What do you do to help start a positive relationship with a new-to-you horse? Ideally, we would take our time building trust to start the horse-human relationship off correctly on the ground first. If the horse has not changed homes, ideally you as the “new” component would spend a few sessions with low expectations to begin to build rapport with them. 1. If given the chance, observe the horse free in the pasture. 2. Allow the horse to approach you - whether in the stall or p

You will often hear people say lunging is boring or you will hurt your horse lunging. And these could be very valid concerns if you or your horse were never taught the skills to lunge properly, It is not your fault if you've never been taught to lunge much less taught how to lunge correctly. It is sadly a lost art. Most trainers don’t teach it and it’s literally unheard of in many lesson programs. Proper lunging is often acknowledged as more so “Gymnastic lunging.”

A quick overview for beginners or re-riders from what lessons should cover to the learning process and some helpful practical tips!

- When can I hack/trail ride around the farm? You must have consistently ridden 10 times without any large gaps in your ride days. Hill...

Thought of the Day: I’m guilty of this too, but continuing to use a cue until it has no meaning or is “extinguished.” This can be...

Thought of the Day: When working with our horses under saddle and on the ground we have different positions and cues to make it clear to...

Please keep in mind cross ties are VERY restraining. Oftentimes I see people asking for the horse to lower the head more OR be more...