The MBH Programs
Young Horse Training
Starting a young horse is about much more than simply getting them used to a saddle and rider.
The first experiences a horse has with a rider can have a lasting impact on how they feel about ridden work for years to come. That's why I believe these early stages deserve time, patience and a thoughtful approach, helping the horse approach the rider, training and new experiences with confidence rather than uncertainty.
My goal is not simply to create a horse that accepts a rider, but to help your horse develop into a calm, willing and confident partner who feels safe, understands the expectations placed upon them and approaches new experiences with curiosity rather than fear.
Before introducing a rider, I focus on building strong foundations from the ground up. Through groundwork, the horse learns to understand basic cues, develop trust and become comfortable with the communication they will later encounter under saddle.
As a result, ridden work becomes a natural next step rather than something the horse simply has to tolerate or figure out on their own.
Once these foundations are in place, training progresses gradually and systematically. Your horse is introduced to equipment, rider weight and ridden work in a way that respects their individual pace and supports both their physical and mental wellbeing.
Particular attention is given to helping your horse move in a way that supports their long-term health, comfort and enjoyment of ridden work.
Because the goal isn't just to start your young horse under saddle.
It's to give them the kind of start that shapes the rest of their riding journey.
Training Process
One of the biggest misconceptions about starting young horses is that the goal is to get them under saddle as quickly as possible.
My approach is different.
Whenever possible, I prefer to wait until a horse is around four to five years old before introducing regular ridden work. Before that, the focus is on preparing the horse both physically and mentally for the demands they will later encounter under saddle.
Through groundwork, lunging and gymnastic exercises, the horse gradually develops strength, balance, and coordination while learning how to move efficiently and correctly before a rider is introduced.
My goal is not simply to prepare a horse for their first rides, but to help them develop the physical foundations needed to remain healthy, strong and comfortable in their work for years to come.
Even after a horse has learned to accept a rider, ridden work does not become the primary focus overnight.
Groundwork continues to play an important role throughout the training process, helping the horse improve strength, stability and movement quality while continuing to build the muscles needed to comfortably carry a rider.
While in training, young horses are worked with consistently throughout the week, allowing steady progress while still respecting the individual horse's needs and development.
This gradual approach allows each horse to progress at a pace that respects both their body and mind, creating a solid foundation for everything that follows.
Training Duration
Most young horses stay in training for approximately 2–3 months, although this may vary depending on the horse and the owner's goals.
Some owners simply want their horse to become comfortable with equipment, accept a rider and gain positive early experiences before continuing the training themselves at home.
Others prefer their horse to stay in training for a longer period, allowing more time to develop confidence, balance, communication and the skills needed for future ridden work.
In some cases, additional time may be needed to address behavioural challenges or other issues that need to be resolved before ridden training can begin.
For this reason, there is no fixed training timeline. Every horse develops at their own pace, and my goal is never to rush the process, but to give each horse the time and support they need to progress successfully.
The duration of training is discussed individually based on your horse's needs, your goals and the stage of training your horse is currently at.
Through patient and progressive training, your horse is given the time and support needed to learn at a pace that respects both their physical and mental development, helping them build positive experiences with people, new situations, and the world around them from the very beginning.
The result is a young horse that not only accepts a rider, but feels relaxed, confident and well prepared for a lifetime of safe and enjoyable riding.
Moments From Training
MBH Philosophy in Action
Explore a collection of photographs capturing the moments of learning,
connection and progress that make each young horse's training journey unique.
Transformation Stories
What Horse Owners Are Saying
Personal experiences from horse owners who discovered a different way of understanding their horses, themselves and the relationship they share.
Lea JakošOwner of Icelandic gelding Jarl
An Irreplaceable Part of Our Pony School
I will always be grateful that Nastja chose us and trusted us with Jarl. He has become an irreplaceable part of our pony school, and the children absolutely adore him.
Jarl has a wonderful character and knows many little tricks that never fail to bring the children joy. I trust him completely. Over the years, I've come to know him very well, and I know how he reacts to new situations or things he finds frightening. I always give him time to look, think and decide, and then we move forward together. He never reacts without thinking, which is something I truly appreciate about him.
I accept all horses, just like children, for their individual differences. I believe that is precisely what makes our work so special. Because I work with the ponies regularly, Jarl and I also continuously revisit everything he learned with Nastja. I've watched her videos as well and try to handle him in a way that is familiar to him. There are also some things he has come to accept with me. For example, having a person walk beside him rather than in front of him.
Jarl is exceptionally well trained under saddle and responds beautifully to correct aids. Whenever their size allows, I always ride my horses myself so that I know exactly what I can expect from the children. Here, they primarily learn the foundations of riding: how to use their weight correctly, then their legs, and only after that, gentle rein aids. Jarl is an excellent teacher because he responds to even the smallest correctly applied aids. Of course, if a child doesn't yet know how to clearly communicate what they want, he will simply do things his own way, and that is an important lesson too.
