The second preview of our Christmas photoshoot features Nash. I bought him when he was two and in 2025 he will be six ! Time flies so fast.
#horses #christmas #animalphotography #horsephotography #horselover #horseofinstagram
Nash and I sharpened on our roping skills with some great people today ❤️. It feels good to play with the dummy again.
#horseriding #roping #horsetraining
It is always a pleasure for me to see my horses being horses outside of training time.
#horseslovers #horses #zoomies #animalsofinstagram #horsesofinstagram
And just like that, Winter is back.
#horseriding #horses #winter #snowday #cowgirl
Have you checked your saddle fit lately?
In fact, proper saddle fit is important for both horse and rider. The saddle on our horse's back is our connection to him when we ride. It helps distribute the rider's weight evenly, prevents discomfort, and allows for natural movement, clear communication, and balance.
👉 What are the signs of a poorly fitting saddle?
Signs of saddle fit problems include: obvious sores, white hairs and swelling under the saddle, sensitivity to palpation or grooming, muscle tension, resistance to work, tail swishing and performance issues.
In the long term, if not corrected, it can lead to muscular changes and increased stress on the joints.
👉 So how do I check for saddle fit?
The shape and size of the horse's back and withers vary between breeds and individual horses. It is important to consider the horse's conformation, muscle development and weight when choosing a saddle. It is also recommended that the fit of the saddle be checked at least once a year, or more often if the horse's weight, fitness, or training level changes.
📖 There are many resources available to learn more about saddle fit, as well as many qualified individuals who can help you evaluate your horse for proper saddle fit.
❤️ Now you understand why proper saddle fit is a key element to your horse's health and welfare that shouldn't be overlooked. ❤️
#saddlefitting #horsemanship #horsesofinstagram #horses #horseshow #horseriding #horsetraining #horsetrainingtips
Last month, I had a lot of questions about bits. First and foremost, the bit you choose needs to fit your horse's mouth and be the proper size. A more severe bit will not solve behavioral or riding issues. Good horsemanship will.
Every bit you will put in your horse mouth needs to serve a purpose and needs to be used correctly. That s includes your hand's position, release and timing. Your choice should also include your horse preferences.
A lot of different ways to introduce a bit to a colt exist. I always start them on a halter. When it's time, I like to use a 3-piece snaffle with a dogbone or a roller.
Usually, as an introduction, I will be using a simple bridle without reins and let him feel it while lunging. When he is ready for the next step, I will ground drive on the bit which will introduce him to the feel of it when we turn, stop or back up.
Finally, I will apply all these to riding.
Riding with a bit is not mandatory and a lot of alternative options exist. Bosal is popular and I finally bought one. Nash tried it for the first time in this video.
Do you prefer using a bit or alternatives? Let us know in the comments.
#horsetraining #horseriding #bosal #horsemanship #horsetrainingtips #albertahorsetrainer #sorrelhorse
As thing start to slow down, I wanted to take the time to thanks my clients, past and present, who believe in my program and give me the opportunity to train so many great horses.
I also wanted to say how grateful I am for my student and all the people who helped me ☀ Without you, it will be hard to do it all.
Looking forward to seeing what 2025 brings!🐴
#horsemanship #horsetrainer #coltstarting #horsetraining #horses
You probably didn't know this about music and horses 👀🎼
But to start off, you probably DID know that horses can experience stress, whether from environmental or social factors, such as training, improper diets, or poor living conditions. And this stress can lead to health and behavioural issues, ranging anywhere from ulcers, to teeth grinding, to resistance to training, and to learned helpness. This is why, as a trainer and owner, one of the most important parts of my job is to manage stress in horses.
So how do you do that?
By finding the level where the horse can learn and retain the information we provide, without becoming disinterested (too low of stress) or panicked (too high of stress).
This means that I have a number of tool to reduce the stress of the horses I train... and one is MUSIC 🎼
And no, I'm not kidding here! Boehringer Ingelheim not only completed a study on the impact of music on horses, but also developed a music track designed to reduce the stress on equines. In conducting the study, they played specific frequencies and tempos to horses in different environements. They observed the results and found that playing specific music can help balance equine behavior. Why? Because it helps mask outside sounds and vibrations, allowing the horse to release stress behaviors.
In this video, we can see Remi, one of our untouched horse enjoying a piano piece, and Horton (in the back), who came closer to enjoy it, too.
If you're curious about the music track they developed, here is the link!
https://youtu.be/66Z1cGh3qi0?si=a6ulIFMqE2c40UN0
Try it out with your horse and let us know their reaction!
#libertytraining #coltstarting #horsemanship #horses #naturalhorsemanship #horsetraining #horsetok #animalsandmusic #edmontonhorsetrainer #albertahorsetrainer #albertanaturalhorsemanshiptrainer
It's the small things. The things we overlook, disregard, or don't feel the need to emphasize. When we put our focus on those, the connection we have with our horse changes.
Their thought process changes, their willingness increases, their confidence becomes stronger, their view of us as leaders improves -- small things that are teh different between a 'good' horse and an incredible, life-long partner.
If you want the small things done with your horse so the big things will be just as correct, message me! We're now booking for spring training in 2025!
#horsemanship #horsetraining #horses #albertahorsetrainer #liberty #naturalhorsemanship
