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Development

Young Horse Development

Steady, Patient Progress

Our training program is rooted in a clear and consistent European system for young horse development. We emphasize steady, patient progress while exposing horses to diverse environments and experiences to promote well-rounded development.

Competitive Experience:

  • Regular participation in schooling shows, breeding events, and competitions managed by USDF, USEA, and USHJA
  • Carefully structured training to build trust between horse and rider
  • Focus on developing each horse’s unique strengths

When your horse joins our program, we treat them like one of our own. We prioritize teaching them to use their bodies effectively, fostering both mental and physical growth. Understanding each horse’s motivations and biomechanics is central to our training philosophy, ensuring a personalized approach for long-term success. From communicating about progress to training videos and coordinating all farrier and vet appointments, The Frame is dedicated to producing a horse that you will enjoy for many years. 

Inquire About Young Horse Development
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horse trotting with rider in ring

Strong Foundations for Lasting Success

We prioritize building a solid foundation for every horse, ensuring they carry essential skills throughout their careers.

Our program focuses on developing:

  • Self-Confidence: Encouraging resilience through learning from mistakes
  • Good Manners: Instilling respect and cooperation
  • Work Ethic: Fostering a positive, willing attitude

We actively ride and observe each horse, creating meaningful relationships that enhance development. This individualized approach has produced horses competing at all levels, from Olympic contenders to beloved partners for amateur riders, showcasing the versatility and potential of every equine athlete in our care.

Timeline of Horse Development

Step 1

Working in the Round Pen

In the round pen, horses learn to interpret body language, respond to verbal commands, and build trust with their handlers. This environment encourages natural movement while reinforcing boundaries, creating a foundation of mutual respect.

Step 1

Step 2

Introduction to Tack & Carrying a Rider

Once horses are comfortable with groundwork, they are introduced to tack and the basics of carrying a rider. Our team approaches this phase with patience, ensuring each horse feels secure and confident before moving on.

Step 2

Step 3

Hacking Out

After mastering initial riding skills, our young horses are taken out for hacking. This experience allows them to adjust to varied environments and build confidence outside the arena, fostering a calm and adaptable mindset.

Step 3

Step 4

Introduction to Dressage & Jumping

With solid base in place, we introduce young horses to basic dressage movements and jumping. Through structured exercises, they learn to engage their bodies correctly and develop a rhythm, which lays the foundation for more advanced work.

Step 4

Step 5

First Off-Property Experience

Venturing off-property for the first time is an exciting milestone. We carefully manage this process, helping horses acclimate to new surroundings while reinforcing the skills they’ve already learned, building their confidence for future events and competitions.

Step 5

Step 6

Owner’s First Ride

The owner’s first ride is a pivotal moment in the horse’s development. We work closely with owners to ensure a smooth and enjoyable transition, providing guidance and support as they begin their journey with their young horse.

Step 6

Last Step

Progression to The Frame Performance Program

Once the horse has successfully completed the initial stages of training, they are ready to advance to The Frame Performance Program. Here, they refine their skills in preparation for competition, with continued emphasis on their growth, health, and happiness.

Last Step

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Testimonials

Finding Martin has been a turning point in my riding career. As an adult rider moving to a new area, I found it hard to find a program that suited both my horse and me. I had lost confidence and felt out of the game. A few months training with The Frame got me back into the show ring and completing my first recognized event! Martin excels both at flatwork and jumping exercises. My mare can be sensitive, and he was quick to figure her out and come up with a program that suited both her and my needs. He understands the importance of establishing a solid foundation and has the skills necessary to work with both horses and riders to make it happen.

Beth Zeilinski

Martin is a top notch trainer with a strength in bringing along horses and riders correctly with a solid foundation. He’s patient and kind to both horse and rider, extremely knowledgeable, and offers high quality care to his boarders. He’s both a great rider and teacher with good communication skills. It’s a lighthearted atmosphere with serious horsemanship–best combo!

Amy Potter

Martin Douzant is an excellent trainer, he truly considers the horse and at the same time makes the horse rideable for the owner.

Melanie Voght

Martin has done just a super job preparing my Training Level event horse for sale. His attention to detail and focus on the horse’s individual needs is outstanding and backed up by a wealth of education and experience. Martin’s ride is always calm and focused, he has a plan and a program for each horse that is a classical progression which builds the strength, understanding, confidence and knowledge the horse needs to succeed. I am most impressed!!

Kate Simmeth

I had a very difficult big young horse, who had thrown a few trainers. I searched the local area and found Martin who, without a doubt, had the quietest aids! I chose him to train my young horse and I have never been disappointed. He has done an excellent job of taming the beast, who will always be a challenge – but not for Martin. As a rider and trainer, he is talented, patient and remains calm in very difficult situations – unflappable, even at a show with 6 horses to ride back to back. Martin is a joy to work with, highly skilled as a trainer with a nice sense of humor and a willingness to fit in when schedules change. I have had horses in training with Martin for over 2 years, he is wonderful and incredibly hard working. My four-year old, who had only been jumping for six weeks with Martin riding him, went to Upperville this year and received the reserve champion for the 4-5yr old division. Having worked in the Virginia horse industry for 30 years, I consider him one of the best trainers.

Georgina Price-Spencer

We recently purchased a young horse from The Frame Sport Horses and what a truly wonderful experience it was! When looking to purchase a horse, there is the potential for it to be a stressful experience – a hard-pressure sell, uncertainty about the horse’s background and experience. Yet every time we looked at one of Martin’s horses, my family and I remarked on what a relaxed and enjoyable experience it was. Never once did we feel pressured or rushed in the slightest. Our trainer and vet both found him to be extremely knowledgeable and a true delight to work with as well. It was apparent he has a great deal of integrity and there was never a doubt that his ultimate desire was not to simply sell a horse, but rather to ensure we found the best fit for our daughter. The horse we purchased, which is one Martin hand-picked, is an absolute pleasure to have in our barn and truly exceeds our expectations. We would refer fellow equestrians to The Frame Sport Horses again and again!

Ann Martin

About

We bring distinctive abilities and expertise to training horses, from those just starting out to the highest levels of competition across the sport horse disciplines-dressage, show jumping, eventing, and more.

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