Alicia Byberg-Landman Horsemanship

Alicia Byberg-Landman Horsemanship Life long student

08/02/2024

"He's the kind of companion that makes the hard days a little easier and the good days even better."

Riv and Marlin

08/02/2024
07/16/2024
06/18/2024

If your horse really trusts you and trusts the support you’re trying to give him, it doesn’t matter where you are. All he needs is you. I want my horse to associate safety and peace with me. - Buck Brannaman, Horseman

04/20/2024

Thank you Old Barrington Farm for having Melanie and I! I enjoyed helping you all learn some groundwork and how it all relates to your flat work and work over fences.

Thank you Lynn Reardon for having Brooke Tatrow and I on your podcast! I always look forward to catching up with you bot...
02/02/2024

Thank you Lynn Reardon for having Brooke Tatrow and I on your podcast! I always look forward to catching up with you both and talking about our favorite subject…HORSES!!! 🥰

01/18/2024

So true! I love my dogs! ❤️❤️❤️

This🙌🙌🙌 I strive to bring horses and horsemen  along that can handle things when the pressure or stress come up. I don’t...
01/03/2024

This🙌🙌🙌 I strive to bring horses and horsemen along that can handle things when the pressure or stress come up. I don’t believe in never asking them difficult questions, that is not reality. I DO believe in educating in a way that doesn’t overface or diminish confidence. If you tip toe around your horse trouble will find you. I guess that is why I am so passionate about passing along what I have learned, it has kept me safe but ultimately it has helped me believe in every horse no matter what label they have been given. I don’t think there is a better feeling when you ask the horse a more difficult question and they answer back with a yes because you have their back and they have yours. 🥰

There’s a growing disconnect right now that is pitting relationship against horsemanship. As though we would somehow be wrong to want both, rather than wholly one, or the other.

For the first time, we are being told that traditional skills and values are erroneous, scientifically and ethically. We are told that if we aim to be evolved horse(wo)men, we must ‘unlearn’ what we thought we knew for sure.

We are to go that place where we exist in energy and not prior experience. This means getting into our bodies and entirely out of our heads. This is a place where we are not learning mundane equitation skills, like ‘heads up, heels down’, nor are we asking our horses to struggle or serve.

This new mindset is reflected in my own page and the pages of countless other ‘traditional’ horse(wo)men, people who are involved in the business of teaching people how to ride and how to look after their horses, as a matter of husbandry. Any post that will teach a rider correct equitation or useful horse training techniques, will pale in comparison to the reactions and comments on a post on feelings, love and relationship.

Our followers are telling us, very plainly, that they want to learn about connection—mind melding, observing horse signals and learned empathy—more than they want to learn how to obtain a good leg position, or how to manage pastures, or fly control—indeed, any of the tools that we can learn about more mundane horse-keeping.

Right now, we would rather learn about relationship, than the tools to train our horses, or how to keep ourselves safe. This worries me, to be honest.

We’re wanting the sweet reward over the gritty substance. It has got to the point that a recent share of my pony, Bobby, learning to harrow pens was shared within a social media group that exists to find examples of cruelty to horses. Bobby was shown working willingly with his head low and his ears up… and still, this. I was guilty of asking my horse to do a job.

Many people no longer want to put in the considerable amount of time needed to learn how to ride or drive through difficult situations, let alone on challenging sorts of horses, because they have been told that if they possess the secret to understanding their horses, they will not be faced with bad moments, at all. They and their horses will have bound themselves to each other in such a way that transcends the ordinary moments that once filled a horse(wo)man’s day. They are promised that with enough love and awareness, everyone will stay safe.

I can only scratch my head at this notion and say a little prayer. I wholly agree that if we never ask, our horses will never have to say “NO!” Thing is, if you have ever been in a job, or a lifestyle, where your living is made with your horse, you know there will come a day when you, your horse and your methods will be tested with your life on the line. There will come a day.

The idea about learning to ride well was born in the military, to keep our ancestors alive in battle. This meant training war horses to understand clear aids, to ignore everything else and for us to somehow become ‘pleasant burdens’ whilst in the saddle. While modern life is far removed from this reality, I am leery of throwing out the model that created traditional horsemanship. Not just riding, either. It meant that one knew how to look after horses through feeding, care, exercise and preventing illness.

