M4X Horsemanship & Training

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M4X Horsemanship & Training

M4X Horsemanship & Training Saddle up with M4X Horsemanship and Training! Offering quality horse training and riding lessons. Follow us for tips, fun updates, and our adventures!

02/06/2025

One of my favorite skills to teach horses is ground tying—it’s not just about standing still but about developing patience, trust, and a thinking mindset.
Jesse, a clients horse in training, has been working on relaxing more into arena work and learning to think through situations rather than just reacting. Since she’s started engaging her brain more, her ground tying has improved tremendously! Instead of fidgeting or getting anxious, she now plants her feet and waits, understanding that she doesn’t need to move unless asked.
This skill is so valuable beyond the arena—whether you’re saddling, grooming, or just needing your horse to stay put safely. Ground tying isn’t about forcing stillness; it’s about teaching a horse to choose stillness because they trust the process 🤍
Can your horse ground tie? I’d love to see it! Post a picture in the comments 🤍

02/03/2025

If anyone needs a barefoot trimmer - I highly recommend Toni! She’s fantastic!

02/03/2025

Another winter work day ahead, and the girls are all tied up and ready to go! Amarillo, Buttercup, and Moo are patiently waiting while we get things rolling. Just another day of winter chores with the best company! ❄️🐴

01/30/2025

✨ Building the Foundation for Success ✨
Groundwork isn’t just about teaching horses—it’s about building trust, communication, and respect between horse and rider. In our group lesson setting, we love seeing our students working together, practicing essential skills side by side! 🐴💪
These two are doing an excellent job mastering timing, feel, and focus while keeping their horses engaged and connected. Groundwork lays the foundation for everything we do in the saddle, and it’s so rewarding to watch their hard work pay off!
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, groundwork is a key piece of the puzzle in creating a confident partnership with your horse. 💕

01/28/2025

The Benefits of Liberty Work
Liberty work is a great way to develop better communication and responsiveness with your horse. Without the use of ropes or halters, it challenges both horse and handler to focus on subtle cues and body language. It’s not only a fun way to work together, but it also builds skills that carry over into other areas of training.
In this video, Kai and I started working along the rail, but I sent her further out to give us some space. She settled into our circle quickly and responded to my body language when I asked her to disengage her hindquarters and face up with me. After a little break for some pets, I asked her to travel off in the other direction. Although she got distracted for a moment, when I tested her focus by backing away from her, asking her to face up with me, she tuned right back in.
We ended the session walking back toward the camera. Even when her attention wandered slightly, she didn’t let me get too far away before catching back up. Moments like these show how liberty work can improve communication and reinforce trust, even in more challenging or unpredictable situations.
Whether you’re refining your cues or just exploring a new way to train, liberty work is a valuable tool for any horse and rider. Have you tried it before? I’d love to hear about your experiences!

01/25/2025

Meet Jesse! 🐴
This lovely mare joined my training program at the beginning of January, and I’m so excited to share her journey with you all!
Jesse’s owner is getting ready to welcome her first baby (congratulations!) and has entrusted me with getting Jesse tuned up and ready for the upcoming rodeo season. Alongside her preparation, we’re working on:
✨ Building her confidence and reducing spookiness
✨ Improving her ability to stop by teaching her to shift her weight back and use her hind end effectively
✨ Developing hind-end engagement to increase power, balance, and collection in her movements
✨ Improving cadence and rhythm for smoother gaits
✨ Refining her cues for better communication and responsiveness
✨ Strengthening her topline muscles to improve balance, posture, and overall performance
✨ Enhancing her focus and relaxation during work to ensure a calm, consistent mindset
Jesse has been such a pleasure to work with so far—she’s eager to learn and making great strides already. Stay tuned to see her progress as we work toward these goals together!

