In starting horses, Rick begins with round-penning where the horse learns, through a series of exercises, to think in an effort to find the right answer to what is being asked of it. The trust Rick gains from the horse and the points accomplished with the round-penning carry over into the remainder of the training, which flows from bridling and working with the bit to saddling, then to riding. It will be clear to the horse that there is always a correct answer and that is what it will look for in everything it does.

By using natural horsemanship in the training of dressage horses, Suzette has improved their movements and responses because they are softer, freer, and come to want to reach for the bit. Combining German and French dressage with the loosely coined term natural horsemanship, Rick and Suzette have developed Smart Horsemanship®.

Rick and Suzette believe in the importance of understanding the horse and never use force or gadgets in their training. Because of this, the horses are happy and willing to work. Rick and Suzette teach owners the mental tools and physical techniques to continue with the training of their horse once the horse is conditioned to search for an answer. The entire program is based on training the horse from the inside out. By tapping into its mind, the horse will want to please, and that, in turn, will make for an amazing horse that will continually try to give all it can.