Monique Horsemanship

11/04/2024

Just a perfect morning on the perfect Pony

11/02/2024

Do you want to trailer in for a lesson? Book here.

Monique Horsemanship has invited you to book your next appointment on their booking site.
https://squareup.com/appointments/book/77KNDGQCBJVJJ

11/02/2024

How Long Does It Take to Teach Your Horse?

There’s been a shift in expectations regarding how quickly we believe problems should be fixed. If you called a trainer and asked them to teach your horse lead changes by Friday for a show on Saturday, they would likely think you’re crazy. Yet, I frequently receive calls asking for instant fixes to various issues.

I often use lead changes as an example because they are complex for both horses and their riders. As trainers, we expect all the foundational skills to be in place before introducing this movement. We plan to train, practice, and fine-tune it for months before allowing our clients or students to try it. We also anticipate some regression as they learn how to communicate with their horse.

When it comes to trailer loading issues, people often expect that I can resolve the problem in a single day. While I might achieve that, it’s not fair to the horse or to me. This approach can make me the “bad guy” and adds unnecessary stress to an already challenging situation.

Practicing in a poor or unclear manner leads to equally poor results. If a grade school teacher attempted to teach long division without understanding it themselves, the outcome would be chaotic. I understand the desire to learn alongside your horse, and there is certainly a time and place for that.

Ultimately, it’s not just about being brave or having grit; it’s about possessing the skills to effectively address issues or teach your horse new behaviors. This ensures that when they carry someone who may not be as clear or concise, everyone remains safe and achieves the desired outcome.

11/01/2024

Horses can be incredibly humbling and painful to love sometimes. Over the past few years, I’ve learned many lessons, one of the biggest being that not all horses are fixable. When you hit a wall, it’s essential to dig deeper and uncover the root of the issue.

I once had a horse in training with a stifle cyst. After we injected it, the bucking stopped. As an owner, it’s hard to hear that something might be wrong with your horse, but if you’ve chosen a trainer who genuinely has your horse’s best interest at heart, it’s crucial to listen when they express concerns. A change in behavior is not normal—evaluate it. If your horse suddenly starts bucking, consider conditions like kissing spines or ulcers.

I’ve struggled with the reality that not all trainers are equal, and we all need to be on the horse’s team to find the right solutions. If I had known sooner about underlying issues with some horses, it would have been fairer for them. While owners may hesitate to invest in treatments like ulcer medication or lameness exams, I’ve learned to be proactive by requesting thorough pre-purchase exams, especially for horses with behavioral issues.

Unfortunately, the more you learn, the more it may cost. Awareness of your horse’s subtle changes can lead to earlier interventions. Some trainers may push through problems without addressing underlying issues, which I won’t do. There’s also the risk of trainers blaming everything on physical issues while ignoring behavioral aspects that might need adjustment.

The conversation I want to have is about improving communication among owners, trainers, and vets. If a trainer raises concerns, listen. If an owner shares insights, take them seriously. If a horse is reluctant to load in a trailer, it might have a neurological issue affecting its balance.

I credit the quality trainers and vets in my life for helping me develop a better eye for lameness and overall health. I’ve learned to recognize problems even in high-quality horses that appear to move well.

Let’s work together to ensure our horses receive the care and understanding they deserve.

Feat. My favorite photo of Holly and Niguel

11/01/2024

A few months ago, a client of mine reached out, distraught and in tears, because her trainer was upset about her wanting to ride in a clinic I was hosting. This hadn’t crossed her mind as a concern. I explained the situation using an analogy:

As a horse trainer, you’re like an artist who pours every ounce of effort into creating a beautiful piece of art. You love it deeply, but here’s the catch: you don’t own the artwork; the owner does. The owner can decide to showcase it however they wish, even if it differs from your vision.

When the owner chooses to ride in a clinic, it’s like allowing another artist to reinterpret your work. This can risk altering the piece in ways that might be hard to fix, potentially affecting both the horse’s performance and the trainer’s reputation.

