About Our Horse Training Methods
Ranch Manager Captain Grant Mitchell is a nationally recognized master trainer and equine communicator, having trained hundreds of horses using his gentle, non-threatening techniques. He is known across the country for his ability to train the "untrainable" horse, and has reformed many an unrideable bucker or kicker.
Capt. Mitchell pioneered the Natural Learning Systems© method of training employed at Surprise Valley Guest Ranch. By utilizing a blend of ancient, native and modern training methods from around the world, we create an environment in which horses actively step forward to be the next in line for that day's training. After more than 30 years of focused development, Natural Learning Systems© is so effective at improving communication and performance between horse and rider that many of the industry's top trainers have integrated these techniques into their training programs.
The spectacular results that we achieve are built upon a foundation of trust and communication. Capt. Mitchell has strong academic and experiential backgrounds in interspecies communication, and helps ranch personnel and clients develop greater understanding of the languages spoken by horses. The horses he trains quickly discover that in his presence, no harm will come to them from any quarter. They respond by becoming his attentive—almost adoring—students.
When a horse first arrives, it is given a private outdoor paddock from which it can observe ranch activities. Initial handling and lessons are performed either in the paddock, in an adjacent round pen or in the fields surrounding ranch pastures. 
The paddock offers the newcomer an opportunity to see and communicate with other horses on site while enjoying space to move about. Later, the horse is transferred to a pasture for even more space to run. Training sessions generally begin with time at the barn for grooming and handling, followed by the activities of the day. All horses receive daily personal attention and are given one day off from training each week.