By 8:00 AM he is working with his first horse (in-training) of the day. In-between training sessions, Charles will check his messages and answer e-mail. He will spend time with his apprentices giving them direction and assignments. Depending on his schedule or how well the day is progressing, Charles may work with 6 to 8 horses before the end of the day.

Horses have captivated Charles Wilhelm, since he was a child. He realized by the age of 11 that he wanted to train horses. The architecture and design for his foundation techniques and training methods were constructed studying with John Lyons. He completed the apprentice and certification programs with John Lyons during 1993-1997. Charles Wilhelm is the only John Lyons Certified Trainer in the San Francisco Bay Area. Charles later combined this knowledge with classical dressage under the tutelage of Major Miguel Tavora. (Major Miguel Tavora, a classical riding student of the Portuguese Master, Nuno Olieviera)

When you meet Charles Wilhelm and have the opportunity to speak with him it is apparent that his foundation is built upon rock. He has a passion for continuing his equestrian education and learning everything about horses, riding and training techniques. He reads equestrian books on theory and the art of equitation, attends training clinics given by other Equestrian Training professionals, but most of all he enjoys talking to people about horses and horsemanship.

Charles Wilhelm believes in "success through knowledge." He offers full training for both the horse and rider at his Castro Valley ranch. He focuses his training on condition and response and targets three critical areas: the horse’s physical, mental and emotional state.

His foundation technique is explained as the process to achieve control of the three most significant parts of your horse:

• The physical (where and how the horse moves)
• The emotional (fear level)
• The mental (thought process of the horse)

Charles Wilhelm teaches the rider exercises that focus the horse’s attention back to the rider; shows riders how to recognize and address negative emotional behavior and works on improving the horse’s suppleness resulting in a horse that is physically light and responsive.

This technique is applicable to all equines and all disciplines. Although he specializes in starting young horses and working with problematic horses—horses that come from every discipline including dressage, reining and jumping—he trains and works with all, linking the connection between horse/rider and combining natural horsemanship with classical training.

The C.W. Training Center offers a 1 to 3 week working Apprenticeship Program for trainers and horse owners. As an apprentice you will experience and discover the full array of tools used to improve the equine-human partnership. Learning "hands-on", students are introduced to the conditioned/response method used as a foundation for starting colts, re-schooling, and resolving an assortment of behavioral and gymnastic problems.

Working and learning at the C.W.Training facility will allow both the apprentice and the horse to work towards their combined personal best. Confidence will further the student's ability to achieve new success with their horsemanship skills and riding performance.

Perhaps you were fortunate enough to see Charles Wilhelm perform demonstrations at the Sacramento Western States HorseExpo, Northern California Equifest Expo or the Horseman's Association.

He will be demonstrating at EQWest in Del Mar, California this November 17 - 19th. If you have never experienced the world's best trainers, incredible shopping, and amazing equine theater, make your reservations now. Don't miss this chance to see Charles Wilhelm at EQWest. Visit   www.equitanausa.com/eqwest  for details.

The Red Wing Horse Sanctuary in Carmel, California has benefited for two consecutive years because Charles has volunteered his time and knowledge to the Horse Power Fund raiser in Santa Cruz, California for abused and abandoned horses.

By end of the day, which is sometimes 8:00 PM, the founder and owner of C.W. Training Center is ready for supper and some quality time with his family. He shares the ranch with his wife, Anne, son, Jeff, and daughter-in-law, Severine. He may relax with a good book. He is currently reading the biography of a 1800's French Riding Master, a gift from his daughter-in-law. It's been a long day, but a good day. Charles Wilhelm works patiently with his horses (and students) in training to achieve daily goals and finish lessons on a positive note.

"No matter what our goal and discipline, all horses need the same foundation. Foundation gives us the tools to teach our horses the skills they need to reach our goals."

Charles’ family, his partner and head trainer - Jan Watterson, along with the staff work collectively with Charles to make CW Training Center one of the finest training facilities on the West Coast. "I fell into this because I saw a need for it." Charles Wilhelm smiles," Everyone understands and appreciates a responsive horse. They are just more fun to ride."

To find out more about Charles Wilhelm, the C.W.Training center, or clinic schedules please visit the web site at www.cwtraining.com

If you are interested in an apprenticeship or training with Charles Wilhelm, please e-mail him at Charles Wilhelm or better yet, stop in and visit the training center in Castro Valley. Call the office for an appointment (510) 886-9000