the horse will score about a 70.

Another secret in developing longevity in show horses is schooling at shows. All horses will develop bad habits in the show ring. Even the best trained horses will begin to "cheat" after being shown awhile. This "cheating" usually consists of anticipating maneuvers. Correction can seldom be accomplished at home. The best solution is to choose a schooling class and specifically address the problem in the ring. Most weekend NRHA shows present opportunities for schooling. Paid warm up classes usually allow a horse 4-5 minutes in the ring alone. Also, many shows offer Mens/Ladies classes for this purpose. Schooling is not a chance to "get even" with the horse, and is never a time to be abusive or even severe. Two anticipations that are move common are leaning or dropping shoulders in circle, usually across the middle. The best correction is to simply stand the horse up and counter-canter at least a quarter circle before changing leads. Another of the most common problems is setting up on rundowns, anticipating the stop. The best correction is simply to ride the stop approach all the way to the fence and then allowing the horse to stop itself with no pull.

Jessicah Keller and Guns Royal Scarlet (2005 NRHA Novice Horse Non Pro World Champion)

Another schooling opportunity that we use is showing in local AQHA shows, AQHA rules now define "permissible" schooling and allow the exhibitor to school so long as there is no abuse and the time does not exceed the norm for executing a pattern, often we will school certain entries and ride other horses to score in the same class.

Jessicah Keller and Boomboomvoodoodaddy

Accordingly, the Hilldale team participates in both NRHA and AQHA shows year-round. Each client participates in deciding how often and where their horse will compete. Our show charges allow a close estimate of costs to be incurred in each trip. Our goal is to help each client realize their own goals for their horse.

Sarah Locker and Spatztacular Fool

Please contact us at Hilldale Farm for more information on our training program or let Hilldale find that "perfect" horse for you. Whether it be a trained show horse or top prospect let us help put you in the winners circle.