Inside Track Training, LLC

03/26/2025

So true!! 🥰🥰🥰

03/24/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/1DX7PhbJQ2/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Planning for success in dressage requires dedication, strategy, and a mindset focused on continuous improvement. Here’s how you can set yourself up for success:

1. Set Clear Goals
Define both short-term and long-term goals. Whether it’s mastering a specific movement, improving your scores, or competing at a higher level, having clear objectives gives you direction.

2. Create a Structured Training Plan
Develop a training schedule that balances flatwork, strength-building exercises, and mental preparation. Work on the fundamentals consistently—rhythm, suppleness, connection, impulsion, straightness, and collection.

3. Train with Purpose
Each ride should have a focus. Whether it's refining transitions, improving contact, or increasing collection, enter each session with a specific intention. Keep a journal to track progress.

4. Strengthen the Partnership with Your Horse
Dressage is about harmony. Invest time in groundwork, relaxation techniques, and ensuring your horse is physically and mentally prepared. A happy, healthy horse performs better.

5. Get Professional Guidance
Work with a knowledgeable trainer who can provide feedback and help refine your technique. Clinics, online resources, and video reviews can also supplement your learning.

6. Prioritize Fitness – Yours and Your Horse’s
Dressage demands athleticism from both rider and horse. Engage in strength training, flexibility exercises, and cardio to improve balance, stamina, and coordination.

7. Mental Toughness and Mindset
Success in dressage isn’t just physical—it’s mental. Visualize your tests, practice mindfulness, and develop a positive, resilient mindset. Embrace setbacks as learning opportunities.

8. Prepare for Competition Smartly
Know your tests inside out. Ride through movements in sections to polish weaknesses. Simulate competition environments at home to reduce show-day nerves.

9. Rest and Recovery
Training hard is important, but so is allowing your horse (and yourself) time to rest and recover. Proper rest prevents injuries and promotes long-term success.

10. Stay Inspired
Watch other riders, read dressage books, and remind yourself why you love the sport. Passion and persistence are the ultimate keys to success.

Stay patient, trust the process, and celebrate progress along the way. Success in dressage isn’t about perfection—it’s about continual improvement. Keep pushing forward!

03/23/2025

I may not ride Western but I have to say I absolutely love this class! I know Ranch and Western Pleasure are different, but I’m so happy to see how this allows the horse to move more free and natural under saddle and not slow, heavy and stilted.

03/21/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18uS246b1B/?mibextid=wwXIfr

If Sarah carries 5 flakes of hay while wearing 2 jackets and a turtleneck, what percentage will end up in her bra? What if it’s “the good bra you don’t wear to the barn but did today”?

Sharon put an ad out for an OTTB who needs an experienced rider. How many inquiries per day to ask if the horse is “beginner safe”?

Cath needs to "quickly" check her horses before work. If she's in her work uniform, what are the chances they've busted through the electric tape and are in the hay paddock requiring her to walk through the boggy gully in her navy blue work pants and trainers? Part b - what is the likelihood of the same breakout happening on a day she has her gumboots in the car?
🤣🐴😂


Suzan has a show on Saturday. How many shoes does her horse lose Friday night?

Mary is running late for her lesson.
Did her horse...
A.) roll in the mud.
B.) go swimming in the pond.
C.) lose one or more shoes

Sarah decides she finally saved enough for a second horse. From the moment she speaks this out loud, how long will it take for her current horse to have a medical emergency costing every bit of said saved $??

Jolene has a 9:00 AM doctors appointment and it is sleeting outside and windy. There are 2 Paints, 1 Haflinger, 2 mules and a half-Arab in the pasture. Which one will colic and which one will get out of the fence?

The outstanding balance has been paid off at the vet clinic. How many hours until Joe has to call the vet for an emergency?

If Suzy is looking forward to show season and her horse is feeling confident and prepared, how much will the vet bill be for the pasture accident that puts him out of commission til next season??

If Amanda buys a custom saddle for her show horse, how long before that horse sustains a career ending injury?

Karen puts a sale ad up for a mid-5 figure horse. How many people will ask about price ($45k - low side of mid 5) and then say its “way out of my budget”?

If Christina posts a funny meme about vets and such, how long before her horse injures himself?
Answer: about 8 hours 🤦‍♀️ 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️

I can’t take credit for all of these, but they sure did have me rolling this morning!