Many of these old manuals of equitation also included the method of humanely putting one’s horse down!

It meant being open to having our feelings hurt and our bodies challenged, in order to be worthy of the horse. Now, admittedly, much of the old military/traditional model of teaching was abusive to both the human and equine students. This is not what I’m suggesting we keep going, before anyone points out the error of my thinking.

I am wanting to stay alive because I have an obedient and useful horse; I want you to stay alive, too. Right now, the way horsemanship is headed, I am having my doubts about the future. We are dividing into two very separate camps: those who crave feeling and those who are somewhat proud of avoiding feeling.

It brings to mind the chasm between trained musicians and those who can play by ear. Each group makes the other somewhat uncomfortable, without an inclusive mindset.

For example, let’s take the ‘new’ information available on pain signals shown by ridden horses. We’re being somewhat misled here because this is not new! No, it has been taught by traditional teachers for decades, as a guide for schooling horses in an ethical manner. The ignoring of these signs of pain and discomfort—failing to note the posture, desperate eyes, ears, mouths, nostrils and swishing tails—particularly in the competitive realm, is perhaps what is modern? Though I suspect we’ve been ignoring horses’ needs for a very long time.

As someone who hails from a traditional dressage program, this irks me to be told to pay attention to these newly pinpointed signs of abuse. If more people trained their horses in the classical manner, they would know to avoid pushing their horses to this point, in the first place.

I will share that less and less, am I feeling comfortable illustrating my writing with photographs of myself working my own horses. Why? Because the message I relay is too often hijacked by the type of gear I use, whether I am wearing spurs or no helmet, whether my horse is wearing a shanked bit or going bitless, entirely.

Horse(wo)men, we have veered into ‘us vs them’ territory, parroting why our pet discipline doesn’t require horses to move correctly, or for us to ride with independent seats, because we have somehow risen above this need for traditional horsemanship.

Get this: I want it all!

I want relationship, though not at the expense of my workmanlike horsemanship, my being able to saddle up and go out and do a job. I want my performance but not at the expense of the connection I have built with my horses. I get very uncomfortable with the way we are being sorted off, like cattle run through a chute, into the people who achieve greater understanding at the expense of their riding, vs the people who achieve good performance at the expense of being caring, or thoughtful, people.

Do not buy into this crap.

If we are being told to ‘get after’ our horses in order to win, then we have to ask ourselves how badly our horses want to be in our chosen sport? In this case, the only ones winning are our trainers, through the cheques we are continuing to write.

Conversely, if we are being told that building friendship with our horses will excuse us from having to learn to ride correctly and teaching our horses to be obedient—aka SAFE—thousand-pound animals, then we are being sold a bill of goods. The only ones really benefitting are our gurus.

Too often, we are being told that in order to right the considerable wrongs of the past, we must absolve ourselves from wanting anything taxing from our horses. That we will exonerate ourselves by paying the living expenses of an animal that has no intention of doing anything for us, other than that of sharing space. While this works for many people, I don’t buy into the notion that traditional horsemanship is entirely wrong. Do I wish that aged events were celebrated more than futurities? You bet. Do I wish that individual disciplines wouldn’t veer from what is good for the horse, in order to be unique? God, yes.

While I have read—and cried—over ‘Black Beauty’, I have been mentored by too many thoughtful, excellent horse people, to fall for the idea that my prior horsemanship is steeped in shame. Of course, I have made mistakes, gone down wrong paths. I have tried to learn from them.

My horsemanship needs life-long tweaking, adding a shift in how I go about things, in how I strive to understand the horse. That is all. I do not want to throw the baby out with the bath water! I will need to learn what to let go and how to do it, to make room for the new… but I will not be shamed into turning my back on my prior life with horses.

This means that until someone comes up with a better method than that of putting in the effort, in real time, in how to school both a horse and rider to a high standard—without doing harm to either, mind—I will remain watchful. I will remain skeptical.

I have this feeling that my ever-practical, yet kind, grandparents would raise an eyebrow at this modern goal of always making everyone feel good, at all costs. In the long run, I’m predicting another pendulum swing from hard to soft, from resolve to feeling, to back again. We’re skidding from one ditch, to the other, rather than holding steady in the middle of the road.

Always, we do this at the expense of the horse.

