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...

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...

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...

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...

 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...

 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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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. 

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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...