03/19/2025

03/17/2025

Horses can be trained to carry the bit comfortably in the correct location without the aid of a noseband by a rider with steady, light, Following Hands. This is simple to explain but challenging to reach the careful contact with the mouth that does not interfere with the horse's balance and movement as you follow the movement of their head with the reins.

To teach a horse correct bit placement a rider keeps the bit where it belongs with their use of the reins, seat and legs. When the horse stretches their head and neck forward, as shown in the two lower pictures, the rider follows that stretch motion with the reins. (lower right image is Rodney Jenkins)

If the horse brings the head backward and arches their neck to evade the bit, the rider uses their seat and legs to push the horse forward into a position where the head and neck are correctly balanced, and the bit is moved into the correct position. During this push forward from behind the bit, the rider follows the horse's head forward with their hands.

This training requires constant awareness of and feel for what the horse is doing with their forehand at all times. The rider must always be following the natural extension of the neck and head with their hands. We do this because horses use the head and neck as a primary means of maintaining their balance and we must not disturb their balancing process. We must follow it and adjust to it.

We learn Following Hands by first learning passive contact, pictured at the top, where you hold a set of reins while someone else holds the other end of the reins. You let your arms go limp while you hold onto the reins with your hands. The other person moves your hands and arms by moving the reins while you passively hold them. There is a video of this exercise on my YouTube channel

If we consistently and correctly use Following Hands when training a horse, eventually the horse will become acclimated to the correct bit position because we have made it the most comfortable position. We will have shown them, not forced them, how to discover the optimal bit placement with our light hands. And we have not tried to solve this challenge of correct bit location with an unnecessary piece of equipment like a noseband.

Check out my new YouTube channel - www.youtube.com/

03/16/2025

If you have a horse you are called to be horseman. Yet many make excuses for not stepping up…

Everyone wants the companionship, the partnership, the abilities, the feeling, the freedom... that comes with being a horseman.

But horsemanship isn’t a feeling. It’s a responsibility.

A responsibility to put the horse’s needs first. To show up, every day, with the discipline to improve yourself so you can be better for your horse. To lead with clarity. To do what’s right and needed, not just what feels good.

Most people ‘just’ want to have fun with their horse doing what they enjoy. Most don’t want that kind of responsibility. Yet when you have horses, it is your responsibility regardless if you want to or not.

And I do believe horses are here for us to enjoy, yet the fact is, with horses and in life the way we get to enjoy things we want and desire is by first serving others.

Those who actually step up and take responsibility for the role they have taken on… Those are the real horsemen.

As a horseman…
1. The needs of the horse comes first. Always.

Not your wants, desires, goals, or timeline. Not what makes you feel comfortable or cozy. The horse’s needs dictate what needs to be done. You serve the horse first, and when you do the results, your goals, your dreams are able to follow in abundance and quality.

2. You fix yourself before you try to fix the horse.

The horse is NOT a mirror to your soul. Your horse responds to who you are- physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. If there’s a problem, the first place you look is within yourself and then to your horse.

3. You don’t avoid challenges—you welcome them.

Growth and comfort dont live in the same arena or barn. Growth only happens when there’s pressure, challenges, and sometimes even struggle. That doesn’t mean we go out creating more trouble- absolutely not- yet when it arises in the learning process a real horseman does not shy away those challenges with their horse. Instead, they guide them through it building deeper partnerships and skills.

4. Your emotions don’t run the show.

Your horse doesn’t need your frustration. They don’t need your fear, your self-doubt, or your ego. They need leadership. They need presence, clarity, vision, patience, consistency. You stay present on your horses needs and you feel whatever you need to feel after the session.

5. Pressure is not the enemy. Confusion is.

Pressure is part of learning. Nothing creates a more frustrated horse than a human driven by emotion with a lack of decisiveness, consistency and awareness of the horse. A horseman knows it’s not the amount of pressure but rather the timing and significance of the release that makes the biggest difference.

6. Boundaries create confidence.

A horse that knows the boundaries are consistent and supportive feels safe and can fully submit. Leadership means serving them, giving them structure, clarity, and trust.

7. You let the horse think.

Micromanaging creates robotic, neurotic and anxious horses. You present the question, give them the time and ability to make their own decision, let them figure it out then guide and support them as necessary.

8. You learn from every horse.

A true horseman never stops being a student. Every horse has something to teach you—if you’re humble enough to listen. When the student is ready, the teacher appears.

