Lead Like a Leader: From Prey Animal to Partner

 

Where is Your Horse on the Scale?

Every horse starts as a prey animal. That instinct never disappears—it’s baked into their DNA. What can change is how much your horse lives in that reactive, self-preserving mindset… and how much they shift into connection, trust and willingness.

Think of it li...

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Understanding vs. Obedience: Why the Sweet Spot Matters

 

Where Is Your Horse Seeking Comfort?

That’s the question at the heart of true partnership.

When we work with horses, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking leadership is all about pressure—pressure to yield, to stop, to move, to obey. But there’s a deeper, more powerful way to build the r...

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My Journey with 'Bud' to the Masters at Spruce Meadows.

My journey to the 'Masters' at Spruce Meadows with 4‑year‑old Off We Go (Bud)!

With only a few weeks to prepare, I’m so proud of this young horse and honoured to have been part of this historic event. It’s all about a great foundation—building it step by step. 

"What a privilege to step into the ...

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Unlock the Gristle: Create Balance with These Daily Lateral Exercises
** This lesson is an excerpt from our Open Field Membership. **

Riding this big, strong horse Nelson, who once had a reputation for being difficult, is always a unique experience.

While he’s made significant progress, his natural power means he can still ball up or get resistant when something wor...

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Horses & Awe: Resist Complacency

Many of us are born with a deep-seated attraction to horses that shapes our lives in significant ways. For me, there's a satisfaction in being with horses that sets my day right. No matter what else I do, my day doesn't feel complete until I've spent time with my horses. It's not always about riding...

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The Student Seat is Not Always Comfy.

* Becky & Ringo (photo credit: Denver Deschenes)

I enjoy hearing from students and being part of their success in horsemanship. This blog is penned by Becky Taylor, a dedicated student and horsewoman, dear friend, professional colleague and strong supporter of continuous learning. It is a depiction...

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Exploring the Diverse World of Liberty Training with Horses.

Lets talk Liberty!

I love sharing things I love! And liberty training is one of these things. Why is it so special and are there different types of liberty training?

For me, it's all about connection. It's about discovering the true nature of my relationship with my horses. I aim to achieve a leve...

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Ribbon Riding Your Horse with the Surfer's Mindset.

When training horses, one of the most pivotal principles is establishing a connection early on in each training session. It's similar to surfing in more ways than you might think. Just as a surfer must be in tune with the waves and the ocean's rhythm, so must a rider be attuned to their horse's ever...

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Preparing Your Horse for a Zombie Apocalypse!

If the most inexperienced rider you know, had to ride your horse 1000 km to survive a zombie apocalypse - would your horse be ready to carry them?

Now, the reality is, we likely won’t have to be in a zombie apocalypse, but there is value in thinking about how we train our horses to be prepared to d...

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Hold and Wait!

Horsemanship Tip!

In a recent clinic, I was teaching my riders a technique called "Hold and Wait" while demonstrating neutral lateral bend. This means we allow the horse time to soften, rather than being quickly pulled around. The goal is to allow it to be the horse's idea to bend. Many riders have...

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OPEN FIELD Membership - Our Vibrant Learning Community!

About Open Field...

What a blessing to be in a digital age with global reach bringing us to new levels of learning, connection and sharing. We can add so much to our arsenal of educational tools!

Curating horsemanship lessons in video format is certainly nothing new to me, I've spent a better part...

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The JFH Myler Bit Line: A Seamless Progression from Disengagement to Engagement

It's here!

We are excited to announce the launch of the JFH Myler Bit Line, a collaboration between Jonathan Field Horsemanship and Myler Bits. This innovative bit line has been designed with the progressive pathway of disengagement towards engagement in mind, ensuring a seamless synergy between ho...

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