01/24/2025

Winter Riding Tips: The Importance of Warm-Up, Cool-Down, and Exercise Lengths
Winter riding can be a rewarding time to bond with your horse, but colder temperatures bring added considerations to keep them healthy and comfortable. Here are a few tips to ensure your horse’s exercise routine is winter-appropriate:
1️⃣ Take Your Time Warming Up
In cold weather, your horse’s muscles, tendons, and joints need extra time to loosen up. Start with a longer walk (10–15 minutes) to promote circulation and gradually ease into more strenuous work. Incorporate bending exercises or transitions to encourage flexibility without overloading cold muscles.
2️⃣ Know When to Call It Good
Horses don’t need hours of exercise in winter to stay fit. Aim for quality over quantity. Depending on your horse’s fitness and workload, 30–45 minutes of work is often sufficient. Be mindful of deep snow or frozen ground—it can strain tendons or joints if overdone.
3️⃣ Cooling Down is Critical
Never skip a proper cool-down. Allow your horse to walk until their breathing and body temperature return to normal, which can take 10–20 minutes depending on the workout. Use a cooler or exercise sheet to wick away sweat while preventing them from getting chilled.
4️⃣ Adjust for the Weather
On especially cold or windy days, consider limiting intense exercise and focus on groundwork, light riding, or mental work.
Remember, winter is a great time to build your partnership and focus on foundational skills—while keeping your horse’s well-being a top priority!
What’s your favorite way to keep your winter riding sessions fun and productive? Share your thoughts below!

01/22/2025

01/19/2025

🌟 Let’s Talk About Rolling! 🌟
If you’ve spent time around horses, you’ve probably seen them roll—and let’s be honest, it’s usually adorable (or slightly frustrating when they’re covered in mud right after a grooming session!). But do you know when rolling is just part of their day and when it might be a sign something’s wrong?
✅ When Rolling is No Big Deal:
• After a workout: Rolling can help your horse relax and loosen up after moving their muscles.
• In the pasture: It’s how they scratch an itch, groom themselves, and even keep the bugs at bay with a good coat of dirt.
• After a bath: Because clearly, they can’t stay clean for five minutes!
🚩 When Rolling Could Be a Problem:
• Frequent or frantic rolling: If your horse keeps getting up and down or rolls in a way that seems uncomfortable, it could be a sign of colic.
• Rolling somewhere unusual: Horses usually have favorite rolling spots—soft dirt or grass where they feel comfortable. If they start avoiding those spots, it could mean they’re sore, stiff, or trying to protect an injury.
• Other signs of distress: Things like pawing, lying down too much, or sweating without exercise can point to something more serious.
💡 What to Do if You’re Worried:
If you notice anything unusual, keep an eye on them and check for other symptoms. Trust your gut—if something feels off, don’t hesitate to call your vet. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!
Rolling is one of those things that can make us laugh and worry all at once. Do you have a funny rolling story or a favorite muddy-horse photo? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to see it! ❤️

01/18/2025

🐴 Farrier Etiquette: Helping the Process Go Smoothly 🐴
As horse owners, we want to create an environment that allows our farriers to work effectively and safely. Here are some key reminders for ensuring a positive experience for everyone involved:
Stand in the Right Spot: When your farrier is working on the horse's front feet, stand on the opposite side of the horse from the farrier. For the hind feet, stand on the same side as the farrier. Always remain by the horse's head to help maintain control and ensure safety during the session.
Be Present and Attentive: Keep your attention on the farrier and your horse. Avoid distractions like being on your phone.
Prevent Nipping & Wandering: Make sure your horse isn’t trying to nip or wander while the farrier is working. This could cause a dangerous situation for the farrier or your horse.
Prepare the Horse's Feet: If your horse’s feet are muddy, give them a quick wash before the farrier arrives. Also, if your horse happens to relieve themselves during the session, clean up any manure so they don’t step in it.
Provide Proper Coverage & Lighting: Ensure your farrier has good lighting and shelter from the elements if needed. A dry, well-lit area makes their job easier and safer.
Ensure Comfort: If you know your horse has soft feet, make sure they stand on a rubber mat or soft ground while shoes are being replaced. This helps the process go smoothly and keeps your horse comfortable.
Communicate Any Issues: If your horse has any recent injuries or behavioral concerns, inform your farrier beforehand so they can adjust their approach.
Timing Matters: Arrive early to ensure ample time to catch your horse, prepare, and get ready for the farrier.
A calm, focused horse and an attentive owner make a farrier’s job smoother. Let’s all work together to make hoof care a safe, positive experience for everyone involved!
Looking at this setup, what do you think a farrier would need to make this session more successful?