On a deeper level, trainers genuinely care about their clients and horses, so it’s difficult to watch them pursue different paths. Ultimately, the owner has the right to make choices about their horse, but it creates a dilemma for trainers invested in their art.

Photo

10/31/2024

10/30/2024

I have openings for 2025 to start your next up-and-coming young horse. Send your deposit to secure your spot and get on the list today!



Photo Credit

10/30/2024

Monique Horsemanship @

Lazy Sum B Bar Ranch

520 south Cr 31 Berthoud

Hey everyone, it’s me again! I’m beyond excited to share some great news. Unfortunately, Above All filled up, and I didn’t have enough space, but fortunately, I found another barn that can accommodate my needs—Lazy Sum B Bar Ranch! It’s just down the street from Above All.

I can offer daily trailer-ins and clinics, and with 200 acres to ride on, there’s plenty of space to explore. We have pasture board available for young horses, as well as stalls and runs. Plus, the prices are fantastic!

Board Cost:
$600 (stall with run)
Single Pen $550
Shared Pen $450
Pasture Board for young horses also available

Monique Horsemanship LLC
Monique specializes in natural horsemanship, c**t starting, problem solving, trailer issues, and dressage. With a lifetime of experience in both the English and Western disciplines, she works alongside her amazing assistant, Austin Reynolds.

Contact:
Monique business line: 970-680-1006
303-990-3880
moniquehorsemanship.com (http://www.moniquehorsemanship.com)
[email protected]

Pricing:
• Full Training (5 days a week): $1,250
• Part-Time Training (3 days a week): $850
• Trailer-In $95 (includes trailer-in fee)
• Travel Lessons: $115

Check here for Clinics and Classes
book.squareup.com/classes/5f1c3ed0-b34d-4ea5-92e9-e58b66da8e8d/location/77KNDGQCBJVJJ/classes

Click here for an update from Monique Horsemanship!

10/30/2024

✨ 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐋𝐚𝐳𝐲 𝐒𝐮𝐦 𝐁 𝐁𝐚𝐫 𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐡! ✨

Nestled on 200 acres of scenic open land, we offer everything you and your horse need to thrive:

🌤️ Year-round riding in our spacious indoor arena
🌳 200x250 outdoor arena, perfect for training
🐎 Loping track to keep your horse conditioned
🌄 Endless trails to explore and enjoy
👩‍🏫 Professional training and lessons on-site
☕️ Relax in our cozy break room between rides
🔒 Secure tack rooms with individual lockers
🐴 Spacious stalls with runs for personalized care
🐴 Individual pens with shelters
🐴 Group pastures for social horses
🌿 Turn-out pastures for extra freedom and exercise

Ready to give your horse the best care and space they deserve? Contact us to reserve your spot or schedule a tour today! 🌟

📱 303.907.8855
📧 [email protected]

𝑾𝒆𝒃𝒑𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒔𝒐𝒐𝒏!

10/30/2024

Guys I am so excited. I have space for your pasture babies finally!

10/28/2024

Think of your lead rope as if it’s connected to your horse’s feet, not to their face.
I’m sure this sounds very odd, but there is logic behind it. Your horse should be like your dance partner; stepping forward, backward, turning, and stopping are all things that should and can be done seamlessly and without delay.
If I create the energy (I use the word “bump”) in the halter, I expect my horse to move their feet and respond immediately.
Oftentimes, I see people bump their horse and watch the horse dramatically throw their head up and react, but their feet stay stuck. Then, your horse ends up defensive and reactive. Why? Because they feel trapped.
You only lose control of your horse when you don’t have a say in what their feet are doing. If the feet always flow with the feel of the lead rope, you will never lose control.

10/28/2024

You didn’t buy a car; you bought a living, breathing animal.

So, while routine can be great for a lot of reasons, blocking out 45 minutes to commit to working with your horse is counter productive. Sometimes, the progress you make in 5 minutes can be more impactful than spending hours a day trying to practice the same concept or skill over and over. You have to always be cognizant of ending on that good note, or in that sweet spot; regardless of if it comes 30 seconds or 2 hours into a session.

