Monique Horsemanship

01/29/2025

When a potential client tells me they already did the groundwork, saddling, and sat on his back one time.... to justify only a 30day c**t start service.....edit:. Dont get me wrong, work with your c**ts, learn as much as you can, but because you did it, dont expect me to skimp on my end.😉

01/26/2025

"Become a student of understanding your horse. If you have a thought and follow through and the horse does it, you’re good. It doesn’t matter if the technique is different. You have a program your horse understands, and you’ll be more solid. That’s a big key to being a good horseman. Have a plan and be able to execute it." –tb

2025 ALONG For The RIDE Symposium. Live Feed, Listen, learn and replay... www.alongfortheride.pro

01/26/2025

Our latest news

Hi Everyone,

I’m thrilled to share all the exciting clinics, events, and opportunities we have planned for 2025 at Lazy Sum B Ranch! Whether you want to improve your skills, build confidence with your horse, or just enjoy time on the trail, there’s something for everyone.

🚨 Holly Bergay Dressage & Monique Horsemanship Clinic 🚨
Dates: April 5th & 6th, 2025
Price: $550 (Riders) | $120 (Auditors)
Spots: Limited to 10 riders
Location: Lazy Sum B Ranch

Join dressage trainer Holly Bergay and horsemanship expert Monique for this two-day clinic that combines groundwork techniques with personalized dressage instruction to help you and your horse succeed.

Clinic Highlights:
• Morning Group Sessions with Monique: Build trust, communication, and focus through tailored groundwork.
• Afternoon Individual Rides with Holly Bergay: Refine your dressage skills with one-on-one lessons from Holly, an internationally acclaimed trainer and competitor.

📍 Reserve your spot today! A $100 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your space.

🌟 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!

📍 $50 Non Refundable Deposit Reserve your spot.

🌟 Monthly Trail Rides Starting in March! 🌟

When: Third Thursday of every month (starting March, weather permitting)
Duration: 2 hours
Group Size: 5 riders

Join us for relaxed trail rides designed to help build confidence and connection with your horse. We’ll go at a pace everyone is comfortable with, starting in the field, working on obstacles, or hitting the trails.

📍 Sign up now to reserve your spot!

💘 Valentine’s Couples Roping Night 💘

Date: February 15th, 2025
Time: 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Location: Lazy Sum B Ranch

Enjoy a fun, laid-back evening with your partner at our Chocolate and Wine Roping Night! NO HORSES OR EXPERIENCE REQUIRED. Venmo Emily to reserve your spot.

Looking forward to seeing you soon!

Best,
Monique

Monique Horsemanship @ Lazy Sum B Ranch

We are currently full and operating on a waitlist for training. If you’re interested in securing a spot, please reach out as soon as possible.

Requirements for Training and Events:
• A $500 deposit and completed paperwork are required to hold your spot.
• All horses must have up-to-date Coggins and health certificates.
Complete your paperwork here.

Horses for Sale/Lease

Whiskey (Royal Windsor)
• Breed: APHA Registered Gelding
• Date of Birth: June 4, 2006
• Price: $3,500

About Whiskey:
• Ridden ba****ck, western, and English by his current owner. Trailered for trail rides, including a trip to Montana in 2017.
• Previously used for ranch work and trained with a spur stop.
• Has been used in beginner lessons for low-level dressage and hunter-jumper flatwork/small X jumps.

Training Notes:
I’ve had Whiskey in partial training for a month. While he shows promise, he is green, buddy-sour to the mare he lived with previously, and has had a few years off. He is sensitive and has recently been vetted and put in shoes.

Special Offer:
I’m offering discounted training and lessons to any buyer interested in furthering his potential.

Click here for an update from Monique Horsemanship!

01/26/2025

Hey everyone! Just a quick reminder that you can find all my videos on Horse&Rider RideTV, featuring exercises to help with many common challenges you might be facing. We are currently full at Lazy Sum B Bar Ranch, but keep an eye out for upcoming clinics, trail rides, and more! If you’re interested in training, be sure to join the waiting list ASAP—a $500 deposit is required to hold your spot.

Monique Potts is a horse trainer known for her expertise in foundational horsemanship skills. She has curated a comprehensive playlist on Ride TV titled "Mastering the Basics with Monique Potts." This series focuses on equine training fundamentals, aimed at both novice riders and seasoned equestr...

01/26/2025

🚨 2025 Clinic Series with Monique & Holly: Combining Horsemanship & Dressage for Show Success 🚨

Join us this April 5th,6th 2025, for an exclusive two-day clinic designed to elevate your horsemanship and dressage skills ahead of the 2025 show season. This clinic is part of a special series featuring the expertise of Monique Horsemanship and Holly Bergay, two renowned professionals combining their knowledge to create a truly unique learning experience.

