Wil Howe’s School of Fine Horse Training is the only school of it’s kind, an intensive "Classroom in the Corral". Our "hands on" program is geared for the serious horse person, regardless of their level of experience, who truly has a desire to advance their skills. Each session is limited to only eight riders and no spectators, which allows us to form a close relationship with our students.

The seven-day session allows us to elaborate on Wil’s "Philosophy of Horse Psychology," which actually is a way of life, and the basis for his entire program. The course follows our "From Foundation to Finished ©" Training Program which is presented in our video series. Starting with the ground work, Wil shares his all-important "Guidelines for Acceptable Equine Behavior." Students are guided through his 10 Steps and the variations used to advance horses from the snaffle to the bridle. The week-long session fully encompasses the training process required to prepare a horse for a finished bit, and is the main emphasis of the school. This will give students a complete understanding of the techniques involved in the handling, reining training, and "tuning" of a bridled horse. This art of finishing horses, Wil’s specialty, is rarely offered to the public.

The Wil Howe School of Fine Horse Training is truly and institute of knowledge... more than most students find comprehensible at first. It is a course that addresses the full range of horsemanship, from understanding horse psychology to ownership, maintenance, and care, including health, training, tuning, and advancing to one's goals.

From basic horsemanship, covering all the "little things that count," to the refined art of finishing training, Wil and Beverly fulfill the school's reputation for excellence in teaching.

These two are a dynamic team of down-to-earth instructors, sharing the Wil Howe message of horsemanship which is a philosophy and way of life developed and seasoned through the years. Humbles and receptive individuals, these two have acquired immeasurable experience, insight, and knowledge that they willingly share with all that come.

uIn-depth equine psychology	uAdvancing through a series of bits into the finished bridle
uPersonality traits - reading and dealing with your horse's character	uEffective techniques for use of hands, with details of handling reins, control, and timing
uThe roles of physical confirmation and mental disposition	uImproved "harmony in the saddle" and breaking hindering habits through self-awareness exercises while on horseback
uLeadership in groundwork	uPractical application of leg aids and body control for safety while trail riding
uMore effective, in-depth round penning techniques	uTack and bit discussions
uSafe hobble training and squaw hobbling-understanding the truth about restraint training	uOwnership - picking the right horse for you
uBitting-up exercises with several variations, depending on individual factors of each horse	uCare and management of horses and facilities based on individual goals
uApplications of softening stretches and physical therapy exercises for enhancing collection and "carriage of frame" for the horse while ridden	uHealth care tips from experience
uTraditional snaffle bit training with emphasis on collection, flexibility, and control for all disciplines	uOverview of equine dentistry and the effect of poor dental health on performance
uTraining and tuning horses of any age through the 10 Step Program	uOverview of equine chiropractic adjustment benefits
uPractical use and understanding of traditional Californio Vaquero reining training techniques

There is individual goal-oriented instruction by both Wil and Beverly for each rider and their horse. Personal attention is given to each student to help them improve their seat, leg aids, hands & timing, and proper, effective use of spurs.

The Wil Howe School of Fine Horse Training is a small rustic horse operation in Northeast Oregon not far from Hells Canyon and the Eagle Cap Wilderness Area.

Students quarters are simple summer bunkhouses. Campers and motorhomes are welcome. A homecooked, Continental Breakfast and refreshments are available daily at the barn. After a full day of riding, the evenings are left open for potluck BBQ dinners, where students enjoy the camaraderie around the campfire while reviewing the day’s accomplishments.

Saddle time includes not only lessons in the round pen and arena, but out on high desert trails as well so we can apply our training tactics and expose the horses to all conditions and obstacles.

Tach student is allowed the opportunity to ride one of our Wil Howe Ranch geldings for a brief period during the school for comparison purposes. This insures that students fully grasp the steps involved in the Wil Howe Training Program.