When horse owners seek a trainer, they’re looking for more than just someone who can teach commands; they’re searching for a philosopher, a guide, and an artist who understands the horse’s mind. In the world of modern horsemanship, the name Dan Davis Horse Trainer has become synonymous with a practical, real-world approach that shapes young horses into confident, dependable partners. Through his platform, “Horsemanship as an Art,” Davis shares a philosophy grounded in control, exposure, and the profound connection that forms when a horse truly looks to its rider for guidance in any situation.
His methods are not confined to the controlled environment of an arena. Instead, Davis champions the idea of training in the “great wide open,” preparing colts for the unpredictability of life from their very first rides. This focus on practical application is what sets him apart and has garnered him a dedicated following of riders who want a horse that is as reliable on a rugged trail as it is in a show pen. Similar to the foundational work in square pen horse training, Davis builds a solid base from the very first ride.
The Core Philosophy of Dan Davis
At the heart of Dan Davis’s training is a simple but powerful principle: the horse must always be mentally engaged and “at work” with the rider. He believes that a horse left to its own devices can become complacent, but one that is consistently asked to focus on the rider’s cues learns to be a willing partner. This isn’t about dominance; it’s about leadership. The rider’s job is to always be “calling the shots,” ensuring the horse understands that its safety and direction come from the human in the saddle.
This philosophy is best demonstrated in his approach to distractions. While some trainers avoid spooky objects, Davis sees them as invaluable learning opportunities. He explains that while a horse might be exposed to something like children having a sword fight, the real lesson isn’t about the swords. The lesson is that even when something exciting or scary is happening, the horse must still put its feet exactly where the rider asks. This creates a deep-seated trust and obedience, teaching the horse to filter out external chaos and tune into the rider’s quiet commands. The horse learns that no matter the situation, the safest place to be is listening to its leader.
Starting Colts for the Real World
Dan Davis has a special talent for starting colts, and his approach is fundamentally different from many traditional methods. He believes the best place to shape a young horse’s mind is not in a round pen but out in the world where life actually happens. By riding colts outside, he exposes them to varied terrain, unexpected wildlife, and changing environments from the very beginning. This builds a level of confidence and resilience that is difficult to replicate in an enclosed space.
The benefits of this approach are twofold. First, the horse learns to be adaptable and less prone to spooking because it has seen a wide variety of stimuli while under the reassuring guidance of a confident rider. Second, it prevents the horse from becoming “arena sour” or complacent. The horse learns that every ride is a working ride, where it must remain attentive and responsive. To understand more about the broader principles that build such a reliable mount, you can explore general tips on how to train horse for additional context.
The “Help Horse”: A Key Training Tool
One of the most insightful techniques in the Dan Davis toolbox is his use of a “help horse.” When taking a green colt out for its first few rides, he will often be accompanied by another rider on a steady, experienced horse. This veteran horse acts as a living anchor, providing confidence and a clear example for the colt to follow.
If the young horse becomes nervous or unsure about crossing water or passing a strange object, the help horse can calmly lead the way. This method avoids a direct confrontation or a “wrestling match” between the trainer and the colt. Instead of forcing the young horse, Davis uses the older horse’s confidence to show the colt that there is nothing to fear. This not only keeps the training session safe and positive but also teaches the colt to trust the judgment of those leading it—both horse and human.
Beyond the Round Pen: Training for Life
The ultimate goal of the Dan Davis horse trainer methodology is to create a versatile, all-around horse that is prepared for any discipline. By focusing on the mind first, he builds a foundation that can be applied to ranch work, trail riding, or competitive events. His horses are known for being mentally engaged and willing because they have learned how to learn and how to handle pressure.
This approach stands in contrast to training programs that focus heavily on rote maneuvers in an arena. While precision is important, Davis argues that true horsemanship is about what happens when the unexpected occurs. A horse trained to think its way through challenges, while always deferring to the rider, is a partner for life. His practical approach is reminiscent of renowned trainers like harry telford horse trainer, who also emphasized a strong foundation built on trust and practical experience.
Learning from Dan Davis
For those who wish to dive deeper into his methods, Dan Davis has made his knowledge accessible through several platforms. He is the author of the book “The Started Colt: Horsemanship as an Art,” which provides a detailed look at his foundational principles. Furthermore, his YouTube channel, “A Davis HORSEMANSHIP As An ART,” is a treasure trove of free content where viewers can watch him work with various horses, offering practical demonstrations of his philosophy in action. He also runs a Patreon for students who want more in-depth content and a closer connection to his work.
Is the Dan Davis Method Right for You?
If your goal is to have a beautiful, push-button show horse that has never set foot outside a manicured arena, this might not be the path for you. However, if you dream of a true partner—a horse that you can trust to handle itself on a challenging mountain trail, help you with work on the ranch, or simply be a steady and reliable companion—then the philosophy of Dan Davis is invaluable. His methods are for riders who seek a deep, functional relationship with their horses, built on a foundation of mutual respect, clear leadership, and real-world experience.
In conclusion, the Dan Davis horse trainer approach is a refreshing and effective reminder that horsemanship is, at its core, an art form. It is the art of communication, the art of building confidence, and the art of preparing a horse not just for a task, but for a lifetime of partnership.