In our pony school, the horses are not physically overworked. Most of the work is done at a walk, some at a trot, and only occasionally at a canter. Mentally, however, this kind of work can be quite demanding for them. As many as four different riders may ride during a single hour, each finding their balance in their own way, learning new movements and giving different signals. We are constantly stopping, moving forward again and repeating exercises. This requires a great deal of patience from a horse.
That is why it is very important to me that I also work with them without the children. I make sure they are not only physically fit, but mentally content as well. During games, I always try to include challenges for the ponies too, so that they have to think and participate. Jarl showed me this very clearly. For a while, he began nipping, but only during lessons with the children. When the two of us worked alone, he didn't do it. At first, I thought he might be in pain, but we couldn't find anything wrong. So I began adding tasks and challenges during the riding lessons for him as well, rather than only for the child on his back, and the nipping disappeared. Apparently, in his own way, he was telling me that he needed more mental stimulation too.
Today, Jarl enjoys life in an open stable, where he lives with Ruby and Žiga. Changes within the herd when a new horse arrives don't suit him very well, as he can be quite assertive with other horses and doesn't accept everyone into his group. So we found the solution that works best for him. He lives with two friends he gets along with wonderfully.
And I would like to thank Nastja from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for trusting us with Jarl. On behalf of all my children, and myself as well, I can tell you that we love him more than words can say. He holds a very special place here with us, and every single day he reminds us just how special a horse he truly is.
A Personal Note from Nastja
Jarl spent three years by my side before the time came for me to entrust him to Lea Jakoš, founder of Konji pri Zeleni Hiški. There, he found his forever home and a very special place in the hearts of the young riders who now learn, grow and create some of their first memories with horses alongside him.
Inside the MBH Academy, you'll meet Jarl before this chapter of his life began. You'll see parts of the journey we shared, the challenges we worked through and the training that helped prepare him to work safely and reliably with children — a responsibility he carries so beautifully today.
Seeing the horse he has become, and knowing how many children now trust him, learn from him and love him, makes every challenge we worked through together feel worth it.
Because the work was never only about creating a well-trained horse. It was about preparing him for a future none of us could fully see yet.
Aleš ŠtularOwner of a Lipizzan mare Trompeta XXIV
From Difficult To Dependable
I'd been following Nastja's work on Facebook for several years before we ever met in person. When I started looking for a trainer for my 3.5-year-old Lipizzan mare, Trompeta XXIV, I decided to reach out to her.
Two trainers had previously worked with my mare for around two months each, and both considered her to be a difficult horse. I explained the situation honestly to Nastja, yet she accepted the challenge without hesitation.
The first results became visible within just ten days. My mare started lunging calmly, without resistance, and responded willingly to Nastja's guidance. After only six weeks of training, she had been started under saddle using a kind, respectful approach — without the use of a bit.
When she returned home, we continued working with her in the arena before gradually taking her out on trail rides. Today, we ride her in a traditional bridle with a bit, and she has become a calm, kind and reliable horse. She isn't fearful, she's easy to handle, and she's a pleasure to ride.
Nastja proved that with the right approach, it's possible to achieve outstanding, long-lasting results in a surprisingly short amount of time.
Ana StarihaHorse Owner
A Transformation I Could See
I decided to ask Nastja for help with my horses when I started experiencing problems with my young horses. They were extremely attached to the herd, paid very little attention to people, and were unwilling to cooperate even during the most basic daily handling.
The biggest challenge was my mare, Zarja, who had been purchased with the intention of becoming a riding school horse. The change of environment was extremely stressful for her, and as a result she developed a number of behavioural issues. When tied up or left alone in the paddock, she would constantly paw the ground. During lunging, she would run into the arena fence because all of her attention was focused on the other horses. Even the slightest unfamiliar sound would make her tremble with fear.
After just a few training sessions with Nastja, the change was remarkable. Zarja became noticeably more relaxed, started paying attention to the person working with her, and even began approaching people on her own, eager to interact and cooperate. Later, when it came time to start her under saddle, the process went smoothly without any problems.
With my gelding, Challenger, the improvements were equally impressive. Besides becoming much more willing to cooperate with people, he also began developing muscle mass very quickly, which was especially important for him following a leg injury.
I have had a very positive experience working with Nastja and her approach. I've seen firsthand how effective this method is for preparing horses to become reliable riding school horses — horses that need to be exceptionally calm, tolerant, trustworthy, and confident in a wide variety of situations.
Have Questions?
If you have a young horse and are looking for someone to guide them through the early stages of training, I'd love to hear more about your situation.
Fill out the contact form below and tell me a little about your horse, your goals and where they are currently in their development.
Together, we'll determine the most suitable path forward and give your horse the strongest possible foundation for their future under saddle.