🌟 Morning Group Sessions with Monique
Learn foundational groundwork techniques to improve communication, confidence, and focus in your horse—essential skills for success both in and out of the arena.

🌟 Afternoon Individual Rides with Holly Bergay
Work one-on-one with Holly, an accomplished dressage rider and trainer. Holly’s career highlights include:
• Para-equestrian Achievements:
• Shortlisted for the 2010 World Equestrian Games U.S. Team
• Longlisted for the 2012 and 2014 Paralympic Games
• Able-bodied Dressage Success:
• Competed internationally in the small tour with the renowned Hanoverian stallion Rubino Bellissimo
• Trained under legendary Olympians Debbie McDonald and Sue Blinks
• Advanced her expertise in Denmark, training Grand Prix horses with Morten Thomsen
• Current Training Program: Holly runs a thriving training and sales business in Sedalia, CO, specializing in advancing horses and riders to the highest levels of dressage.

🔹 Dates: April 5th/6th, 2025
🔹 Price: $550 (10 rider spots max)
🔹 Auditor Fee: $120

💥 This clinic is highly recommended before the 2025 show season, offering a unique blend of horsemanship and dressage training tailored to all levels.

📍 Reserve your spot now! $100 non refundable deposit required
https://book.squareup.com/classes/5f1c3ed0-b34d-4ea5-92e9-e58b66da8e8d/location/77KNDGQCBJVJJ/classes

Spaces are limited—secure your spot early to work with Monique and Holly and take your partnership with your horse to the next level. Let’s make this your best show season yet!

Questions? Message me for more details!

01/25/2025

🌟 Exciting Announcement! Monthly Trail Rides Starting in March! 🌟

I’m thrilled to share that starting March 2025 (weather permitting), I’ll be hosting monthly trail rides at Lazy Sum B! These rides will take place on the third Thursday of each month and are designed to help riders build confidence and enjoy their time with their horses in a supportive environment.

🕒 Details:
• Duration: 2 hours
• Group Size: Up to 5 riders
• Focus: We’ll go at a pace everyone is comfortable with! Whether that means starting in the field or working in the obstacle course, the goal is to build trust and confidence for both horse and rider.

This is a great opportunity to connect, grow, and enjoy the trails in a relaxed and encouraging setting.

📍 Sign up now to reserve your spot!

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

Let’s make 2025 a year of progress, confidence, and fun in the saddle! Message me with any questions or to secure your spot.

Square Bookings Flow

01/25/2025

01/17/2025

My Horses Love Me.

I have four personal horses and I think each one is the best thing since sliced bread. The feeling is mutual.

This doesn’t mean that we always “get along”. Just like any relationship/partnership, we have good days and bad. Peaks and valleys. While every body has something adverse to work through or with, in general, our little herd is made up of happy and healthy horses who want to be with us.

I have put much thought into why this is. Why my horses come to meet me at the gate with ears pricked and eyes bright. Why they gather around me and follow me about. Why they softly nicker as I approach, noses stretched out for face scritches. Why they eagerly place their heads in their halters to participate in whatever the day lays out for us. Why they thrill in our under saddle work, why they have so, so much try.

I firmly believe that horses want to be Centaur as much as we do.

In spite of this profound belief system, the reality is that there is much that must come into play in order for my horses to be happy, healthy and willing partners. To the best of our human abilities, our horses have:

✨ Species Appropriate Environment.
They live in bands of their choosing and choose when to seek shelter, when to eat, when to drink, when to rest, when to play.

✨ Complete Circle of Influence.
They have individual nutritional programs, correctly fitted tack and access to an incredible health care team whose members are ultimately of their choosing.

✨ Freedom to Say No.
I understand why in some horsemanship circles this is a cardinal sin. For me, allowing my horses to say No has greatly impacted our partnerships for the better. However, when they say No, it does not mean that the conversation is over, it simply means that it’s my responsibility to be flexible and take steps until I find their Yes. What I have discovered after several years of working through this approach, my horses only say No when they do not understand the question or there is a physical reason why they do not wish to comply. Not one of them EVER has said No for the sake of saying No. “No” has never ever come from them because they’re lazy/stubborn/opinionated/hot/etc. In my opinion, these are human attributes that we project onto our horses to rationalize behaviour we do not understand.

✨ Clear and Consistent Boundaries.
I do not allow my horses to push, shove, step on, drag, kick, bite or rub on me. Just no. It’s rude. This is not how we treat each other. I will make strong contact with my horses when necessary and do not hesitate to enforce my boundaries around how my body is to be treated.

✨ Calm, Confident, Clear Handling.
I am extremely particular about how my horses are handled. So much so that it is rare for me to invite others to handle my horses and rarer still to invite anyone to ride them. When I am with my horse(s), I treat them as I would treat anyone who is precious to me. This is what Mindful Horsemanship is all about- being present and embodied in the moment, being tactful and considerate in our actions, bringing our heart centre to our work and being able to listen more than talk.

