About Straight Forward:

Patrick Billes and Laurel Roth

Flatwork is the basis of all equestrian disciplines.  Basic understanding of biomechanics of horse and rider provide a foundation for the training pyramid which is essential to the success of all horse and rider teams. Patrick Billes started riding at the young age of two on a Shetland Pony named Cupid. He continued his riding with 4-H and Pony Club, excelling in everything from Western Pleasure and Games, to Eventing. At the age of 16 he began training horses under the supervision of other trainers and then on his own while at WSU. From there he met Jessica Wisdom and began working as co-trainer, starting young horses and fixing problem horses as well as showing them at breed shows and inspections.  Following this partnership, continued refinement develops the methods he utilizes today. 

Under Vicki Foote, Darik Anderson, Ken Seifer, Jessica Wisdom, and on his own, Patrick Billes has started hundreds of horses.  Experiences in natural horsemanship and traditional methods, along with an understanding of development of the horse, aid horses in successful careers at early stages and as they progress to higher levels of dressage and jumping.

Patrick Billes has had years of experience helping horses overcome issues caused by:

• Stopping or running out at fences
• Incorrect Jumping Form
• Cart wrecks
• Spooking Problems/excessive shyness
• Rearing/bucking
• Bolting
• Aggressiveness
• Physical Pain
• Poor Work Ethic
• Poor Training Methods

Having handled many stallions for collection with both types of breeding mounts, ground collection, and live cover, Patrick has developed a solid understanding of consistent breeding patterns to help stallions keep breeding separate from work.  Further experience in breeding includes the handling of mares for teasing and live cover.

Accomplishments:

• Hunters
• Jumpers Through Grand Prix
• Eight years professional show experience with in hand horses.
• Intermediate Eventing Experience.
• Dressage training through fourth level working with Jeremy Steinberg, Dr. Susan Connors, Beth Anderson Ness, Steve Kanikkeberg, James Shaw, Pat Kabasa, Roxanne Christienson, and auditing with other clinicians such as Kristin Traurig, Lendon Gray, and other professionals.
• Schooling through Intermediare Dressage.

Straight Forward has a training program to suit every horse for Dressage and jumping. For the young horses to be worked in hand, ground manners and leading are firmly established to ensure safe and successful handling by owners as well as top performance in the show ring.  Horses to be started under saddle are introduced to longing, some round pen work, hours of learning to stretch under saddle, and patience. For the more mentally advanced horses, training entails many strengthening and balancing exercises, grids, pole work, and difficult drills. All of the horses receive a great deal of ground work to improve manners and help convey riding principles, they are also taken out often on trails or new places with the expectation that they behave rationally.  Owners are strongly encouraged to come out and visit to watch and learn as their horses do.

Straight Forward is now offering training and lessons at Straight Forward Farms

Patrick's first clinic with George Morris.

patrickbilles@gmail.com

Patrick Billes (253) 444-7832

Straight Forward Dressage and Jumpers