A lot of the time I work with people who just want to work on “the fun stuff.” But, maybe what you really need to focus on is catching your horse. Sometimes, you’re going to have to sacrifice the timeline that you think should be followed in order to make the appropriate progression for you and your horse.

Take the time to catch, halter, and lead your horse properly. Take the time to groom, saddle and bridle at a slower and more deliberate pace. Most importantly, take the time to make the experience an enjoyable one for your horse. You’d be amazed at how willing they are to work when they know the outcome will be good and fair.

Photo by

10/24/2024

Trailering you horse
I agree that many horses have trailering issues, but these problems often begin long before you approach the trailer. I’ve compiled a list of daily tips that may help make trailering a non-issue for you and your horse.

1. Back Your Horse Daily: Your horse should be well-versed in basic ground manners before you attempt to load him into a trailer. Horses are generally more comfortable moving forward, so it’s crucial to increase their comfort level with backing up. Practice backing your horse in various situations throughout the day—into his stall, wash bay, barn, and arena. Consistent practice will help him feel more at ease.

2. Controlled Movement: Now that your horse backs up nicely, can you also teach him to stop and then draw him forward? Practice getting him to take a half step back and then move a foot forward. If there’s any resistance, use lateral movement to unstick his feet. This response is critical when you’re in the trailer, ready to unload him. If he backs up too soon while still tied, it could lead to panic and potential injury. By practicing these movements extensively, you can ensure he responds appropriately to pressure.

3. Yielding to Pressure: Can your horse yield to your pressure? I want to be able to move his shoulders and hindquarters forward and back with ease. By stepping to the left or right, you should be able to shift him laterally or swing his hip around. This skill is vital in the trailer, where you need him to step aside or back out of your space.

4. Understanding “Feel”: Consider how your horse responds to pressure. Does he pull on the lead rope or invade your space? Horses are naturally sensitive, but we sometimes inadvertently teach them not to be. Encourage your horse to follow the pressure of the lead rope so that when you draw it tight, he instinctively responds.

5. Respectful Behavior: When working with your horse, especially in tight spaces like a trailer, aim for calmness and respect. A large problem I see on a daily basis is that horses often run through their left shoulder, which translates to them bolting out of the trailer and potentially running over you. Many people overlook the importance of space respect in daily interactions, which can lead to difficulties when it’s time to trailer. If your horse isn’t accustomed to respecting your space, it’s unrealistic to expect him to be compliant just because you’re loading him. Frustration or fear can lead to accidents, so focus on teaching him good manners consistently.

By instilling these basic daily manners, trailering becomes a much smoother experience for both you and your horse.

10/21/2024

10 Mistakes Made on the Trail

1. Overfacing Your Horse
Have you adequately prepared your horse for the task at hand? Start on a trail where there’s room to practice exercises that can help calm your horse.

2. Leaving Your Friends Behind
Don’t ride out with friends who aren’t supportive. Stay with your group and avoid cantering off without notice.

3. Holding Your Horse Back
Let go of the reins. If your horse’s speed scares you, holding tight only drains your brakes and frustrates your horse. Back him up a few steps, then walk forward again. Sometimes, simply allowing them to move freely helps them relax.

4. Poorly Fitting Tack
Be mindful of how long you’ll be on the trail. Ensure your tack fits your horse properly and is comfortable for you as well.

5. Riding with Anxious Horses
Horses are herd animals; an anxious horse can disrupt the entire group’s energy. Conversely, a calm horse can help soothe the atmosphere.

6. Making Your Horse Unbalanced
Give your horse its head on difficult terrain. Holding the reins too tightly while navigating hills, rocks, or uneven ground can hinder your horse’s ability to balance.

7. Trapping Energy
Don’t try to contain your horse’s energy; instead, use it. If your horse is excited, encourage movement—perhaps by leg yielding back and forth on the trail.

8. Taking an Unfit Horse
Avoid taking out a horse that isn’t physically prepared for the job. Ensure your horse has the stamina and strength needed for the ride.