01/16/2025

CUTE POST! This is Amarillo as a baby, and isn’t she just the SWEETEST? 🥹 From day one, she’s been full of curiosity, sweetness, and that in-your-pocket charm we all adore. Seeing this photo makes me wonder about her adventures as a foal—it’s always fun to imagine the stories behind those early days!
Do you ever wonder what your horses were like as babies? Or, better yet, do you have pictures of them as foals? If so, share them in the comments! Let’s brighten up the day with some adorable baby horse moments. ❤️
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01/14/2025

Horse Nutrition 101: Do’s and Don’ts 🐴
When it comes to keeping your horse happy and healthy, nutrition plays a HUGE role! Here are some quick tips to help you create a balanced diet for your equine partner:
✅ DO:
✅ Feed by weight, not volume. Hay and grain should be measured by weight, as flakes and scoops can vary significantly.
✅ Provide high-quality forage. A horse’s diet should consist of at least 1.5-2% of their body weight in good-quality hay or pasture daily.
✅ Offer fresh, clean water. Horses can drink up to 10-15 gallons a day, so make sure they always have access to fresh water.
✅ Use feed specific to their needs. Whether they’re a senior, performance athlete, or an easy keeper, tailor their diet to their lifestyle.
✅ Salt and minerals are essential. Always have a salt block or loose minerals available to ensure they’re getting enough electrolytes.
🚫 DON’T:
🚫 Feed all at once. Horses are grazers by nature, so their digestive systems do best with small, frequent meals.
🚫 Overdo the grain. Too much grain can lead to colic, laminitis, or other health issues. Focus on forage first!
🚫 Forget to check for mold or dust. Poor-quality feed can harm your horse’s health, so inspect hay and grain regularly.
🚫 Make sudden changes. Always transition feed gradually over 7-10 days to avoid upsetting their digestive system.
💡 Every horse is unique, so finding the right balance takes time, observation, and sometimes a bit of trial and error. Remember: a well-fed horse is a happy horse!
Got questions about your horse’s nutrition or feeding routine? Drop them in the comments—I’d love to help!

01/04/2025

🌟Setting Attainable Goals for You and Your Horse 🌟
Every rider and horse pair is unique, which means the goals you set for your partnership should be tailored to both of you! Whether you’re working toward mastering a specific maneuver, improving communication, or competing, it’s important to remember that goals should be realistic, achievable, and aligned with your horse’s ability and your personal progress.
Here are a few tips to help you set goals that work for you and your horse:
1. Start Small: Don’t feel like you need to aim for perfection right away! Break down big goals into smaller, more manageable steps.
2. Know Your Horse: Each horse is different, so focus on what will build a solid foundation and play to their strengths. Be patient with areas they might need extra help.
3. Set Clear Milestones: Progress is measured in steps, not leaps! Create markers along the way to celebrate progress, no matter how small.
4. Personalize Your Approach: Your goals and timeline should reflect your current abilities and what feels right for both you and your horse.
Remember, it’s not about comparing yourself to others. It’s about growing together as a team. 🎯💪
If you’re looking for guidance on how to set meaningful goals or need help figuring out the next step in your horsemanship journey, I’m here to help!

01/01/2025

✨ Looking Ahead to 2025 ✨
As we prepare to welcome a new year, it’s the perfect time to reflect, set goals, and make plans for the future. In horsemanship, just like in life, success comes from creating healthy, attainable goals and breaking them into manageable steps.
Whether you’re working toward improving your riding skills, building a stronger connection with your horse, or tackling new challenges in competition or training, remember that progress is built on consistency, patience, and celebrating the small wins along the way.
As we head into 2025, let’s focus on setting ourselves and our horses up for success—not by rushing through the process, but by embracing the journey. Here’s to a new year of growth, learning, and accomplishing great things, one step at a time!
What goals are you working on with your horse this year? Share them in the comments—I’d love to hear them and help you achieve them!

12/28/2024

Did you buy a horse for Christmas?
First of all, welcome to the horse community! Now, you might be thinking: “What do I do with this four-legged bundle of joy?” or “Did I just bite off more than I can chew?”
Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Let me help you connect with all the right people (farriers, vets, bodywork pros), set up lessons to build that amazing bond with your new horse, and make sure you’ve got all the know-how to care for your new best friend.
Welcome to the wild, wonderful world of horses! Let’s make sure you’re ready for this adventure!