9. The goal is not short term gratification. The goal is setting that horse up for a lifetime of success.

What we do with our horse develops their skills. How we do it develops the partnership. A horse that is forced to perform is not the same as a horse that chooses to.

10. You reflect, you refine, you return.

After every ride, you analyze what worked, what didn’t, and how to improve. You don’t just do more, you do better.

11. You lead by example.

You don’t demand respect, you earn it. You don’t just teach the horse discipline, you live it. Your horse is always responding to who you are. The question is: are you someone worth following?

We are all called to be horsemen but many will never step up because they are too focused on themselves. For those who choose this path to do what is best for the horse, there is no deeper reward.

The world needs more real horsemen.

The world needs more real leaders.

“Hard times create strong men, strong men create good times, good times create weak men, and weak men create hard times.”

The same goes for our horses.

-Colton Woods

03/07/2025

Spot on!!! 🤣🤣🤣

03/06/2025

Our industry needs to remember that the majority of riders are not wealthy, not seeking to compete in the Olympics, and don’t want to be priced out of the love they have for horses. Yes, horses are expensive, I get that, but I worry that the elite are pushing many excellent horse people and wonderful horses out of the big picture.

The Downfall of the Professional Horse Barn: What It Means for the Future of Horse Sports
By S.S. Johnson
The equestrian world is changing, and not for the better. In just six hours today, I witnessed the closure of five professional barns—facilities that once provided training, boarding, and lessons to riders of all levels. These were not fly-by-night operations; they were established barns, both English and Western, that had spent years building programs and serving their communities. Yet, despite their fighting dedication, they couldn’t survive the growing storm of economic hardship, difficult clients, rising costs, and overwhelming stress of it all.
This pattern isn’t new, but its acceleration is alarming. The barns that are disappearing aren’t just businesses—they’re the foundation of equestrian sports, responsible for shaping the next generation of riders and horse owners. Their loss isn’t just a blow to individual communities; it’s a looming crisis for the future of the horse industry.
Why Are Professional Barns Closing?
While every barn’s situation is unique, common themes emerge when we examine why so many are shutting down.
1. Financial Strain
Horse care has always been expensive, but today’s costs are reaching unsustainable levels. Hay, grain, bedding, farrier care, vet bills—everything has increased in price, yet lesson and boarding rates haven’t kept pace. Many barns are reluctant to raise prices too high for fear of losing their already dwindling clientele.
On the other hand, many horse owners and lesson riders are tightening their wallets, cutting back on non-essential spending. Unfortunately, for many, that means fewer lessons, delayed training, and skipping out on premium care. With barns unable to charge what they need and clients unwilling (or unable) to pay more, the financial gap is crushing small and mid-sized operations.
2. Poor or Non-Existent Clients
The equestrian world has always had its share of difficult clients, but in today’s economy, barns are dealing with a mix of entitlement, unrealistic expectations, and a general lack of commitment from many riders and boarders.
• Some clients expect premium care for bottom-dollar prices. They demand full-service boarding with quality hay, top-tier footing, and expert management—while paying rates that barely cover basic care.
• Lesson clients frequently cancel last-minute, show up late, or simply stop coming, often without notice. These no-shows cost barns money in lost income and wasted trainer time.
• Many horse owners no longer invest in training or education, leading to poorly handled, unsafe horses that barns are then expected to accommodate.
A barn can’t survive without reliable, respectful clients, and too many have found themselves dealing with the opposite.
3. High Stress and Burnout
The romanticized image of running a barn rarely matches reality. Long hours, physical exhaustion, and emotional tolls are standard. Many professionals in the industry are walking away simply because they can’t take it anymore.
• Barn owners and trainers often work 12- to 16-hour days, seven days a week, with little to no time off.
• Dealing with demanding clients, difficult horses, and non-stop financial pressures takes a serious mental toll.
• With rising costs and shrinking margins, many are questioning if it’s even worth it anymore.
There comes a point where passion isn’t enough to outweigh exhaustion and stress. More and more professionals are choosing to leave before they reach total burnout.
4. Location and Land Issues
Many equestrian businesses are finding themselves squeezed out of their areas due to urban expansion and shifting demographics.
• Land prices and property taxes are skyrocketing, making it nearly impossible for smaller barns to afford staying in business.
• As suburban sprawl pushes further into once-rural areas, neighbors who don’t understand horses are quick to file noise complaints, object to the smell, or push for zoning changes that make it harder to operate a barn.
• Fewer people have easy access to riding facilities, making it harder to attract new students or boarders.
Without land, there are no barns, and with each closure, the available space for horse sports shrinks further.
The Bigger Picture: What This Means for Horse Sports
The barns that are shutting down aren’t just random businesses—they’re the backbone of equestrian sports. These are the lesson barns, the mid-level training facilities, the family-friendly operations that introduce new riders to the horse world.
The problem? These riders are the future.
1. Losing the Next Generation of Equestrians
Upper-level barns cater to a specific type of rider: the elite, well-funded competitor. But not everyone starts out there. Most riders begin in small, affordable programs before progressing to higher levels. When those programs disappear, so does the opportunity for new riders to enter the sport.
Without beginner and mid-level training barns, fewer people will learn to ride. Fewer will move on to become serious competitors. And, eventually, the entire industry will feel the effects.
2. Decline in Horse Ownership
Owning a horse isn’t something most people do on a whim. They start with lessons, lease a horse, then make the jump to ownership. If lesson barns and mid-tier training facilities disappear, fewer people will take that first step, leading to fewer horse owners overall.
A decline in horse ownership means a decline in demand for everything that supports the industry—farriers, veterinarians, tack and feed suppliers, show organizations, and more.
3. The Sport Becomes Even More Elitist
Equestrian sports already suffer from an image of being exclusive and unaffordable. If only high-end barns survive, that image becomes reality. Riding will shift even further toward being a luxury activity for the wealthy, shutting out those without deep pockets.
Without accessible lesson programs and training facilities, the gap between those who can afford the sport and those who can’t will grow wider. And eventually, fewer people will care about preserving or supporting equestrian activities at all.
Where Do We Go from Here?
The future of horse sports depends on finding ways to support small and mid-sized barns before they disappear entirely. Some possible solutions include:
• Adjusting pricing to reflect actual costs – Barn owners need to charge what their services are truly worth, even if it means losing some clients.
• Reworking business models – Offering memberships, partial leases, or other structured payment plans can create more predictable income streams.
• Educating clients – Riders and horse owners need to understand what goes into keeping a barn running. Transparency about costs and expectations can help filter out problematic clients.
• Finding community support – Creating local riding clubs, hosting educational events, and partnering with organizations that promote equestrian access can help keep barns alive.
• Advocating for equestrian spaces – If we want horse sports to survive, we need to fight for zoning protections, affordable land access, and public awareness.
The loss of lesson and boarding barns is not just an industry issue—it’s an existential threat to the future of equestrian sports. If we don’t find ways to support these businesses, the ripple effects will be felt for generations.
For now, though, we watch as more barns close their doors, leaving behind empty arenas, unused stalls, and a sport that is quietly shrinking from the ground up.

