Monique Horsemanship

03/05/2025

03/05/2025

Clinics and shows and trails, oh my!

Hello wonderful clients!

With warmer weather just around the corner (I hope), show season is soon to follow. Don’t wait until summer to get you and your equine partner show ready! This year, I am offering full show support for any clients who are interested - for your convenience and my organization, please use this link ONLY to request show support: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1P4lfy1cJp65eqNZUU92iEfZFOJ2rEasN6iRAIZO8lUg/edit?pli=1&gid=0 =0

Please see below a list of shows I plan to attend and clinics I will be hosting throughout the next several months. Unless otherwise stated, all clinics and groups will be hosted at Lazy Sum B Bar Ranch, located at 520 County Road 31 Berthoud CO 80513.

If there is a show you are hoping to attend that isn’t on the list, let me know! I can’t wait to see you and your horses learn new skills, build confidence, and crush goals in an out of the show ring!

Obstacle Clinic - March 15, 2025 @ 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM ($225 with $50 deposit required upfront)
Trail Riding Group - March 20, 2025 @ 10:00 AM-12:00 PM ($160)
Trail Riding Group - March 27, 2025 @ 10:00 AM-12:00 PM ($160)
Holly Bergay & Monique Potts Clinic - April 5, 2025 @ 9:30 AM- 5:30 PM ($550 with $100 deposit)
Trail Riding Group - April 17, 2025 @ 10:00 AM-12:00 PM ($160)
CoWN Horse Show (The Ranch) - April 25, 2025 @ 7:00 AM ($200, additional costs detailed in show support form)
CoWN Horse Show (The Ranch) - April 26, 2025 @ 7:00 AM ($200, additional costs detailed in show support form)
CoWN Horse Show (The Ranch) - April 27, 2025 @ 7:00 AM ($200, additional costs detailed in show support form)
Dressage for the Cure (Colorado Horse Park) - May 2, 2025 @ 7:00 AM ($200, additional costs detailed in show support form)
Dressage for the Cure (Colorado Horse Park) - May 3, 2025 @ 7:00 AM ($200, additional costs detailed in show support form)
Dressage for the Cure (Colorado Horse Park) - May 4, 2025 @ 7:00 AM ($200, additional costs detailed in show support form)
Trail Riding Group - May 15, 2025 @ 10:00 AM-12:00 PM ($160)
Nighthawk Dressage Show (Nighthawk Equestrian Center) - May 24, 2025 @ 7:00 AM ($200, additional costs detailed in show support form)
Nighthawk Dressage Show (Nighthawk Equestrian Center) - May 25, 2025 @ 7:00 AM ($200, additional costs detailed in show support form)
Windswept Dressage Show (Windswept Farms) - June 4, 2025 @ 7:00 AM ($200, additional costs deatiled in show support form)
Rocky Mountain Dressage (Nighthawk Equestrian Center) - June 14, 2025 @ 7:00 AM ($200, additional costs detailed in show support form)
Rocky Mountain Dressage (Nighthawk Equestrian Center) - June 15, 2025 @ 7:00 AM ($200, additional costs detailed in show support form)
Trail Riding Group - June 19, 2025 @ 10:00 AM-12:00 PM ($160)
Midweek Nighthawk Dressage (Nighthawk Equestrian Center) - June 25, 2025 @ 7:00 AM ($200, additional costs detailed in show support form)
Rocky Mountain Dressage (Nighthawk Equestrian Center) - July 12, 2025 @ 7:00 AM ($200, additional costs detailed in show support form)
Rocky Mountain Dressage (Nighthawk Equestrian Center) - July 13, 2025 @ 7:00 AM ($200, additional costs detailed in show support form)
Midweek Nighthawk Dressage (Nighthawk Equestrian Center) - July 16, 2025 @ 7:00 AM ($200, additional costs detailed in show support form)
Trail Riding Group - July 17, 2025 @ 10:00 AM-12:00 PM ($160)
Midweek Nighthawk Dressage (Nighthawk Equestrian Center) - July 23, 2025 @ 7:00 AM ($200, additional costs detailed in show support form)
Windswept Dressage Show (Windswept Farms) - August 6, 2025 @ 7:00 AM ($200, additional costs detailed in show support form)
Trail Riding Group - August 21, 2025 @ 10:00 AM-12:00 PM ($160)
Trail Riding Group - September 18, 2025 @ 10:00 AM-12:00 PM ($160)
Trail Riding Group - October 16, 2025 @ 10:00 AM-12:00 PM ($160)
Trail Riding Group - November 20, 2025 @ 10:00 AM-12:00 PM ($160)
Trail Riding Group - December 18, 2025 @ 10:00 AM-12:00 PM ($160)

