Certified Resistance Free TM
        Trainer/Instructor

Condition Score System

Articles and Information

Valerie Netto has been active in the horse world in various areas for over 35 years.  She is an advocate for the
horse in both care and training. Valerie has studied and worked with other horse advocates such as Ray Hunt, Tom
Dorrance, Monte Foreman and Richard Shrake, with whom she holds a certificate in Resistance Free Training TM and
Riding Instruction. Valerie has shown in Western Pleasure, Trail, Showmanship, Gymkana, Team Penning and Cutting.  However, she has devoted her recent years to helping new horse owners learn to care for, handle and ride their horses effectively and safely; AND TO PROMOTE EFFECTIVE HORSEMANSHIP IN RECREATIONAL RIDING.
Regardless of your age, ability or discipline her goal is your personal success!
 

Valerie with  Richard Shrake.

Lessons, group and private.

Clinics

Pre purchase consultation.
 

  This is another profile of one of our very talented Foothill Trainers.  We keep telling you how very lucky we are to have some of the finest trainers in the country, right here in our own back yard.  It is no exaggeration that we have some of the very best in our foothills.

  Valerie Netto has been riding since she can remember.  She originally lived with her family in Fresno, but moved to El Dorado County in 1968.

  In 1993, Valerie was fortunate enough to enroll in a clinic given by Richard Shrake.  She was impressed with his teaching style and his "Resistance Free" philosophy of horse training.  She became involved in his apprenticeship program and was certified in May of 1997.

  When Valerie entered this program, her only intent was self improvement and she never though it would result in her becoming a professional.  But talent is hard to hide and people began to take notice of Valerie's ability, knowledge and her natural "Way with Horses."  She began getting requests from people to give riding lessons and train their horses.  It took her awhile before she realized she had a business!

  When we talked to Valerie, we wanted to know why she didn't keep horses in training on her property, like other trainers.  She responded that she had been disappointed with previous experiences, where horses she had trained were taken home and not used.  She attributed this to a lack of owner involvement in the horses' training.  She decided her services would be more valuable if she taught the owner, as well as the horse!  Valerie's goal as a trainer/instructor are to encourage independence and work as a partner, not a dictator.  She tries to respect each riders experiences and blend them with her own.  She believes all riders are trainers and encourages all her clients to take this seriously and be aware of a trainers responsibility to guide with a firm, loving hand.

  This is an unusual opportunity for horse owners who want to keep their horses at home, be very involved in their training and develop their own knowledge and skills.  It also saves a lot of money in boarding your horse at a training facility.  Valerie schedules regular sessions and teaches owners the training techniques that she uses, plus exercises to practice while she is not there.  This kind of training can begin early in a young horses' life.  By the time your animal is physically ready for riding, all the ground work is done and the young horse is well schooled and manageable. Accepting a rider is just another step in their consistent training, and no big deal!  Valerie believes all training styles have value, as long as they do not focus on pain as a training tool.  She tries to keep an open mind about training and believes you can learn from everyone you meet, as long as focus is "positive, safe and humane."

  Understanding the physical and mental learning capacities of a horse is what "Resistance Free Training" is all about.  It does not mean there is no resistance from the horse, it means the trainer must learn to recognize the animals limitations and not push beyond that point.  Valerie is very tuned in to a horse's mental attitude; their eagerness or resistance to learning new things.  You must work with the animal as an individual, understanding that horses mature in different ways.  One horse may be physically capable of learning new lessons, but is mentally immature.  To push this animal into exercises he cannot understand is pointless and abusive.  She is often called on to retrain animals who have been allowed to develop bad habits.  This usually results from a loving owner who indulges their horse and does not correct bad behavior.  But Valerie believes it is never too late to begin anything, and indulgent owners can learn to be firm with their horses, while still giving the animal lots of love and attention.  They find the new respect they get from their horses is gratifying and bonds horse and rider in a satisfying union for both.

  Training young horses to be obedient and manageable, from an early age is one of Valerie's favorite projects.  It requires consistent handling and management from the owner, after Valerie has completed her training sessions.  She shows the owner how to manage the horse, correct bad behavior and be in complete control.  Horses want their handlers to be consistent and reliable.  They learn quickly to trust this kind of daily contact and look to their handler for direction.  This establishes a good bond between handler and horse, that results in respect and obedience.

  Valerie also offers private and group riding lessons at your site.  She is also a firm believer that you can never know enough and encourages ongoing training of owners and riders.  After all, riders are their horses trainers!

  You can reach Valerie at (530) 644-8617

  Valerie Netto, one of our very talented Foothill Trainers, who offers horse owners a unique opportunity to train their own horses at home, under her expert instruction.

For questions or comments,

e-mail valerie.