12/27/2024

Then vs Now: Kai
When Kai first came to me, she needed some weight, a lot of TLC and was extremely reactive. She’s always been a sweetheart, just a very nervous one. She bonded to me quickly, and from there, we started building trust together. Fast forward to now, and Kai has turned into an absolute gem. She means well, though she’s still working on communicating her discomforts in a healthier way—it’s a process, but she’s getting there!
She’s come so far, now beefing up with some solid muscle definition, and I couldn’t be more proud of her progress. This summer, she’s gearing up for her first season in the competition world, with plans to hit barrel races and PSHA events.
She’s got heart, she’s got spirit, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us!

12/24/2024

As we wrap up another wonderful year, I just want to take a moment to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your support, trust, and encouragement mean the world to me, and I am so grateful to have such incredible clients and supporters on this journey.
Whether it’s been through training sessions, lessons, or simply following along and cheering me on, each of you has made this year so special. You’ve not only helped me grow as a professional but have also reminded me why I love what I do every single day.
Wishing you and your loved ones a holiday season filled with joy, warmth, and cherished memories. I can’t wait to see what we’ll accomplish together in the coming year!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! 🎅✨

12/22/2024

Why Horses?
Getting into horses isn’t for the faint of heart. Rain, snow, or shine—whether you’re feeling great or running on coffee and stubborn determination—these incredible animals rely on us every single day.
It’s hard work, no question about it. But along the way, they teach us resilience, responsibility, and the kind of grit you can’t buy. Whether it’s dragging yourself out to fill hay nets in the middle of a snowstorm (yes, I’ve been there!) or celebrating the perfect ride on a sunny day, every moment has its own kind of magic.
I count my lucky stars for these amazing creatures every single day—though if I’m being honest, I’ve had a few choice words for them while shivering in a snowbank with hay in my hair. But at the end of the day? Completely worth it.
What’s one thing horses have taught you? Let me know below (and bonus points if it involves snow shenanigans)!

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Videos

The Benefits of Liberty Work . Liberty work is a great way to develop better communication and responsiveness with your horse. Without the use of ropes or halters, it challenges both horse and handler to focus on subtle cues and body language. It’s not only a fun way to work together, but it also builds skills that carry over into other areas of training. . In this video, Kai and I started working along the rail, but I sent her further out to give us some space. She settled into our circle quickly and responded to my body language when I asked her to disengage her hindquarters and face up with me. After a little break for some pets, I asked her to travel off in the other direction. Although she got distracted for a moment, when I tested her focus by backing away from her, asking her to face up with me, she tuned right back in. . We ended the session walking back toward the camera. Even when her attention wandered slightly, she didn’t let me get too far away before catching back up. Moments like these show how liberty work can improve communication and reinforce trust, even in more challenging or unpredictable situations. . Whether you’re refining your cues or just exploring a new way to train, liberty work is a valuable tool for any horse and rider. Have you tried it before? I’d love to hear about your experiences! . . . . #m4xhorsemanshipandtraining #m4x #cleelumhorsetrainer #m4xhorsemanship #m4xtraining #cleelumhorsemanship #cleelumlocalhorsemanship #cleelumlocalbusiness #localbusiness #cleelumridinginstructor #ridinginstructor #positivehorsemanship #naturalhorsemanship #positivehorsetraining #horsemanship

Throwback to when Kai was tearing up the track! 🐎 In this video, you’ll spot the fiery orange #7 starting at the back of the pack. Watch as she goes wide, creeping up with determination and absolutely stealing the show to cross the finish line first! . Kai may have left the racetrack behind, but her heart and drive remain unmatched. This mare’s passion and grit inspire me every day, both in the saddle and on the ground. ❤️ What a journey she’s had, and I can’t wait to see where we go next together! . . . . . #m4xhorsemanshipandtraining #m4x #cleelumhorsetrainer #m4xhorsemanship #m4xtraining #cleelumhorsemanship #cleelumlocalhorsemanship #cleelumlocalbusiness #localbusiness #cleelumridinginstructor #ridinginstructor #ottb #ottbmare #ottbwestern #ottblove #thoroughbredhorse #thoroughbredmare #thoroughbredracing #thoroughbreds #thoroughbred

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