Functional Horsemanship

Functional Horsemanship

5.0(4 reviews)

About

Hi, I am Alfonso Doce a Classical International Master Horse Trainer and Clinician with a life of experience training horses and riders from all breeds and disciplines to actually be functional and as safe as possible! With my experience as a First Captain of Cavalry and a Title of Riding Master, I can teach you and your horse through the Classical and Military methods of lessons and training how to become one with each other and enjoy any Equestrian activity you wish to pursue, from Dressage and Jumping to Working Equitation or Jousting! There is no limit.

You may join the Functional Horsemanship membership program in which you will have levels to master receiving a certificate and an award for you and your horse to proudly show your progress and this will motivate you to reach the highest rank of Horsemanship possible according to your own possibility and expectations. Come join and learn the art of Horsemanship the way it has evolved for thousands of years and changed human life forever.

Students of all ages are welcome. The first Introduction and evaluation lesson is at least 2 hours (please look at pricing) after that lessons are one hour which in the beginning will include teaching how to properly get the horse ready and put it away correctly until you can properly do this on your own. Small children must be accompanied by an adult to help them with the preparation of the horse (or a groom can be arranged for this at an extra cost), liability form must be filled and signed by each participant and by a parent or guardian in case of a minor before the beginning of the first lesson. Proper clothing and shoes with heels are required for grooming and riding, no sandals or open-toe shoes are allowed around horses, and no shorts are allowed for riding. Helmets are required to be worn by all minors and beginner adults. By your 3rd lesson, you will be expected to wear proper riding attire consisting of riding breeches or pants, riding paddock boots and half chaps or tall Dress boots and a proper horseback riding approved helmet.

Availability can be 7 days a week and the schedule is flexible, depending on your and my availability and location and how serious and how often the students are to ride. Prices vary from the Weekend warrior to the Serious Rider or Competitor. Pricing is according to the number of lessons scheduled per week or month, First introduction and evaluation lesson runs for at least two hours and is $180. Once the student or horse is on a weekly schedule prices are as follows $90 per lesson once a week, $75 per lesson for two lessons per week, and $65 per lesson for three or more lessons a week. Students who are not on a regular weekly schedule like biweekly or monthly are $120 per lesson. Monthly training is a minimum of a 3-month commitment at $1200 per month which is 20 lessons to be used per month, which comes to $60 per session. Some other fees may apply depending on distance, location, arena or horse fees, Groom fees, etc. Group lessons can be arranged, For more detailed information please first text to 757 559 9008.

Thank you.


Highlights

Hired 1 time
1 employee
40 years in business
Serves Virginia Beach , VA

Payment methods

Cash, Venmo, Square, Zelle, Bitcoin

Social media


Specialties

Riding styles interested in

I can make recommendations, Western, English

Have a horse

Students who have a horse, Students who do not have a horse

Student's interests and goals

Fun and relaxation, Trail riding, Show jumping, Dressage, Reining

Experience level

No experience, Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

How often

Once a week, Multiple times a week, Recommendations available

Student's age

5 – 10 years old, 11 – 13 years old, 14 – 18 years old, 19 – 25 years old, 26 – 45 years old, 46 – 65 years old, Over 65 years old

Photos and videos


  • Reviews

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    NZ

    nicole Z.

    Alfonso is an excellent horse trainer, he teaches both horse and rider confidence at all levels of training.
    ... Show more
    December 30, 2023

    DT

    david T.

    Alfonso is very personalable character. He takes the time in your needs and wants, and really listens to you. His feedback is phenomenal and extremely informable. Alfonso is extremely patient and keeps his focus on you and the horse. He explains things in such a way to fully understand. If youre doing the wrong things, He doesnt look at it as wrong, but looks for a solution to make a better situation. If you have a question, He has an answer. In my personal opinion, Alfonso is one of the best people I have enjoyed being around in a long time and I love his stories also. At a training level, I am pleased to have met and work with him and wouldnt want it any other way.
    ... Show more
    December 30, 2023

    ED

    elizabeth D.

    Alfonso is the most amazing trainer with whom I have ever worked. I have been riding since I was a child but I quickly realized during my first lesson with him that I had so much to learn about dressage! His genuine love of horses and insight into both horses and students is inspiring. My riding has progressed far beyond anything that I ever thought I would be capable of and that is due to Alfonso. His knowledge of what makes horses and riders successful together is unique. His students range from upper level dressage riders to beginners on ponies and he is always patient and motivating with all of them.
    ... Show more
    December 29, 2023

    JF

    jeannine F.

    I have had this trainer work with me to bring up 3 baby horses over the course of about 15 years. His experience and gentle understanding of horses is amazing. The horses enjoy their work and he has brought out a brilliance in each one. He has also been able to problem solve any issues that may come up. From beginner to advanced riders and green to experienced horses, his calm nature, ability to problem solve and make each rider and horse the best they can be is outstanding.
    ... Show more
    August 22, 2023

    Services offered

    Horseback Riding