Can traditional teaching can be both kinder to horses and to their people? Yes. We don’t need to continue browbeating individuals, just to get our point across. There is no benchmark of suffering that makes my learning any more valuable than yours.

Here, then, is the warning. We are in danger of replacing skills with concepts.

Replacing old standards of competence with new theories is in no way guaranteed to keep us safe. Neither we, nor our horses, will ever learn how to do an applied task, a real-life job, without actually stepping out, learning and then, doing it.

When we are riding and faced with uncontrolled pressures and ordinary risks—working cows, seeing wildlife, added speed or stress, other horses and riders, changing weather, or as many of us have done this summer with impending disaster, such as fire or rising water—we do not want to ask our horses a big question and find out they do not have our backs. l, for one, need to know that if and when we’re under extreme pressure, my horse will say yes, no matter what.

I feel as though I’m an island in thinking, let alone voicing, these thoughts.

Brooke’s clinic is this Friday-Sunday! Come join us…it is free to audit! We have a few rider spots available if you are ...
10/16/2023

Brooke’s clinic is this Friday-Sunday! Come join us…it is free to audit! We have a few rider spots available if you are interested. See you soon!

Thank you Tennessee Stock Horse Association for another great show where we made more improvements with our horses. I’ve...
07/31/2023

Thank you Tennessee Stock Horse Association for another great show where we made more improvements with our horses. I’ve got a list of things I’ll be working on and can’t wait to put it to the test for the October show. 🥰

A big thank you to my sister Shannon Byberg for putting her professional grooming skills to work. This was the easiest show yet because of all of your help. 🙌🙌🙌

Thank you Rachael King Mullins for keeping us all on time and prepared. We love you girl and I couldn’t do this (and maintain a healthy mother daughter relationship) without you. 🤪

I am so pleased to announce that Brooke Tatrow Horsemanship will be coming in October!
06/29/2023

I am so pleased to announce that Brooke Tatrow Horsemanship will be coming in October!

On this Memorial Day lets remember that…Freedom is only one generation away from extinction. -Ronald Reagon Pictured her...
05/29/2023

On this Memorial Day lets remember that…Freedom is only one generation away from extinction. -Ronald Reagon

Pictured here is my Grandpa who we lovingly called Poppy. I am grateful for his service and to all who have fought for our beautiful country that I am so lucky to live in. 🇺🇸

If anyone needs a good read to remind them of the freedoms we have and need to hold on to please read…While Time Remains by Yeonmi Park.

Scroll down for some photos of my morning walk, I couldn’t resist turning Hudson and Winnie into tourists posing in all the popular spots on 12th ave south, aren’t they adorable🥰

Another wonderful day spent horseback! I’m grateful for all the wonderful friends and horses in my life. You all mean so...
05/29/2023

Another wonderful day spent horseback! I’m grateful for all the wonderful friends and horses in my life. You all mean so much to me and today was full of break throughs that only come to you when you pour your heart and soul into a passion that you love.

Cassy said it well today when she remembered a famous quote…Don’t let “perfect” be the enemy of “good”. Consider how perfectionism impacts your relationship with your horse. The need to have it “perfect” will often annoy, and in extreme cases, drive them away. For their sake — and yours — learn to be satisfied with good enough. We had a good visit about adjusting your approach when helping a horse that was feeling lost. Its pretty neat how quick you can become the solution to their problems instead of the cause of their stress and trouble.

No rider can relax if they don’t have the tools, timing and awareness to support the nervous horse when they need it most. Empowering riders to feel they can solve a problem instead of avoid it is just one of the coolest parts of my job.

05/08/2023

“It is often the small steps, not the giant leaps, that bring about the most lasting change” - HRM Queen Elizabeth II

Take a listen to Joe McDonald and Ben Cunningham interview Melanie! Enjoy a wonderful  conversation with a great mentor ...
04/04/2023

Take a listen to Joe McDonald and Ben Cunningham interview Melanie! Enjoy a wonderful conversation with a great mentor of mine🥰

Melanie recently did a interview with Ben Cunningham and Joe McDonald on their podcast On The Move. Joe and Ben are followers of Buck Brannaman horsemanship and enjoy having casual conversations with people in the horse industry. You can listen to them on Apple Podcast or Spotify! 🐎

02/23/2023

Stanley got his first ride in tonight with Riv and boy did it look fun!!! I think it’s safe to say she is madly in love with him🥰🙌
On the way to the barn Riv said how she can’t believe that she got her dream horse! I’m so happy for her! It makes me happy to watch her chase her dreams and I’m so grateful she has this passion.

