McGuire Performance Horses: Building the Foundation for Equine Excellence
Transform Your Prospect. Secure Their Future. Experience the Difference of a Specialist.
Do you have a young horse with incredible potential? A colt with the bloodlines to be a champion? At McGuire Performance Horses in Commerce, Texas, we specialize in transforming that potential into a rock-solid foundation for a successful performance career.
We offer focused, expert training programs for colts and young horses, built on a philosophy of patience, progression, and partnership. Your horse deserves a trainer who understands the critical importance of the first rides—and has dedicated his career to perfecting them.
Why Choose McGuire Performance Horses? The Specialist's Edge.
In the competitive world of performance horses, a great start isn’t just an advantage—it's everything. Our approach is uniquely focused and effective.
A Lifelong Passion for the Start: Our founder, Ethan McGuire, has dedicated his life to the art of starting colts. This isn't just one of many services we offer; it is our core purpose and specialty.
Progressive, Confidence-Building Method: We achieve remarkable results not through force, but through a patient, step-by-step process that builds a horse's confidence and willingness to work.Developing bad habits that are hard to break.
Geared for Western Performance: Our entire program is designed with the end goal in mind—creating horses that are mentally and physically prepared for the demands of AQHA, NCHA, and NRCHA competition.
Transparent and Honest: We believe in open communication, providing owners with regular updates and showcasing our work publicly on social media.
Our Specialized Training Programs
We offer a curated suite of services designed to give your young horse the best possible start. Every program is infused with our core philosophy of ethical, effective, and results-oriented training.
1. Colt Starting: The Championship Foundation
Lay a Rock-Solid Foundation for a Lifetime of Confidence and Success.
Our most popular service for a reason. We offer tailored, one-on-one skateboard lessons designed to meet you exactly where you are, whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refine specific skills. Our instructors focus on safety, proper technique, and building confidence step-by-step.
Who it's for:
Owners of unstarted colts and fillies who require a gentle, systematic, and correct introduction to being a riding horse.
What you get:
Trust-Based Groundwork: Establishing respect, communication, and confidence from the ground up.
Positive First Rides: A calm, patient, and systematic approach to saddling and the first rides, ensuring a positive and non-traumatic experience.
Essential Under-Saddle Education: Developing reliable steering, stopping, and forward motion with soft, responsive aids.
Exposure & Desensitization: Building a brave, thinking horse that is confident in various environments.
Basic Tricks (Optional): Ollie progression, riding fakie, kick turns, and more – once fundamentals are solid.
Benefit:
Transform your young prospect into a willing, safe, and confident partner, equipped with the essential tools for any future western performance discipline.
2. Progressive Training for 2- and 3-Year-Olds
Advancing Your Young Horse's Education for a Performance Career.
Who it's for:
Owners of horses that have been started under saddle and are ready to advance their education in a structured, progressive program.
What you get:
Skill Refinement: Enhancing responsiveness to leg and rein cues, improving body control, and introducing more complex maneuvers.
Mental Focus & Discipline: Developing the concentration and work ethic required to excel in a training environment and future show pen.
Preparation for a Career: Building the strength, balance, and skills necessary to begin discipline-specific training.
Benefit:
Elevate your young horse’s training beyond the basics, preparing them to seamlessly transition into a specialized performance program.
3. Foundational Flag and Cattle Work
Building the Instinct and Confidence for Cow Horse Careers.
Who it's for:
Young horses destined for cutting, reined cow horse, or other cattle-based disciplines that need a correct and confidence-building introduction.
What you get:
Flag Work: Using the flag as a tool to teach the horse to focus, rate, and move its body correctly in preparation for working a cow.
Controlled Cattle Exposure: Gently and properly introducing the horse to live cattle, building curiosity and confidence rather than fear.
Developing Natural Instinct: Encouraging the horse's natural ability to track and work a cow in a low-pressure environment.
Benefit:
Give your cow horse prospect the fundamental skills and mental fortitude they need to excel when they begin their formal cattle training.
4. Consignment & Sales Services
Who it's for:
Clients with horses currently in our training program who are looking to market and sell their prospects.
What you get:
Professional Preparation: Ensuring your horse is well-trained, well-mannered, and presented in the best possible light.
Marketing & Networking: Utilizing our online presence and industry connections to find qualified buyers.
Honest Representation: Providing transparent and accurate information about the horse to facilitate a smooth and successful sale.
Benefit:
Maximize your horse's marketability and leverage our professional network to find the perfect new home for your performance prospect.
Ready to Unlock Your Horse's Future?
Frequently Asked Questions
What breeds and disciplines do you specialize in?
We specialize in starting and developing horses for western performance disciplines, particularly those governed by associations like the AQHA, NCHA, and NRCHA. We primarily work with American Quarter Horses and other stock breeds.
How long does a typical colt starting program last?
The duration depends on the individual horse, but we generally recommend a minimum of 60-90 days to establish a truly solid and reliable foundation. We will outline a clear timeline during your consultation.
Do you offer boarding for horses in training?
Yes, we provide excellent full-care boarding for all horses enrolled in our training programs to ensure consistent care and an optimal training schedule.
Can I be involved in my horse’s training?
Absolutely. We believe owner involvement is key to a successful transition. We provide regular progress updates and encourage scheduled visits and lessons to ensure you understand the training your horse has received.
Proudly Serving the North Texas Equestrian Community from Commerce, Texas
McGuire Performance Horses serves horse owners across the North Texas region, providing a specialized, expert resource for starting the next generation of performance champions.
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