✨ Consent Both Ways.
While I am clear in how I wish to be treated by my horses, I aim to be equally receptive to how they wish to be treated by me. I avoid engaging in non-consensual touch, believing that grooming is a privilege and I am not entitled to any kind of physical affection from any of my horses, though they are mostly very cuddly. I do not bulldoze past their No’s, I pay attention to the details and act accordingly. I do not make them work for me when they are sore or unwell.

✨ Training Without Coercion or Bribery.
I am not against positive reinforcement training at all but it is not a method that resonates for me with my personal horses. None of them are hand fed. Ever. I used to use R+ for most training but stopped about 8 years ago as a bit of a mission to see if I could accomplish the same things without the food reward. I have, and more. I do not subscribe to the “Ask Tell Command” method of pressure and release. I used to get a lot done with this and was very successful as a competitor. As the relationship with my herd became the priority over winning ribbons, there is no longer a need to extract behaviours from them nor a need to always get my way. When this is what I want, I ride a bicycle.

I am wary to share this for fear of coming across as arrogant. However, my desire to bridge the gap between Horsemanship and Performance is too strong to let fear of what other’s might think get in my way. It may seem pretty woo, but honest to goodness my horses perform their hearts out for me. We do things in ways I never could have imagined and I believe in my bones that we can live in a world where horses and their humans are happy, healthy AND competitive at the upper levels.

~ Chiara 💕

12/31/2024

2024 Recap: A Journey of Ups and Downs

Hi everyone,

I wanted to take a moment to share an update and offer some context about the journey over the past few years. Not everyone knows the full story, so I thought now would be a good time to reflect and explain.

When I first found Bad Horse, I was thrilled. It seemed like the perfect place to train. Unfortunately, the other trainer there was abusive to the horses. I tried to convince the barn owner to address it, but she didn’t take action until after I had already left. Shortly after, she decided to keep the facility for herself and her friends.

Jonah and Lorna then graciously allowed Austin and me to bring a few horses to their barn. I was incredibly grateful for their generosity, but the space was simply too small for our long-term business model. So, we moved the horses back to my mom’s property. While I was thankful for the option, we knew it wasn’t ideal. My parents weren’t comfortable with having people on the property long-term.

When we found Above All, I thought we had finally found the perfect place. But then, an inconclusive Coggins test led to a three-month quarantine, preventing me from bringing in any new horses. By the time the quarantine ended, Meaghan’s daughter, who had just started training, brought in new clients. Naturally, it made sense for her to fill the available stalls.

Around this time, Austin left for his annual hunting guide work, and I was left to figure out how to keep a full-time employee without a stable barn to work out of. To be honest, I was ready to give up. Along with the barn challenges, I was dealing with personal difficulties that made everything feel even more overwhelming.

But the day I decided to walk away, I got a call from another trainer. She asked, “Do you know anyone looking for a barn? My friend just bought one.” I called Emily the very next day, and from that moment on, everything just clicked.

And here we are today—finally in the place I’ve always dreamed of. A barn with room to clinic, trail ride, and share the same philosophy of horse care and training with Emily. It truly feels like home.

It’s a sad reality that, despite being part of a horse-filled community, we’re rapidly losing facilities. Finding a barn as a trainer has become almost impossible. I do my best to stay professional, but I know it doesn’t look great to clients when we’re constantly moving between different locations. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to work out of many barns, but managing my schedule, clients, and horses while moving around has been incredibly challenging.

I have had some of the coolest experiences this year that have made all of it feel worth it. I was called down to Texas to work with Zac the zebra, which was such an amazing and unique opportunity. Niguel and I also accomplished something really special by earning our Silver Medal. Austin had some fantastic success at shows, and we’ve started 15 horses this year alone. I’ve learned so much, and have been fortunate enough to have great lessons with some of the top trainers in the industry. I even had the privilege of riding with Lars Peterson and Laurie Flavo, which was an incredible experience I’ll never forget.

Additionally, I got to show Niguel in Del Mar with Holly Bergay's group, and we had an absolute blast. Phoenix KF and I also competed in the 4-Year-Old Test and received some fantastic scores. While we didn’t make it to Lamplight, I felt incredibly accomplished nonetheless, knowing how far we had come.

I want to give a huge thank you to the friends who have supported me along the way, especially Karen Whitman. She’s been an incredible ally, offering help and countless opportunities. Her support has meant the world.

I’m also thrilled to share that Austin has decided to branch out on his own. I’m beyond excited for him and couldn’t be more proud. His dedication has been instrumental in getting us this far, and I couldn’t have done it without him.