Riv totally annoyed with me taking her photo😂🥰
02/19/2023

Riv totally annoyed with me taking her photo😂🥰

To my family…thanks for tolerating me all these years😬😳🤷‍♀️
10/23/2022

To my family…thanks for tolerating me all these years😬😳🤷‍♀️

😅 too true

10/13/2022

This will be a great sale! Make sure you are there early for all the great deals! Got to much stuff? Clean out the barn and get cash right before the holidays!

Loping circles around round bales…such a great way to start the week🥰
10/10/2022

Loping circles around round bales…such a great way to start the week🥰

Thanks for snapping some photos today Riv😘
10/01/2022

Thanks for snapping some photos today Riv😘

A few photos from this beautiful day🥰
09/23/2022

A few photos from this beautiful day🥰

Thank you to  and  for a great 3 day clinic in Omaha, Nb!!! We covered groundwork, flat work, pole work and many gymnast...
09/12/2022

Thank you to and for a great 3 day clinic in Omaha, Nb!!! We covered groundwork, flat work, pole work and many gymnastic exercises to improve each horse and rider. We had dressage, western and jumper riders who all worked toward a common theme…better balance, position, feel and timing. What a wonderful group of horsewomen and horsemen (Brent) that I hope to see again. I also finally met Missy and a few of her students which was a special treat.
These riders and their horses were top notch and I appreciate their love for their horses, desired discipline and passion for continued education. Thank you!

Get ready for a lot of puppy spam…welcome to the family Winnie!!!! Happy Birthday Dave and Riv❤️🎉
07/16/2022

Get ready for a lot of puppy spam…welcome to the family Winnie!!!! Happy Birthday Dave and Riv❤️🎉

I think that was the hottest week of my life horseback! So much can still be accomplished just moving slow and steady, g...
07/09/2022

I think that was the hottest week of my life horseback! So much can still be accomplished just moving slow and steady, getting up early, drinking more water than ever, and thanking god everyday for the cover of this amazing arena!
All of the horses and riders are making progress and keeping the joy in their work even if we are all melting🥵

To my fellow horsemen of the world this is your PSA  that you do not need ear plugs to ride your horse. We spend a lot o...
07/09/2022

To my fellow horsemen of the world this is your PSA that you do not need ear plugs to ride your horse.

We spend a lot of time complaining when our horse isn’t sensitive enough, then we complain when they are too sensitive. There is a happy place in the middle where we don’t take from our horse and our horse doesn’t take from us. When you find the middle ground they will give you their all.

I don’t dislike you if you use them I just want a better world for the horse where we stop taking senses away from them. I will go to the grave advocating for the horse and helping each rider understand the secret to success is in your seat, legs, hands, heart and mind.

Let the horse have all of their senses available to them, let them be sensitive but educated so they can be their best. I say this all for the love of the horse. 🥰

06/01/2022

Please join me this Thursday June 2nd for the last group lesson at the Kings. Details to come at a later date for new and exciting group lesson opportunities.
A special thank you to Jeff and Sheila King for 5 years of group lessons at your place. I am beyond grateful for the beautiful condition you always kept the ring in. We will all miss your beautiful farm but wish you all well on your new adventures!!!🥰

Thank you Wildwood Horsemanship for having me back! I always enjoy my time there and love to see all the improvements th...
05/21/2022

Thank you Wildwood Horsemanship for having me back! I always enjoy my time there and love to see all the improvements the Wildwood team makes in the horses from month to month. It is a joy to be able to work on new things each time because the horses are ready for more🥰

Thank you .alicia for all your help this week and having our horses go so beautifully! 🤩🐴🐎 Alicia Byberg-Landman

Heading home after a great 4 days in Omaha teaching alongside Melanie Smith Taylor at the Omaha International horse show...
05/09/2022

Heading home after a great 4 days in Omaha teaching alongside Melanie Smith Taylor at the Omaha International horse show. We had the most wonderful group of horses and riders! They asked the best questions and stayed so engaged. I hope they all continue to reap the benefits from all that we covered. Looking forward to doing it again next year!

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