AMT Equestrian Services

07/07/2025

Training Tools, Tradition & Transformation at AMT 🐂🐴

In the Spanish tradition of schooling bullfighting horses, a tool known as the caratón de toro (false bull’s head on a wheel) is used to help teach horses to collect, engage, and turn on the haunches with power and precision — all while remaining soft, light, and responsive.

We had a great session this week with Julie and her lovely older Andalusian during her first lesson with it at AMT. Using this classical tool and approach, she got to feel just how much potential her horse still has — how much lighter, more responsive, and motivated he became when given the opportunity to move correctly through good biomechanics and intrinsic motivation. And most importantly, they both had a whole lot of fun doing it.

These tools and principles aren’t just for high-level horses — they help any horse and rider improve communication, confidence, and feel.

We welcome riders of all levels to come and experience the journey at AMT Equestrian. In the coming weeks and months, our mechanical cow will be up and running permanently for lessons and training — and long-term, we’re still working toward setting up a second arena dedicated to cattle work. It’s all happening — one fence line at a time!

📩 DM or get in touch with Andrew to book a session or come out and see what we’re building

06/07/2025

💥Using a rope as a training tool, like a soft reata or lasso rope is a simple and effective way to help your horse understand and yield to pressure. Just like the halter and lead, it encourages softness and responsiveness without needing force.

Start by introducing the rope over your horse’s rump while he’s still in a halter and lead. The goal isn’t to restrain him, but to see if he can stand quietly without overreacting. If he stays calm, gently ask him to move forward so he learns to accept the rope’s presence without worry.

Once he’s confident with that, try taking the halter off and lead him with just the rope around his neck. Practice walking, trotting, backing up, and turning all in a safe, enclosed area like a round yard. This isn’t about control, it’s about building feel, trust, and clarity in your communication.

04/07/2025

Have a listen to this Horse Chats episode, where I share how tuning into the individual needs of each horse leads to real connection, lasting soundness and meaningful change.

Link below 👇

“Awareness is the greatest agent for change” – Eckhart Tolle

Andrew Turnbull lives this belief every day. As a Light Hands Equitation Instructor and expert in Vaquero horsemanship, he brings together tradition, biomechanics and deep awareness to improve horse welfare and training outcomes.

In this Horse Chats episode, Andrew shares how tuning into the individual needs of each horse leads to real connection, lasting soundness and meaningful change.

Listen to his story and insights at https://horsechats.com/andrewturnbull/

02/07/2025

We’ve had the pleasure of having Minni join us over the past couple of weeks and what a refreshing presence she’s been.

Thoughtful questions, a willingness to learn, and great company around the place… It’s been a joy and absolute pleasure having her here (just ask Jess) - Thanks Minni!! 😊🙏

After a long stretch of changes and challenges, things at AMT are starting to feel like they’re rebuilding regaining rhythm, purpose, and a bit of spark.

As my headspace and capacity slowly return, I’m starting to open the door to working students again.

So if you’re someone who’s hungry to learn, wanting to grow your horsemanship, and keen to spend time around some special horses, feel free to reach out. Message me, DM me, send smoke signals ... whatever works!?

Here’s to growth, recovery, and the good folk who come along for the ride 🐴🌱

01/07/2025

Still thinking about it? Time to get a wiggle on!

Spots for the first Manolo Mendez Clinic – July 12/13/14 are filling fast, and if you’re hoping to ride or watch, now’s the moment to act.

✅ Want to ride? DM Andrew with your expression of interest for In-Hand, Ridden, or Piaffe lessons
✅ Prefer to learn from the sidelines? Spectator tickets are available now via the link below

This isn’t your average clinic—and you’ll kick yourself if you miss it.

30/06/2025

The best riders aren’t chasing control they’re chasing connection.
They’ve let go of the need to impress, and instead, they focus on listening.
Because when you stop trying to make a horse do something, and start figuring out why they might not want to…
That’s when the real work begins.

25/06/2025

One of the greats is coming… are you ready to learn from the master?

Join us for two unforgettable 3-day clinics with Manolo Mendez

📌July 12th, 13th & 14th and July 18th, 19th & 20th

Whether you’re riding or watching, this is a rare chance to immerse yourself in Manolo’s world-renowned approach to softness, balance and harmony.

✅ Private lessons available – choose from In-Hand, Ridden, or Piaffe sessions
✅ Spectator tickets available – soak up every moment from the arena’s edge

This clinic will book quickly. If you’d like to ride, DM Andrew with your expression of interest.

🎟 Spectator tickets available now via the link below:
One day Spectator link > https://loom.ly/zL0J-3g
Three day Spectator link > https://loom.ly/c27YT_w

Don’t miss this chance to learn from one of classical dressage’s true masters.

20/06/2025

18/06/2025

Helpful Tip – Groundwork Progression

Struggling with groundwork? Try thinking in layers, not leaps.

Build up from:
✅ Direction
✅ Yield
✅ Softness
✅ Engagement..Then add challenge.

Every step counts and every step prepares your horse for the next. If you are stuck or are needing help with your groundwork I'm here to help, shoot me a DM and lets talk & get started working on the layers you need to succeed.

16/06/2025

The best horses are made slowly and remembered forever.

At AMT Equestrian, we take the time others skip.
Because when we slow down, listen, and lay a proper foundation...
Everything gets easier for horse and human - Andrew 🤎

14/06/2025

We want to see where you work with your horse! 🐎
Is it a backyard paddock, local club grounds, fancy arena, or a grassy hill?

Post a pic of your training space in the comments or tag us in your story!
Great horsemanship doesn’t depend on the surface, so share yours below