03/04/2025

Hey everyone! Here’s the new pattern we’ll have set up in preparation for the Cheyenne Slides Daze show. Feel free to book a lesson if you’d like to come ride through the course and get feedback. Let me know if you’d like to schedule a time!

03/04/2025

Hey everyone!

Show season is right around the corner, and as we all know, trailer loading can often be a challenge. If your barn is interested in hosting a trailering clinic, reach out for rates and available dates.

Our obstacle clinics cover many of the same key components that make trailer loading easier. Individual trailer loading sessions are $150, and I strongly recommend scheduling at least 3-5 regular sessions beforehand to set your horse up for success—so plan accordingly.

Emergency loading at shows (if we haven’t worked on it prior) will be a minimum charge of $250.

Let me know if you’re interested!

03/03/2025

🚨 CSU Ranch Horse Schooling Show Info 🚨

Hey everyone! I know some of you have shown interest in going to the show, so I wanted to get all the details out.

Schedule Update & CSU Show Announcement

My grandparents are treating us to a trip to visit them, so I won’t be able to take anyone to the CSU show on the 22nd. However, Austin will be stepping in to take everyone. The cost is $200—please Venmo him to hold your spot. He’ll have saddles and bridles with him.

I’ll also be holding multiple practice days for the courses and patterns leading up to the show. Let me know which days work best for you guys.

If you have any questions lmk.

This show offers walk-trot classes, and you’re also welcome to come just to school and get your horses out.

Here’s a quick rundown of the classes:
🐴 Ranch Riding – Pattern class
🐴 Ranch on the Rail – Group class
🐴 Ranch Trail – Pattern with obstacles
🐴 Ranch Pleasure – Signs indicate which gait to pick up as you pass

Let me know if you’re in or if you have any questions! 🏇✨

02/28/2025

🌟 Obstacle Course Clinic 🌟

Date: March 15th, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Price: $225 (Limited to 10 participants)

This hands-on clinic is perfect for building confidence while navigating “scary” obstacles like trailer loading, show spookiness, and tricky terrain.
• 1.5 Hours Groundwork: Learn how to safely send your horse through obstacles and build trust.
• 1.5 Hours Riding: Practice riding through challenges or continue working on the ground—your choice!

📍 Reserve your spot now—spaces are limited!

https://book.squareup.com/classes/5f1c3ed0-b34d-4ea5-92e9-e58b66da8e8d/location/77KNDGQCBJVJJ/classDetails/clssch_krdsrpflnljclr?dateStart=1742050800

02/21/2025

🚨 Phoenix K.F. is Headed to Scottsdale & Del Mar! 🚨

Holly Bergay Dressage will be taking my amazing Phoenix K.F. to Scottsdale and Del Mar next week!

🔹 5-year-old KWPN
🔹 Shown last year in the 4-year-old division
🔹 Three quality gaits, scoring up to 8.3 on his canter

If you’re interested in seeing him, reach out to Holly Bergay or myself!

02/20/2025

🚨 Training Spots Available! 🚨

With the sale of a few horses, I now have unexpected openings for training at Monique Horsemanship! If you’ve been thinking about getting your horse into a solid program, now is the time.

