G & K Training Centre & Tack

04/23/2025

Coming soon!
Only used a handful of times! Beautiful Continental C49 Snake Dance Reiner in the upgraded Dark Vintage colour, 15 inch seat, short fenders, FQHB, 6 3/4 inch gullet. Watch our page for pictures and more details.

04/22/2025

This is a great article for those of you looking for a quality saddle. As we all know good saddles are not cheap and cheap saddles usually end up causing more problems. With online saddle sales on the rise, here are a few tips. It's up to you, the buyer, to educate yourself. If you are buying online, be sure to check out the seller as much as you can to veryify you aren't being scammed. Scammers are everywhere. Read below and happy saddle shopping. 🤠
https://www.quarterhorsenews.com/2025/04/five-tips-for-purchasing-a-used-saddle/

Saddle shopping can be exciting, but stressful. Purchasing a used saddle can help ease some of the stress, when you do it right.

04/18/2025

From our family to yours, Happy Easter 🐰🪻.

04/17/2025

Just a few pictures of some horses over the years. Every single one of them leaves a memory behind. Be patient. Be consistent. Be Gary.

04/15/2025

🤩In stock and ready to go! This beautiful Continental C94 is the best! It's perfect for everday riding, going down the trail, reining and ranch classes. The upgraded Dark Vintage colour is set off nicely by the upgraded Buffalo seat. This saddle has all the features you've come to love like the flex tree, narrow twist, memory foam seat, cutout for an extra close feel, pre-turned fenders. This model is FQHB with a 16.5 inch seat and medium fenders. Price $4100 plus tax (Cdn). Shipping available at buyer's expense. Call/text 519-374-4677 Located in Chatsworth, ON G & K Training Centre & Tack is your authorized Canadian dealer for Continental Saddlery. We are your Reining Authority in Ontario

04/13/2025

This is for everyone who needs a Sunday smile 🥰 Every horse needs that little girl that will love them and see past the flaws. A little love goes a long way. Be patient. Be consistent. Be Gary.

04/11/2025

Don't miss out! We are now booking into August and have limited space available. Contact us today for more information on our training program, rates, what's included and not included. Be patient. Be consistent. Be Gary.

04/10/2025

We are approximately 70 days in for Rayna and it has been a process. Rayna is here for some finishing, get her softer, put some buttons on her. Training a horse is like peeling an onion. You have to peel away each layer before you can actually get to what you want to work on. Rayna needed to adjust to stall life which she seemed to like once she understood that her stall was a peaceful place where she could relax, be safe and enjoy her food at a leisurely pace. Then we had to build her confidence and that is a daily task for Rayna. She is easily distracted and can lose her focus in the blink of an eye. But she tries, she works hard. She goes where Gary asks and never refuses. He keeps telling her that he will never put her in a situation where she can get hurt. Rayna is not mean or dirty but she is timid. For the first 5 minutes of the ride she does everything she is asked but you can feel the tension underneath you. Gary just walks her around, bending her, flexing her, getting her to think about something and focus on him. In about 5 minutes she will start blowing her nose, licking and chewing and relaxing underneath him. Way to go Rayna. 70 days in and we are now starting to see progress. For those who think training is a quick fix, it's not. It's a process full of patience and consistency. Good job Rayna. There were extra apples in her dinner last night 🤠 Be patient. Be consistent. Be Gary.

