Services
Full Board
The main barn and indoor arena at Rough Terrain Farm is leased to the Equine Studies Program at Vermont Techinical College.
At Leslie Hayne's private 5-stall barn at her house located just up the road from the indoor arena, she offers boarding for horses or ponies in training, horses recovering from from injuries, and for short term guests to the farm who would like to trail ride or drive in the area ($20 per night). Her barn is located off a quiet country road, just 5 miles from Interstate 89, with access to miles of dirt roads and wooded trails.
- 10'x12' rubber matted box stalls.
- Individual daily turnout.
- Access to 85'x140' indoor riding arena- evenings, at lunch time and weekends when the Equine Studies Program is not in session.
- Use of half-mile race track when available.
- Owners must supply own grain and hay.
- Heated tack room.
- Professional care and handling. On-site supervision at all times.
Full Boarding Rate: $450 per month (does not include hay and grain)
Co-op Boarding Barn
Rough Terrain Farm also offers a separate six-stall co-op training barn, that is occupied in large part by students in the Equine Studies Program. However stalls are often available for area residents. Individuals are responsible for provide their own hay, grain and bedding and horse care. Arrangements can be made with others in the group to share chores. Boarders may use the indoor arena at designated times.
Co-op Boarding Rate: $200 per month
All horses coming to board at RTF must sign a boarding and/or training contract and be up-to-date on Coggins, all standard shots, worming, and dental care.
Training
Owner Leslie Haynes, a British Horse Society Certified Instructor, specializes in training quality driving horses and ponies for pleasure and competition. Leslie also trains miniature horses to drive and utilizes Natural Horsemanship (NH) and round pen training methods to ready all horses for schooling.
Natural Horsemanship
Natural Horsemanship involves understanding the horse's natural behavior, what motivates them, and how they communicate. This technique enables Leslie to read the horse, and to effectively communicate with them in a way that they understand, while developing a willing partnership and cooperative working relationship.
Round Penning
This systematic process brings the horse to a respectful, trusting, and willing frame of mind. The horse goes through a five step process that starts with subordinance, and progresses through focus, respect, communication, and trust that ultimately results in the horse "joining-up" in a leader-follower relationship with the trainer. At this stage the horse accepts the trainer as his herd leader and the one in charge. The horse takes on an attitude of willingness and respect resulting in a training process that is based on obedience, trust, and leadership. While in the round pen, horses are bomb proofed through a "sacking out" process that introduces them a wide variety sights and sounds that might otherwise elicit a natural fight and flight response, causing them to shy or "blow up". This technique results in a horse that is more responsive, obedient, relaxed and safe to work with.
Training Rate:
$1500 per month includes board (but not grain and hay).
Trial Assessment:
$250. Up to one week.
Horses are evaluated on an individual basis and the duration of training discussed with the owner.
Private Lessons
Leslie's engaging personality, articulate nature, and sense of humor combined with her extensive knowledge of Natural Horsemanship, dressage, and driving make her a dynamic and highly effective instructor. She is a pleasure to work with, generous with her time and knowledge, and passionate about good horsemanship.
Students use our well-trained school horses or bring your own.
Safety and correctness are emphasized in all disciplines.
- English disciplines, including Classical Dressage
- Western events, including Western Horsemanship, Western Pleasure, Trail, and Showmanship.
- Driving, including pleasure and competition: Dressage, Cones, and Marathon/Hazards.
Lesson Rates: Full hour: $50
Sales & Search Services
Leslie maintains a vast network of contacts that make selling or finding the perfect horse, pony, or equipment a simpler process. Just call or e-mail to discuss sales arrangements or to begin your search.
Available to Teach Clinics In New England
Leslie Haynes is available to teach driving clinics in New England for pleasure or competive driving as well as minis.
Clinics at the Farm
Rough Terrain Farm hosts expert clinicians at various times throughout the year. Past clinicians include:
- Western: Gretchen Mathes, Robert Johnson, and T.R. Potts.
- Ridden Dressage: Sherry Ackerman and Jec Ballou.
- Driving: Craig Kellogg, Robin Groves, and Sterling Graburn.
For scheduled clinics, please have a look at our Events page...
Please contact Leslie Haynes by phone at 802-279-5945 NOT by email.