🔹 Specializing in young horses & problem horses
🔹 Performance horse-based training in both English & Western disciplines
🔹 Located in Berthoud at Lazy Sum B

Limited spots available—reach out for details on options and pricing! 📩

02/20/2025

Obstacle Clinic

Hey Everyone,

I’m excited to announce that I’ll be hosting an obstacle course clinic on March 15th! If you haven’t had the chance to check out Lazy Sum B Bar Ranch yet, this is a fantastic opportunity to come check it out.

We’ve got a variety of obstacles, including a bridge, teeter-totter, tires, and a gate, and we plan to keep adding more in the future. This clinic is perfect for riders of all levels—whether you ride jumpers, dressage horses, or even unstarted youngsters. Everyone is welcome to join!

Details:

Date: March 15th
Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Cost: $225
Deposit: $50 to secure your spot
Limited spots: Only 10 riders
We’ll start off on the ground and then progress to riding in the saddle. It’s a fun and educational experience you won’t want to miss!

Sign up today before spots fill up! Let me know if you have any questions or need more information.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

book.squareup.com/classes/5f1c3ed0-b34d-4ea5-92e9-e58b66da8e8d/location/77KNDGQCBJVJJ/classDetails/clssch_krdsrpflnljclr?dateStart=1742050800

Click here for an update from Monique Horsemanship!

02/19/2025

📢 Trail & Ranch Riding Practice This Saturday! 🐴

Join us this Saturday at 12 PM for another Trail & Ranch Riding Practice! The course is already set up, and we’ll wrap up with a mock show, giving you tips to improve your ride along the way.

🔥 Perfect for riders looking to fine-tune their skills in a supportive environment!

📍 Location: Lazy Sum B Bar Ranch
💰 Cost: $150

https://book.squareup.com/classes/5f1c3ed0-b34d-4ea5-92e9-e58b66da8e8d/location/77KNDGQCBJVJJ/classes

Don’t miss out! Message us to reserve your spot. See you in the arena! 🤠🐎

02/16/2025

The horses that concern me the most are not the intensely expressive or explosive ones. It's the ones that hold it all in and take the world on their shoulders. It's the ones that freeze instead of flee. It's the ones that internalize their stress.

These horses also tend to be among the most desirable personalities. They tend to be described as "kind", "quiet", and can "take a mistake".

And they often ARE kind, and they do desire to be quiet, and they do absorb the errors of their riders and handlers.

I am the most concerned about these horses because these are the horses that get mistaken for being more broke than they are when in reality they're often not all that broke, they just don't outwardly express their concern as dramatically.

I am the most concerned about these horses because though their capacity for internalizing stress might be larger...it does have a limit.

I am the most concerned about these horses because when they finally reach that limit, the explosions are on par with the undoing of something that's been under pressure for a very long time.

I have seen more than one of these horses get labeled after such an event as "dangerous" or "unpredictable" when in reality the outcome was a slow train that could have been seen coming for miles before it actually caused an accident.

I am the most concerned about these horses because so much of time, the moment we finally start paying attention to a horse is after they've done something we can't ignore.

02/15/2025

🚨 Couples Roping Night Postponed! 🚨

Due to hazardous road conditions and no improvement in sight, we’ve made the tough decision to postpone tonight’s event. We’re working on a new date in April, and all current reservations will automatically transfer.

Stay tuned—updated details will be shared as soon as possible!

Thank you for your understanding, and stay safe and warm! ❄️🔥

02/15/2025

QUICK TIP
Broke to lead vs Broke to follow

Often times when we get young horses in that are home grown and started, we run into a leading issue. It’s not a big deal but is often confusing to the owner when we try to explain that the horse isn’t very halter broke. A halter broke horse is broke to LEAD.

When a horse is broke to lead, they follow the leadrope where ever it takes them, it doesn’t matter what’s on the other end. It can be a person, a dog, a horse trailer, a hot walker, etc. The better they are broke to lead, the more they will listen to the leadrope in a difficult situation.