04/09/2025

Are you tired of these cold days? We sure are so how about a nice story to warm your heart ❤️
If you follow our page you will have read tidbits here and there about this guy we are about to talk about. He went through our program twice with his original owner. The original owner loved her horses. Every single one of them. But like a lot of owners, she had some experiences that weren't the best so some horses could trigger her fear. This guy was one of them. When he first came he was nervous and lacked confidence. His shadow could send him scooting. We knew that what he needed was someone who was confident and believed in him. He blossomed under Gary. He became confident, the skittishness disappeared and his owner was thrilled. But for her, the fix wasn't as easy but she tried. This handsome boy went home but then life happened for his owner. There were no bad experiences for him but he stood in a field. When life settled down again, rather than re-starting him herself, she brought him back to Gary. A little of the nervousness was back but Gary felt he would be fine. And he was BUT what that told us was that any bad experience could send him backwards. And, the bad experience started the moment he was picked up. As a horse owner you must pay attention to the details. One of those details being the kind of trailer you are putting a horse on. This horse refused to get on. He wouldn't follow his owner onto that trailer. In Gary's opinion the trailer wasn't safe and he felt the horse's reaction was normal and acceptable. But it frustrated the owner and triggered everything all over again. Please note, this is nothing against the owner. This was all inexperience and fear kicking in and bringing back all those memories. Long story short, the horse got away from her and ran back into his stall. Gary told her he wouldn't get on the trailer either, it wasn't the horse's fault. Fortunately we had another client roll in with their horse on a stock trailer and they agreed to ship the horse home. And for all those who are curious, yes, he walked on the trailer no problem. However, after everything that happened the owner knew this horse was not for her. So off he went to another home. I believe he passed through a couple of homes. Naturally, he went back to the nervous horse. But like all fairy tales, someone came along that saw something in his eye. Despite everything she had heard, she took a chance and took him home on a trial. Somehow she found our name. All I could think was thank you God. This kind lady listened to everything we had to say with an open mind and she said, I will give him a chance. She has been kind enough to always update us and send pictures and every time she does I get a bit choked up.
Who the horse? His name is Juno and Juno has become the best friend of a little girl. All he needed was someone to believe in him. And once he had that, he just blossomed. It's amazing what love and faith can do for an animal. Juno's original owner did the right thing. She sent him to a professional for training and then a refresher. She also made a very hard decision to give him up. That's not easy. And, once you give them up you cannot control where they end up. Juno was lucky. Scroll through the pictures and take a good look at Juno's face/eyes. That look is just what we need on a cold morning. 🤠Be patient. Be consistent. Be Gary.

04/07/2025

Today's horse story is about a gelding that came to us approximately 15 years ago for Gary to start. The owner's had found us after sending their horses to another trainer and the relationship went south at the expense of the horses. They were small quarter horse breeders and they were getting out. Retirement was calling. But there were 4 horses left that needed to be started before being sold and Gary's reputation had preceded him. I actually met them first at a furniture store in Owen Sound. One thing lead to another and they met Gary. You could tell she was very leary of horse trainers and Gary isn't one to sugar coat anything but she appreciated his black and white attitude. Of the 4 that came, one stood out. Gary loved him from the moment he swung his leg over. He had a good mind, loved a challenge and had no fear. Together they went through water, through fields and did arena work. He excelled at the wall of patience but he was just a kind horse. He was a solid bay. Not a lick of white anywhere, no flash, no glitz just a well built old style Quarter Horse. Meanwhile, during Buddy's training, we had a former client contact us. Her 30 plus year old mare had crossed the rainbow bridge and she needed something reliable and trustworthy. She wanted colour. Gary told her about the plain bay but she passed. She wanted flash. Long story short, she did buy colour but it didn't work out. She came back with her good friend to meet the infamous Buddy that captured Gary's heart. Caroline and Buddy have now been a team ever since. Buddy ended up in a home that all horse owners dream of for their horses. We all know you cannot control the outcome for your horses after you sell them and that's what makes selling them difficult. But, in this case, we had promised Buddy's original owners that this would be a great home. And we can say with 100% certainty that we were right. Two years ago Buddy crossed our path again when Caroline was in need of a part boarder because she would be off for a few months. We were going through a very difficult time after losing our daughter, Kendra. Kendra's sister Jenna, was also doing her best to move forward but it was a challenge. Since horses had been a part of both of their lives and always provided comfort we immediately thought of Jenna. Of course Jenna remembered Buddy from his time here and she actually helped Gary in the barn during those years. Buddy was also a favorite of hers. Buddy provided the therapy needed and became the listener and partner that lead her to a journey of healing. We thank Buddy and Caroline for welcoming Jenna back. We thank Buddy's original owners for putting faith in Gary and bringing this outstanding horse into all of our lives. Most of all, we thank Caroline for giving Buddy and Lea the best home a horse could ever dream of. Ride on 🤠 Be patient. Be consistent. Be Gary.

