The first thing you need is a good horse and the second thing is a good program to train and maintain that horse. There are several good instructional videos on the market that walk you through important steps in choosing, training and finishing a pleasure horse (See www.Video-Center.com). The Cleve Wells training series is a must to have in your collection. He covers his step-by-step methods from starting two year olds to perfecting transitions in the finished horse. Very informative and thorough, if training for pleasure is what your after, or just trying to get a horse "broke" for advancement for any event. The basics are all the same.

I think Doug Carpenter has a video as well. I have not seen it, but get as much input as you can from whoever you can. Think about trying several different methods for a while, then see what works the best for you. No one has all the answers, but if you take parts you like from a lot of programs, the end result is a custom tailored program that fits you.

Another idea I had is to set up a correspondence evaluation of you and your horse via video tape. I am sure that for a fee, I could take the time to watch you schooling your horse (1/2 hr. tape, max.) and make suggestions via email, as to what could be changed to optimize the results. This could be done on a monthly or bimonthly basis, whatever you would like to arrange. Send me a note if you are interested.