In Course 1 of my horsemanship program a key principle to successful horse training is finding the delicate balance between control and power. One essential aspect of this balance involves using rein aids effectively to manage horse behaviour.

Power in horses stems from their natural straightness. ...

Has this ever happened to you?

You are the last horse on the trail ride or the last one in the arena, all the other horses are leaving and your horse starts becoming tense, fidgeting and moving around. And whinnying and shrieking.. making so much noise … calling for his/her herd mates and equine fr...

 We now have 2 choices for 22’ lines: the Kanga Swivel Snap and the Ring Rope. Both ropes are the same material as our 12’ lead ropes. 

I have found so many ways to use these long lines to enhance connection and communication with your horse. A handy horsemanship tool to have in your tack room!

Ka...

 As a coach and mentor, I enjoy seeing and celebrating the success of students and their horses. It is powerful to see connection and harmony between horse and rider, a life’s work for me!

 Here’s a nice moment with our friend, Barb and her gelding, Socks. He’s a very sensitive horse with a desire ...

I think about the baseline of skills and abilities as a starting point or minimum I need with each horse I ride. I do this so I know what to improve to increase the baseline and my future expectations of the horse. This type of forward thinking promotes growth and development and diminishes stagnati...

I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder. —GK Chesterton

I love hearing student success stories and I’m sharing a special one here. Crystal Kroetch is a dear friend, a prominent horsewoman with a decorated background in high lev...

I’m reflecting on a 3 day clinic I taught a few weeks ago and thinking of one of the participants and how hard she was on herself. She wanted to be better for her horse and had high goals. I related to her as I have also felt similarly when I wanted to do well and wanted to get something with all...

Sharing the success of Tabitha and her Andalusian gelding, Zeus. 

As a coach and mentor, there is satisfaction and pride when you see students enjoying success with their horses through connection, feel and horsemanship skills. It's such a great feeling, celebrating the hard work and dedication of ...

I share this story to make an important point about the benefit of training that promotes what the horse is naturally good at, moving with freedom, relaxation and energy.

Many horses move with tension and are just waiting until they can stand still to relax. This is not good for them and can be dan...

Be safe and sensible when saddling by sticking to a practical routine.

When saddling, the horse must be "with us" and in a sweet spot, so that we can put the saddle on, mount up, and move off safely. They are connected to us, regardless of the environment or what we are asking of them. 

There are ...

Ok I’m going to vent here! And propose a solution. Let's do it. 

You know what really bothers me? When good ideas are delivered badly and it affects horses' well being. I see this more nowadays in young horse training as online videos spread the ineffective use of this technique. It is getting done...

A tribute to Jack Brainard.

Enjoy this podcast of Jonathan giving tribute to an inspirational horseman, Jack Brainard, who passed away in November, 2021. Jonathan's admiration and respect for Jack is the basis for this dedication and Jonathan recalls many of Jack's accomplishments within the e...