9. Incorrect Footwear
Make sure your horse has the appropriate shoes for the trail. For example, don’t use sliders on a horse going down steep hills.

10. Lacking Basic Control
Don’t take a horse out of the arena if you don’t have basic control. Before heading out, assess:

1. Does your horse stop?
2. Can your horse back up?
3. Does your horse respond to forward aids easily?
4. Can your horse move laterally?
5. Does your horse yield off your left and right leg, moving hindquarters and shoulders with ease?

The Importance of Preparation

Are you overfacing your horse? This is a critical question I ask clients with trail riding goals. For many, trail riding can be a source of significant challenges.

The issues that arise on the trail often stem from a loss of control over your horse’s feet. If your horse is running off, you’ve lost your brakes. If your horse is backing up in fear, it may be because he isn’t responding to your leg aids.

By addressing these common mistakes and focusing on preparation, you can enhance your trail riding experience for both you and your horse.

10/19/2024

Demystifying Desensitizing- Maintaining the Natural Sensitivity of a Horse

In the process of working with horses, we as an industry began assuming that because of the size of a horse it is normal for them to be insensitive. For example, it may feel like there is 500 pounds of dead weight on your rein or lead rope. The reality is horses are very capable of being light and responsive, and they even depend on it to survive in the wild. Their ability to hear, see, and notice every little detail is unmatched.

Having to kick, pull hard, or use your whip repeatedly is a result of a riders' timing being off or inconsistent. Now, don’t get me wrong; each horse is an individual, and one horses' softness compared to another will vary (this is an evolutionary development explaining why there are all different rankings in a herd), but it is not normal for your horse to be dull.

Oftentimes, I hear people use the word "desensitize," and I find that concept misleading. Yes, we have to use a certain level of desensitization to get our horse to tolerate riders. From haltering to saddling and riding we ask our horses to do things very outside of their survival needs. However, through these necessities of training, we actually do not want to teach our horses to tune out and dissociate to the point that they lose all of their natural responsiveness. I frequently see horses who have been ‘desensitized’ improperly and feel trapped when exposed to something scary resulting in the horse feeling stuck or feeling the need to defend themselves such as striking or kicking.

As a trainer my goal is to be able to use aids in a way that I can allow horses a place to go, and finding a release of the pressure. Eventually, they will figure out that stressful pressure that was so scary and they had previously reacted too, doesn’t warrant a huge reaction after all, but with correct training and timing, there is an out.

Another mistake that I often see my clients make is constantly begging their horse through pulling or kicking resulting in horses being trained either to fight or to completely tune us out. Horses that frequently tolerate poor timing on the part of the human often develop the defense of dissociating to cope with the constant unrelenting pressure. These behaviors are often seen in lesson horses or schoolmasters who, are worth their weight in gold, and also know how to read between the lines and tune out unnecessary noise from the rider. The best way to create the desired lovely lightness and responsiveness is to use an aid and remove it as quickly as possible when a rider has achieved the desired response. Your horse will learn that all he stop the pressure of the aid, therefore alleviating nagging, is give you the correct answer in a short period of time.

10/18/2024

Leading Your Horse
1. Be the Leader: Your goal is to be your horse’s leader, providing them with safety and comfort. This involves setting boundaries and maintaining consistency. When leading, always keep them in your sight by looking over your shoulder. Think of the mother and foal dynamic. When guiding them, you should have the ability to ask them to move at any pace you desire.
2. Connect with Their Feet: Remember that their feet should match my feet. If I stop they stop. If I walk they walk. If I speed up they speed up. If they stop to graze, it means you’ve lost control of their movement. In your mind or out loud, count your steps to establish a rhythm. If their pace changes, work to regain that rhythm.
3. Use Rhythmic Pressure: Apply rhythmic pressure to encourage movement and steady pressure to allow them to find a release. If they don’t stop when you do, use rhythmic pressure to move them out of your space.
4. Shift Your Mindset: Practice viewing yourself as the leader. Create mental scenarios that evoke urgency, such as imagining something is chasing you or that you might fall off a cliff. Use this urgency to encourage your horse to go or stop.

