“To rein a horse is not only to guide him, but to control his every move. The best reined horse should be willingly guided with little or no apparent resistance and dictated to completely.”
-- A: General, NRHA Rule Book

Devine Ranch’s unique training philosophy and extraordinary natural setting make it a one-of-a-kind place where quality takes precedence over quantity and excellence is held in the highest regard. We search the countryside for outstanding yearlings from the finest bloodlines in reining. Our program begins with the exceptional offspring of the industry’s leading sires, and an approach that includes a holistic foundation of natural horsemanship, followed by a solid education in reining maneuvers.

Warwick Schiller, Devine Ranch’s trainer, focuses on each horse to help them develop to their fullest potential. An exclusive environment that trains only four or five horses each year, Devine Ranch dedicates an almost unlimited amount of time to each colt. The results of this method of training are colts that meet and exceed the highest standards of control as outlined in A: General in the National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) Rule Book.

Training begins in the round pen incorporating innovative reverse psychology techniques that in recent years have come to be known as “natural horsemanship” methods. The colt is first taught how to respectfully look to humans for leadership and direction. This education prepares the colt for the lateral thinking lessons that teach the horse how to yield to pressure and allow themselves to be directed. Once this initial groundwork is laid, the colt displays a willing attitude towards the saddling process and the first ride that follows.

As the colts learn to guide easily, the rewards of this training philosophy are realized. To maintain the colts’ enjoyment of their work environment, and to further impress upon them the concepts being taught, rides along the trails and through the pastures surrounding the ranch are incorporated during training. Lateral flexion, vertical flexion and softening of the chin are taught next by expanding upon the yielding exercises taught in the round pen. The training process then moves its focus and continues down the horse’s body to establish control of the shoulders, ribs and hips.

Finally, the building blocks of the maneuvers are patiently taught, including side-passes, half-passes, turn-arounds, backing in straight lines and backing in circles. Within a very short time, these colts are performing like future reining horses -- moving forward softly into the bridle by rounding their backs and driving forward from behind; turning softly with cadence and style; bending their loins and keeping their front feet soft when stopping.

The world-class training program at Devine Ranch gives our outstanding prospects the opportunity to become the champions they’re meant to be.