04/06/2025

When we start a young horse we first want to get them soft both in the chin and rib cage and giving their hip. We start with the chin. When we pick up the reins, we want that chin to go in towards the chest...this means they are giving their chin and soft. From there we go to the hip. We want to be able to put a leg on and get that hip moving in any direction. When we take hold of the reins and push forward with our legs, the horse will round up and drive forward. This is so much easier to start them right from the beginning in this way. When we get an older horse in that is heavy on the front end, not giving their chin or hip then we start them over as if they weren't broke. However, this is a longer process because we are asking the horse to change. This will require patience, repetition and time. Lots of time. When you have control of the entire body of a horse, you can handle most situations with ease. The horse is more focussed on you, the rider. Be patient. Be consistent. Be Gary.

04/05/2025

We took this from a page "Pushin Forty Horse Training" because it's something people need to hear/read. Like the person who wrote this, Gary has been training horses for most of his life. Since the age of 16 actually and he's now 70 🤫 Since I've been with Gary I have seen a lot of horses come through our facility. Some of these horses I've even asked Gary if he should turn them down. They would scare me. Talk about no manners, no boundaries, there were days it was a risk just feeding them. But his answer was always simple. He would say to me, just give me a few days with them. You will see a change. Of course, some took a lot longer than a few days but the majority would be a few days. We even had one mare that changed the moment her owner left the barn. Imagine that! Below is the post, have a read. It's pretty black and white, as it should be.
"I've been training horses all my life and it's how I've learned to do things that creates a content and gentle herd which moves toward me when they see me approach, not away. You see, I've learned to judge my own performance by the way the horses react to my presence. I don't over think how I treat them when they are misbehaving. I don't let my conscience tell me I shouldn't have driven that one back because he pushed into my space, or I should have looked the other way when that one kicked his tail lightly as I passed behind him. Everything horses do around you, means something. It might not mean anything to you, but it does to them. So pay attention and don't let the bleeding heart, live-in-peace-with-all-Gods-creatures group that spout off on the internet these days judging honest to God horse trainers who are actually making a living working horses, get you doubting what you already know. When you are dealing with other people's 1200 pound problems, you can get hurt in a second. One second can change your life. All because somebody in that horse's world didn't have the know how, or the balls, to be a boss before they were a "friend."
Training horses isn't like Snow White sitting in the woods with little birdies perching on her, and wild forest animals hanging about. It's a tough job, and a grind, and sometimes it's learning huge life lessons from one misunderstood head toss to the next snort, in the space of a stride."
Be patient. Be consistent. Be Gary.

04/04/2025

Customers have asked us why Continental saddles? Why did we decide to sell Continental saddles exclusively? Why not take on other brands both new and used? Why not have a wide variety to offer customers? We understand not everyone is going to buy a Continental. But we are fine with that. Why? We stand behind what we sell. We sell what we use in our barn. We've seen the difference it makes in a horse and we've seen riders get off their horse after trying one and smiling. Smiling because everything we said was true. We weren't just giving a line. That's why we sell them. If we don't feel this brand will work for you, we tell you. Continental saddles were first introduced in Canada by Roy Ionson around 2008. At that time Roy sent one home with Gary to try at our training facility. Since that time we've had these saddles in our barn. What impressed Gary is the fit for each horse as well as him. The narrow twist and pre-turned fenders play a big role in Gary's ability to ride long hourse with physical issues from a life long career as a horse trainer. But don't take his word for it, come out and try one for yourself.
Since we've been selling these saddles they have seen changes too. Like anything evolution has played a key role. Oliver & Heike took these saddles to the next level when they took over the brand almost 20 yrs ago. If you've got a saddle made in 2009 or earlier, they will have a different feel from the ones of today. While the older models are still made from the top quality materials and one at a time, the new ones just can't be beat.
We have the experience you need when it comes to fitting both you and your horse. Let us guide you through the ordering process and help you find something within your budget. Not sure where to start? We can help you. Not sure what would fit your horse? We can help you.

