Small-scale, calm and purposeful: attention to every detail in your horse’s training
With us, starting a young horse is never “just breaking in.”
Every horse receives personal attention, a peaceful environment, and a rhythm that allows confidence to grow naturally.
We combine daily movement, tailored nutrition and varied training, so your horse not only learns, but also becomes mentally and physically stronger.
Here, your horse discovers joy in the work, at its own pace, in a way that feels natural and safe.
Calmness, Consistency & Care
Your horse’s well-being always comes first.
In a safe, relaxed environment, your horse can go outside all day, seven days a week, and train five days a week in a natural, pressure-free way.
There is variety and challenge, but always with attention to comfort and peace of mind.
We provide a consistent rhythm of movement, feeding and turnout in a familiar paddock or trusted field, creating structure and security.
This allows your horse to learn in relaxation, enjoy its surroundings and build confidence with every step.
Month 1 – Settling & Trust
The first month is all about arrival, relaxation and building trust.
Your horse learns the daily rhythm, becomes comfortable in its environment and starts to understand basic communication through groundwork and gentle guidance.
Through calm, thoughtful desensitisation, your horse is gradually introduced to new sounds, objects and situations, learning that there is nothing to fear and that it is safe with its handler.
We also begin introducing the girth and bit in a soft, confidence-building way.
There is no pressure, only clarity, repetition and safety.
Month 2 – Foundation & Strength
In the second month, we continue to build on the trust and relaxation established in the first weeks.
Through consistent groundwork and lunging, your horse learns to understand voice commands and clear aids.
We work with both single and double lines to introduce structure, while developing strength in the topline and hindquarters. At the same time, we guide the horse towards correct biomechanics, encouraging it to move from behind, find balance and carry itself with more ease.
Movements become clearer, the body stronger, and the mind more settled, always without rushing the process.
Month 3 – First Steps Under Saddle
Once your horse feels confident, stronger and physically ready, we begin the work under saddle.
Mounting and sitting are introduced calmly and repeated until your horse remains relaxed and self-assured.
From there, we develop forward thinking, steering and basic transitions in a quiet and controlled environment.
Walk and trot are established first, followed by the first canter work as the horse becomes more balanced.
During this phase, your horse is also introduced to different riders, allowing it to become familiar with variations in balance, feel and aids.
This creates a horse that understands the work itself, rather than depending on one rider.
Month 4 – Development & Confidence
In the final month, we refine and strengthen everything your horse has learned.
Balance, straightness and responsiveness continue to develop under saddle, always at the horse’s own pace.
We guide each horse with a sport-oriented mindset, helping it move with quality, clarity and self-carriage.
The focus is not only on calmness, but also on rideability, function and future potential.
Before going home, you (or your regular rider) are invited to ride several times at our stable.
This ensures not only that your horse feels confident, but that you do too.
You learn how your horse has been trained, receive personal guidance, and leave with a clear feeling of trust and control.
✔ What’s Included
Stabling & Daily Care
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- Tailored feeding
- Turnout from sunrise to sunset with water & forage outside in a private paddock/field or turnout with one of our own horses
- Every 2 months sand (manure) testing
Regular Photo & Video Updates
(And of course, you’re always welcome to watch sessions in person.)
Not Included
– Farrier
– Veterinary costs
– Worm testing / vaccinations / dental care
– Specialists (osteopath, saddle fitter, dentist)
All can be scheduled in consultation if needed.
Buddy System (applied selectively where it truly benefits the individual horse)
Sometimes a horse learns best from another horse.
We work with calm, experienced companions who act as a quiet guide.
A confident horse shows the other that there is nothing to fear, creating relaxation without force.
This principle, often used in the western and trail world, allows horses to mirror each other and process new situations more easily. The buddy supports not only in the beginning, but also later when new challenges arise.
This creates a natural learning environment where your horse becomes stronger, calmer and more confident, at its own pace.
Price (Including Stabling & Training)
€ 950 per month
Price exclude 21% VAT
Experiences
The team at Stoeterij Ruijs restored my confidence
This winter the team started my 6-year-old Friesian under saddle, who hadn’t been trained yet due to circumstances.
After 3.5 years, I’m riding my own horse again!
The team gave me confidence in both my horse and myself.
The exercises are clearly explained and well thought through.
We’re still making progress every week!
The team at Stoeterij Ruijs brings confidence and joy
I brought my horse to Stoeterij Ruijs to be started under saddle.
In the meantime I took lessons on the stoeterij horses myself, which made me more confident and skilled.
Seeing my own horse’s development at the same time was incredibly special.
Eventually I continued the lessons on my own horse, with trust and joy.
The team guides both horse and rider with warmth and patience.
Stoeterij Ruijs takes care of both horse and rider
Before leaving for my world trip, I placed my mare at Stoeterij Ruijs to be started under saddle.
When I returned, I could get on and ride away without any difficulty.
She looked amazing: shiny coat, strong muscles, relaxed expression.
The atmosphere is calm and positive, a place where both horses and riders feel safe and confident.
