From the Ground Up: Why We Focus on Foundation First
- afenner
- Jul 6
- 2 min read
There’s something beautiful about the beginning — that first halter, first lead, first lesson. It’s where trust is built, boundaries are formed, and the roots of partnership take hold. And at Rad Rodeo, we don’t rush through it. We live in it.
Because when you’re building horses — and building kids — you learn real fast that the flash and fire don’t matter much if the foundation is cracked.
That’s why we start every horse, every program, every young rider with the same goal: grounded confidence.
Foundation is Everything
It’s easy to get swept up chasing speed, style, or social media-ready moments. But none of that lasts without a base.
With our horses, that means:
Respectful handling from day one.
Clear, consistent groundwork.
Teaching them to think, not just react.
Patience over pressure.
With our kids, that means:
Building habits before expectations.
Teaching what try looks like.
Modeling grace in failure.
Celebrating the slow progress that adds up to something big.
Shortcuts Cost More Later
Sure, you can push a horse fast and see short-term results. You can rush a kid through the ranks and maybe hit a big win. But at what cost?
We’ve seen it too many times:
Horses that crack under pressure because they skipped the basics.
Kids that burn out because they were pushed too hard, too fast.
Foundation work saves you — time, money, and heartache. And more than that, it creates trust that lasts.
The Little Things Matter
We spend a lot of time doing what some might call boring:
Leading a yearling through mud puddles.
Practicing loading calmly, not just quickly.
Talking through a mistake with a kid instead of yelling about it.
But that’s where the real work happens. That’s where the lessons stick.
Because when the arena is loud and the lights are bright, you want a horse — and a rider — who doesn’t crack. Who knows what to fall back on.
Final Thoughts
At Rad Rodeo, we’re in it for the long haul. That means slowing down now to go fast later. It means teaching feel before fancy. It means honoring the small wins that build something unshakable.
Whether you’re halter-breaking a colt or teaching your daughter to ride into the wings, remember: it all starts from the ground up.
Lay it right, and you’ll build something that lasts.
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Ann-Marie Fenner
Ranch Manager, Breeder, Rodeo Mom
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