To everyone who has supported me—thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your understanding, patience, and belief in me have made all the difference. I know it hasn’t always been easy, and I apologize for any ways I’ve fallen short along the way.

Here’s to a fresh start. I’m excited for what the future holds.

With gratitude,
Monique Potts

Click here for an update from Monique Horsemanship!

12/23/2024

Hey everyone! Exciting news—we’re completely full over here at Lazy Sum B Bar Ranch! If you’re hoping to get your horse into training later this year, I highly recommend joining our waitlist and securing your spot with a deposit soon. I’m planning to host plenty of clinics, and trailer-ins are always welcome as well!

12/21/2024

Just because you can’t see or feel the lameness doesn’t mean your horse doesn’t need support. I often hear people proudly say their horse doesn’t get injections—but the reality is, their horse is lame. As someone who frequently works with horses showing what seem like behavioral issues but turn out to be physical problems, I know how important it is to look deeper. We can all train our eyes to better recognize subtle signs of discomfort.

That’s why I advocate for regular check-ins, like flexions or vet evaluations, every six months or so. Making our horses comfortable should always be our top priority. Even if your goals aren’t performance-related, your horse may still need regular maintenance to stay healthy and happy.

Learning how to train correctly and build proper muscle can help reduce the need for interventions, but proactive care is key. Talk to your vet about creating a care program tailored to your horse’s needs. Comfort, health, and longevity start with us paying attention and taking action. Listen to your horse—they’re always telling us something.

12/19/2024

Fear

If you’re not afraid, maybe you’re not paying attention. I’m afraid all the time—not in a debilitating way, but in a way that reminds me of the power of horses and nature. Sure, I have a set of skills that help me feel in control when I need them, but that doesn’t mean I’m not often afraid. Fear keeps us aware.

There’s something invaluable about starting young horses: it teaches you how to manage fear, control your emotions, and still take action. People sometimes tell Austin and me that we seem so brave, but honestly, it’s not about being brave—it’s about understanding the risks. In some ways, we’re less brave because we can see the problems more clearly than most. But we’ve developed the skills to handle those moments, and that makes all the difference.

What if it’s the same for horses?

I think we often expect horses not to be afraid, but that’s not realistic. Sometimes they are afraid but trust us anyway. And maybe that’s the key: having empathy for their fear while showing them they can still do it. Fear doesn’t mean stop; it means feel it, trust, and move forward.

12/18/2024

📌 Are You Willing to Take the Time for Your Horse? 🐴

You want a trainer who will take the time it takes and go slow—but are you willing to wait?

If the goal is to move the horse industry toward a more thoughtful, slower approach, it starts with the clients. Many trainers feel constant pressure to work faster. The truth is, progress that truly benefits the horse often takes longer than we want.

If you’re watching videos online and speaking out against horse mistreatment, then I encourage you to put your money where your mouth is:
• Support trainers who prioritize the horse’s well-being over speed.
• Be patient, even if that means:
• No showing for a while.
• Not riding your horse yet.
• Months of groundwork before anyone gets on your horse’s back.

Real progress takes time, and your patience and commitment can make all the difference for your horse.

What’s one way you’ve supported a slower approach for your horse? Let’s discuss below. 🐴👇

12/16/2024

📌 Teaching Your Horse—Faster Than You Think! 🐴

I can teach your horse something in just minutes—and so can you. It’s surprising how quickly horses learn, even when you don’t mean to teach them.

Horses don’t see things as “good” or “bad”; they just look for where they find relief. That’s one of the coolest (and trickiest) things about working with them. Their intelligence makes them easy to train, but it also means every interaction is a teaching opportunity.

The smarter your horse, the easier they are to train—but also, the easier it is to accidentally create problems. When every moment counts, it’s important to stay mindful.

What’s something your horse learned in just a few minutes? Share below! 🐴👇

12/15/2024

You’re Petting Your Horse Wrong.

Almost every day, I see people petting their horses in a way that makes me cringe. The horse jerks away, pushes into you, or even bites because there’s zero awareness of what’s happening.

Horses are incredibly sensitive, and you’ve got to be more mindful of how you touch them. They are constantly reading your energy, and how you interact with them matters more than you might realize.

🔸 Think About This:
I don’t know who originally said it, but I believe it’s one of the great horsemen—Tom, Ray, or Buck.

“PUT YOUR HEART IN YOUR HAND AND RUB YOUR HORSE WITH IT.”

When you touch your horse, think of how a mother licks her foal. It’s gentle, purposeful, and full of love. It’s not just about the physical action—it’s about the energy and intention behind it.

🔸 Be So Aware:
Be so aware that you can tell if your horse wants you to stay or go away. A horse will give you clear signs, whether they’re moving away, nuzzling into you, or fidgeting. You need to learn to read those signals and respect them.