When a horse is broke to follow then they follow a person around and they happen to be wearing a halter and leadrope. Generally when they get startled the leadrope means nothing and they try to drag the person off or they get loose.

So as a c**t starter which one do we want? Well BOTH of course! We want them broke to lead to help them through difficult situations. It makes them safer to lead and ride, and we can keep them from running off and getting hurt. It also helps them be tied up.

We want them broke to follow so that they are easier to catch and we can build a better relationship with them. Horses who follow and willingly choose to be with us tend to have more confidence in people and enjoy being around them.

If you’re raising a young one of your own, get BOTH of these things good! If you don’t know how then call your favorite trainer and get a lesson. They can also check your work if you think you’ve already got it good. 🤠

02/14/2025

Excited for a great day of show prep! Emily and I will be at Lazy Sum B Bar Ranch from 11-1:30 for trail and ranch riding practice. If you’re looking to fine-tune your skills, drop in and join us—$150 per rider. See you there!

https://book.squareup.com/classes/5f1c3ed0-b34d-4ea5-92e9-e58b66da8e8d/location/77KNDGQCBJVJJ/classDetails/clssch_0bada7036u491h?dateStart=1739556000

02/10/2025

Don’t Teach Them to Buck

There are plenty of videos online showing first rides where a horse blows up, and the rider just bucks them out. But if you’ve watched Austin and me start horses over the past three years, you know that’s not how we do things.

I do everything I can not to teach horses to buck. My focus is on setting them up for success from day one. I never saddle or get on a horse until I have full control of their feet, they can self-regulate, and they move balanced and relaxed on their own.

When I saddle a horse for the first time, if they even think about bucking, I shut it down immediately and encourage them to move forward freely. This is a big reason I take my time—because I want to build a solid foundation instead of rushing the process.

There are trainers who will buck one out and have a rider on in a couple of days. That’s not how I do things. I want to create a horse that understands the process and moves forward confidently.

This is also why I prefer clients not to do any saddling or groundwork before bringing a horse to me. Everyone has different groundwork methods, but I have a specific approach that allows me to shut down problems before they escalate while keeping the horse soft, willing, and forward-moving.

Taking the time upfront leads to a better, safer horse long term. That’s always my goal.

02/09/2025

🚨 Show Announcement! 🚨

Hey everyone! I’m putting together a group to attend the CSU Ranch Horse Schooling Show at the end of March. This is an all-breed class, so bring your warmbloods or whatever you’ve got! I have western saddles available for anyone who needs one.

To get ready, Emily and I will be holding weekly pattern practice sessions, and we’d love for you to join! This Friday, we will be practicing the patterns for the Sliden Daze Show at the end of February.

https://www.slidindaze.com/_files/ugd/6fca6c_2bcfe235c2e545a78642062d3421c3ac.pdf

📍 Location: Lazy Sum B Ranch
🕒 Time: 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM
💰 Cost: $150

Let me know if you’re in, and feel free to reach out with any questions. Let’s get ready to have a great time at the show! 🏇✨

https://book.squareup.com/classes/5f1c3ed0-b34d-4ea5-92e9-e58b66da8e8d/location/77KNDGQCBJVJJ/classes

02/07/2025

Bridling Tip

Your horse must fully release and open its mouth before you attempt to insert the bit. If they hold their jaw tight, you risk hitting their teeth, which can create resistance and resentment toward the bridle.

The same applies when removing the bridle—never let it drop out of their mouth and hit their teeth. If needed, place a finger in their mouth to encourage them to open their jaw fully. If you feel resistance from their tongue or jaw, they haven’t fully released.

If your horse holds the bit, do not rip it out—they need to open their mouth and willingly let it go.

Also, never stand directly in front of your horse when removing the bridle. If they throw their head, you could get knocked out, and a stuck bit can quickly turn into a dangerous situation.

Take your time, be mindful, and set your horse up for a positive bridling experience!