03/03/2025

The barn is like stepping into a portal.

For awhile, time doesn’t exist.

To do lists don’t exist.

Neither do medical bills, interest rates, insurance, taxes, or inflation.

At the barn, we can dream, and anything is possible.

On the back of a horse, my soul is set free.

And I’m still trying to figure out how to hold on to that feeling in the darker areas of my life.

When I walk back into reality and everything comes flooding back in unsympathetically.

I don’t think most people realize how important horses actually are.

How deeply it’s written into my being.

A horse is not a luxury item.

A horse is a bridge to healing and truth.

📸: 5MW Photography

03/02/2025

🍃 The strongest thing you can offer your horse is softness. Softness of hand. Softness of heart. Softness of presence. Horses react to force, they don't follow it. What they follow is trust.

So many of us were taught that to gain respect, we have to be "in charge"—to make the horse listen, to establish dominance, to always be in control. But true leadership in horsemanship isn’t about control at all. It’s about trust. And trust is built through softness.

👉🏻 Softness doesn’t mean weakness.👈🏻 It means clarity. It means communication. It means recognizing the moments where less is more.

A horse who is met with force will brace. A horse who braces will develop their mind and body in a way that is not conducive to a happy life with humans. A horse who is met with patience will soften. A horse who softens will learn that what you ask of them helps them feel ✨better.✨

When you step into the barn today, ask yourself—am I using more pressure than I need? Am I listening as much as I’m asking? Am I giving my horse the space to trust me, or am I trying to make them do what I want? To follow my agenda? To appease my ego?

Because in the end, the softest thing always wins. 💛🐴

03/02/2025

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