Scott Skinner specializes in Cutting Horses. However, it is his respect for, and his gift with all horses that makes him a well-rounded trainer. Scott believes that a strong foundation will provide success in every discipline. So that hard work and fine tuning that goes into the starting of every cutting horse mirrors the attention given to every horse enrolled in a training program here.  Regardless of your discipline, ability level and future plans for your horse, you can rest assured that any horse started or finished the Scott Skinner way will always be a joy to ride.

Here at Los Piños Equestrian Center, we truly believe that Patience and Horsemanship creates good horses.  That's why our training program is based on owner/rider participation.  We will NOT accept any horse for training if the owner/rider is not able to commit to at least one hour-long session with the trainer per week.  For colts that are here to be started under saddle, that hour might not include time in the saddle initially, but we want to make sure that you are comfortable and confident when your horse goes home, so please expect some "riding time" toward the end of your horse's stay with us.  We ask that all trainer one-on-one time is scheduled in advance, in order to provide you with the attention that you deserve.  We also strongly encourage all owners to find time to visit their horse at other times as well.  The horse/human relationship is imperative to success, and even simple events such as grooming and hand grazing enhance that relationship.
Our training methods are results oriented, and are designed to provide you with a solid, trusthworthy riding partner.  This is true of all the horses we accept for training, regardless of if they are going to be used as ranch horses, pleasure trail horses, or performance/show horses.  We believe in teaching a horse to think itself through a situation, as opposed to reacting to one.  All horses in training with Scott are shown the utmost respect, and they are also taught to show respect. 
Head Trainer Scott Skinner began his love of horses while working on the ranch with his Grandfather in Texas. As a youth, Scott was taught many of the old "tried and true" cowboy ways, and to look at him today you might believe that he is a "broncstomper". However, through apprenticeships with Bobby Ingersoll ( Winner of World's Greatest Horseman) and Chris Brown ( NCHA Judge), he quickly realized that a horse that is taught to trust you, and to think through a situation is a horse that will forever be a trustworthy riding partner.  Scott's training methods are assertive, but never aggressive.  We never push a horse to follow a timeline set by humans, but we consistently introduce the horse to new experiences in order to provide progressive learning at all times.  With over $200,000 in lifetime earnings, Scott has the show experience necessary to provide top level motivation for those owners interested in a show career.  But his Texas roots invoke a confidence and the familiarity of a long lost friend--- perfect for those clients who have no show aspirations, but who still want a good, solid riding horse. Whatever your equine goals are, or if you are still trying to figure that out, the staff at LPEC is here to provide you with the tools you will need for success!
If you have any questions about anything pertaining to your horse prior to, following, or while it is here with us in training, please don't ever hesitate to contact our trainer, or barn manager.

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