
Horse Training Services
Entrusting your horse to a trainer is a big decision, and at Cailin Messer Performance Horses, we treat every horse as the unique individual they are. With respect, patience, and thoughtful preparation, we help each horse step confidently into their role, building a willing, trusting partnership along the way. Whether it’s colt starting, problem solving, performance development, or specialized training, our goal is the same: a horse that is steady, capable, and confident for the long term.
The length of time your horse stays for training will be determined by an ongoing conversation about your goals and evaluation of your horse's progress. The training rate includes full care board, daily training sessions, and hauling to let your horse practice new skills in different environments.
$1650/month

Colt Starting

A successful riding horse starts with confidence. Our colt starting program focuses on developing a calm, willing mindset while teaching essential foundational skills for any discipline. From groundwork through first rides, each colt is started with clarity, trust, and confidence to support long-term success.
Colts are ridden outside, hauled to new locations for exposure, and prepared for real-life situations. While every colt receives the same solid foundation, daily training is tailored to support their future discipline. Suitable for all breeds and disciplines, this program sends colts home confident, well-started, and ready to progress in the direction chosen by the owner. Reach out to learn how we can help set your colt up for success.
Performance Horse Development

Cailin Messer develops western performance horses with long-term soundness and confidence at the forefront. From colts to finished show horses, her program creates capable athletes that remain sound because of the thoughtfulness of their training. With a strong focus on cow horses, she understands the athleticism and clarity top performance demands.
Training prioritizes quality over quantity, building true understanding instead of drilling. This produces calmer, more accurate horses with longer, more successful careers. For horse-first western performance training that supports both horse and rider, contact Cailin to discuss your goals.
Seasoning the Green Horse

Have a “green” horse with big potential? We turn promise into readiness. Our training bridges the gap between a horse’s current experience and the career you envision, building confidence, skills, and understanding along the way.
Beyond arena work, we expose horses to trails, new environments, and real-world situations, creating steady, adaptable, and confident partners. Thoughtful, intentional training ensures your horse is physically, mentally, and emotionally prepared for whatever comes next. Contact us to set your horse on the path to success.
Restarts/Problem Solving

Most “problem horses” aren’t naughty—they’re confused or missing pieces in their foundation. Unwanted behaviors often come from a lack of clarity, not bad intent. Restarting allows us to identify the why behind the behavior, not just the symptoms.
By thoughtfully rebuilding foundational skills—or resetting a previously trained horse—we tailor the process to each horse’s history and mindset. With patience, consistency, and clear communication, restarting creates a calmer, more confident horse ready to move forward successfully.
Trailer Loading

If your horse struggles with loading or hauling, we can help. Most trailer anxiety comes from lack of peace and clarity in the process of loading, not the trailer itself. With clear guidance and patient training, we teach horses to approach trailers calmly, load easily, and travel confidently.
A horse that hauls well isn’t just safer—they arrive calm, focused, and ready to perform, whether it’s a show, trail ride, or training session. Thoughtful, intentional work creates horses that are mentally present, emotionally regulated, and physically prepared for whatever comes next.
Weanling and Yearling Groundwork

Give your weanling or yearling a head start with a foundational groundwork program. Early handling shapes a horse’s confidence, respect, and understanding, making future under-saddle training smoother, safer, and more effective. We focus on the basics—leading, standing tied, halter breaking, trailer loading, and farrier work—taught with patience and consistency.
Starting your horse correctly at a young age sets the tone for their entire career, helping them develop good habits, reduce stress, and reach their full potential. Investing in groundwork now gives your horse the tools to grow into a confident, willing, and capable partner.