Key13 Horsemanship

Key13 Horsemanship Positive reinforcement
Behaviour
Empathy
Equitation Science.

11/19/2025

Little moments from an amazing October.

11/16/2025

Here’s your reminder that papers don’t make the horse. 👇

In the horse world, you’ve got grade horses (no papers) and papered horses.
Yes, proven bloodlines can give a horse a predisposition for running, cow work, roping, or whatever job you’re aiming for — but papers don’t guarantee success.

It’s like if Usain Bolt had a kid — chances are he’d be fast, but that doesn’t automatically make him a medal winner.

I’ve met grade horses with more grit, more heart, and more work ethic than some papered ones will ever show.

Here’s a throwback from 3 years ago, chasing a dummy on my grade little rustic mare — Angie 💛

Are you someone who only looks at papers… or do you give the grade ones a chance?

11/13/2025

Kindness doesn’t just change horses — it changes people too.
It’s the calm voice, the steady hand, the extra minute you didn’t have to give.

11/11/2025

🌾 Winter & Hay Management 🐴

Winter is coming… which means hay season is officially here.
And honestly? Feeding hay can be more complicated than riding the horse himself! 😅

Step 1: The Quest for the Perfect Bale

Good-quality hay — no mold, no dust (and if you find some with fairy sparkles, even better ✨). It’s so pricey you’ll want to save every flake.

Step 2: How to Feed It?

Everyone’s got their method 👇

Some just toss a bale and call it a day. Easy, yes — until your easy keeper turns into a balloon 🎈 and your bale becomes a litter box.
Add a hay net and you’re good to feed a crowd of hungry tummies.

Others roll it out in the field — works too!

And then there’s me: the forking team 💪

Twice a day, measured portions, zero empty bellies.
If there’s hay left at feeding time, I know I’m good. If not — feed more. Waste: 5–10%.

There are hundreds of DIY feeder ideas online — every size, shape, and level of creativity. Be your own Leonardo da Vinci of hay feeders. 🎨

I ordered a hay net with larger holes, so today I tried a new feeding system while waiting for delivery… and so far only the youngest isn’t completely confused. 😂

Welcome to a day in the life of a horse owner. 💪🐎

💬 So tell me — which team are you this winter?


11/09/2025

Riding alongside a horse we start 🐴

Working a horse we start next to an experienced horse offers so many training benefits!

The seasoned horse helps the one we start get used to:

✨ The flag moving around him
✨ “Changing eyes” (seeing the flag or rider on both sides)
✨ Activity in his blind spots
✨ The feel of a rider above him — I’ll even lean on the saddle from my horse during this stage

The experienced horse also provides reassurance and builds confidence just by being close. Meanwhile, he gets his own training too — learning to respond to lighter cues and stay focused through a bit of desensitization himself.

This method is part of a bigger colt-starting process based on communication, consistency, and gradual development.
Before the first ride, it’s important to make sure the horse we start is comfortable with:

✅ The flag
✅ Noise
✅ Saddle movement
✅ Weight

That way, both horses learn — one gains confidence, the other refines his skills — and the whole experience stays calm, positive, and productive.


11/07/2025

Time goes by too fast.
It feels like yesterday cassiopée was learning to stand…
and now I can touch her forehead when I ride 🐴💫
Cherish every moment — they grow up in the blink of an eye.

❤️ 🐴

11/05/2025

When was the last time a horse made you cry — from joy? 🥹

Yesterday, Angie did.
After a year off — pregnancy, losing her foal in May, and months of quiet healing — she told me she was ready again.
I slipped on the bosal, swung a leg over, and it felt like we never stopped riding. 💛

She reminded me that healing doesn’t always look fast or perfect…
but when they’re ready to trust again, it’s the most beautiful thing in the world ✨

🐴

11/04/2025

If I could talk to my younger self,the one who dreamed of working with horses …I’d tell her this 👇

💡 Learn from good trainers — the kind who work hard, stay humble, and do right by their horses.
💪 Ride and handle every horse you can. Make mistakes, learn, repeat.
🎯 Be coachable. Take the criticism, put in the hours, and keep raising your own bar.

And when you win — no matter how small — celebrate it. ✨
Because if you love it, keep going.
The horses will teach you everything you need to know. 🤍

Everywhere we go — at the barn, at the show, at the arena — everyone’s got a side.You’re either a mare person or a geldi...
11/02/2025

Everywhere we go — at the barn, at the show, at the arena — everyone’s got a side.
You’re either a mare person or a gelding person, and there never seems to be an in-between. 😅

I’m not gonna lie… I’m Team Mare all the way. 😈
We’ve got five mares here at the ranch and only one gelding — poor Nash, surrounded by girls all day (and one queen B, our Angie 👑).

In my opinion, mares bring the spice, the attitude, and somehow still manage to get things done faster and more efficiently than anyone else.
They’ll roll their eyes, test your patience, and still finish the job before the gelding even realizes what’s happening. 😂

Don’t get me wrong — geldings are sweet, calm, and full of golden-retriever energy… but sometimes you just need a little drama to keep life interesting. 😉

So tell me — are you or ? 👇Drop your side in the comments!

11/01/2025

“Featuring: 3 spooky horses, 1 lion hat, and zero regrets. 💀🐴

10/30/2025

Do you give your horse a nickname? 👇

Meet Nash — aka Potato. 🥔
We’re not sure where it started, but it stuck… and now he proudly answers to it like it’s on his papers.
Depending on the day, he might be Mashed Potato (sweet and soft), Baked Potato (ready to go), or Fried Potato (when he’s got opinions 😅).

Either way, he’s still the most beautiful potato in the pasture when he’s waiting for me like this before our ride. 💛

Drop your horse’s nickname below ⬇️ I bet we’ve all got one that stuck.


Address

Barrhead, AB
T7N0K2

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Key13 Horsemanship posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Key13 Horsemanship:

Shortcuts

Share

Category