04/03/2025

We talk about building your horse's confidence. Teach them that when you ask them to do something, it's okay. If you say go forward, they go. You don't have to push, force or fight. In the beginning of training your horse should be taught to trust. If they trust you, then they will go where you ask, even if they doubt you. They trust that you have never put them in a situation where they can get hurt. So they go. When we get a horse that we are constantly having to push forward then we know they were never taught confidence. Your horse needs to be confident but if they are the type that isn't confident, then they need to be confident in you. You give them the confidence. They will demonstrate this by simply doing what you ask when you ask it. Be patient. Be consistent. Be Gary.

04/02/2025

Gary always gets asked for his advice on what to do with a horse. It could be a training question, a problem with a nervous horse or one with issues. In some situations he knows exactly what he would do but he will be cautious about sharing. It's not because he doesn't want to help or teach someone. It's more likely the person he would be telling wouldn't fully understand what they are looking for, when to stop, etc. He recently was asked for some advice with a horse that was in training and it wasn't going well. The horse has issues. And not good ones. One day he will train well, the next it's a disaster. He's with an excellent trainer but the problems are from what happened before this trainer had him. The current trainer is trying to "fix" the issues and give the horse a positive experience. Here is Gary's thought. What the current trainer is doing is excellent and a normal response to a horse that has arrived with "baggage". The problem is that whatever happened prior, has caused this horse trauma. Whether that is mentally or physically, it's still playing out for this horse. What is Gary's solution? It's very simple. This horse needs to forget what has happened. He needs to just be a horse. Stop training, stop trying to fix. Turn him out. Find him a buddy and turn them out together. Leave him out. Don't do groundwork or fuss with him and grooming. Stop. Let him go be a horse and get back to himself. This won't happen while in any program. We understand this isn't always easy, especially if you are boarding your horse. Now you are paying for a horse that you can't do anything with. Look at it as an investment. You were willing to pay a trainer, now just pay board. Give him a minimun of 6 months and don't interfer. The horse pictured is one we bought that had suffered trauma. He was scared of his own shadow and shook from head to tail. Six months out on pasture with a buddy and no handling except for farrier. Our only interaction was putting his grain out at feed time. He went on to be one of the best trail horses we've ever had. Be patient. Be consistent. Be Gary.

04/01/2025

Thank you for the kind words, Lyndsay of Reiner's Ridge. We appreciate your business and trust in Continental Saddles.
https://www.google.com/search?q=G+%26+K+Training+Centre+%26+Tack&stick=H4sIAAAAAAAA_-NgU1I1qLCwMLJMMzSyTE1JTjNIs0yyMqgwTzZPM0kzNEhLNDVLNU9LXsQq466gpuCtEFKUmJmXmZeu4JyaV1KUChQLSUzOBgDT8YiRSAAAAA&hl=en&mat=CZrlmPy1oYr4ElUBmzl_pRz-E3XmyH3Yh8tFQqZ34KEwUztjY_DON9XpGjcyi6VDbT80Jt6h3ina-9hTFzfUU5Qa8Eg45kwcCfhArgkmwMFx4To2EgF6PMr4l121a8rV&authuser=0&ved=2ahUKEwi4kr7h5LaMAxV_l4kEHWTwLQoQ-MgIegQIJRAe =~17909304671191229850/customers/reviews

03/29/2025

We love watching as a horse's story unfolds. When they arrive for training all we know is what we have been told. The story is always more interesting when it comes from the horse's mouth. Aren't we lucky to be able to do a job we love! Be patient. Be consistent. Be Gary.

03/28/2025

2025 Show season is almost here! Are you excited? We are excited 🤠 We are proud to sponsor the ORHA Futurity again this year. It has been our pleasure to support this association since 2009. We understand what it takes to put on a show and the hard work involved. We were proud to be on the board of the OBBO many moons ago for several years. From there we have continued to support the ORHA as sponsors giving prizes at every show and providing tropy saddles for the Futurity. Be sure to check out the ORHA Futurity program and nominate your horses. You never know, you might be the one to win one of the trophy saddles! 😊