Things to Consider
• Watch Their Ears: Pay attention to their ears. If they shift away from you, it indicates a loss of focus. Make your exercises engaging enough to bring their attention back to you.
• Engaging Exercises: Bending, tight circles, moving their shoulders, and hindquarters can help regain focus, but ensure they’re challenging enough to keep them engaged.
• Maintain Proximity: When leading, ensure their eye doesn’t pass your shoulder. Think of the mother-foal relationship that baby locks on to moms hip and follows her everywhere, and how quickly horses make clear and precise corrections.
• Liberty Work: When working in liberty, ensure you can easily ask for transitions with a positive attitude. If you can’t achieve the desired transition comfortably, redo the transition until it’s something you’d want to ride.

10/17/2024

Tips for Holding Your Horse for the Farrier

1. Minimize Touching: Avoid excessive touching, as it can overstimulate a horse that is already feeling overwhelmed.
2. Hold the Halter Loosely: Don’t grip the halter tightly. If someone held you by your shirt for an hour, you’d likely want to escape. Instead, ask your horse to stand quietly with you, which is more manageable.
3. Use Treats Wisely: Treats can be helpful but must be used with proper timing to reward behaviors that promote relaxation, not anxiety. When used correctly, they can support calmness, but if misapplied, they may increase stimulation and make it harder for your horse to stand still.
4. Allow Movement: Horses often struggle to stand still because they feel trapped. Allowing them some freedom to move—backward or laterally—can help them understand that they can shift their position. If given the option to run or relax, most would prefer to take a break rather than feel confined.
5. Timing Corrections: Be mindful of when you make corrections to avoid injuring your farrier. I recommend making a quick correction and then remaining quiet so your horse can find a place of peace. Sometimes moving the horse backward can help diffuse anxious energy. Just be careful not to create a back-and-forth “dance” where the horse steps forward and you make them step back repeatedly.

10/16/2024

It Takes the Time It Takes

Find a trainer you trust and trust the process. I get hurt when I don’t listen to my gut and when a client pushes for something their horse isn’t ready for. I understand that training is expensive, and no one wants to wait six months to start a young horse. But the truth is, six months often isn’t enough for what you actually want.

While someone else might have success in just three rides, we won’t skip necessary steps or leave gaps in the training. That’s not how my program operates, and I don’t feel guilty about a horse needing training different from what a client expects. I don’t care if another trainer has sat on your horse or if you have; I won’t get on until the horse has the skills we require. It’s that simple. The horse must come out, get saddled, be relaxed, and have complete control over its feet at all times. There are different ways to approach training, but please don’t ask us to do something outside our program.

Yes, there are horses that challenge my skills or have stumped me. But overall, I know our process works. If we say your horse is dangerous, it probably is—and that may be due to a physical issue.

Recommendations Before Sending Your Horse

1. Scope your horse: Ulcers can severely hinder training. If you’re reluctant to scope, be prepared to put your horse on ulcer medication and understand the costs involved.
2. Get X-Rays: Have neck and back X-rays done to check for conditions like OCDs. Working with your trainer to develop a surgical plan can help create an effective training strategy.
3. Consider Injuries: Injuries are often the root of behavioral problems. When someone calls about a behavioral issue, one of my first questions is about their horse’s veterinary care. Get flexions done to ensure your horse doesn’t need basic maintenance.

Buying a young horse isn’t necessarily the cheaper route. I’m sorry if someone didn’t tell you that upfront. I’m not here to take your money, and I know there are trainers who will exploit you, taking your money for six months without making progress with your horse.

Find a trainer you trust.

I understand the desire to be part of the process. We love teaching and helping you learn. However, your nervous energy doesn’t benefit your trainer or your horse. Sometimes, it’s not appropriate for you to be involved. When it is, we will always invite you to join in. First rides require special focus and the right energy; if we sense your nervousness, it puts us all at risk.

10/15/2024

Thoughts on Young Horses

I want to share some insights about young horses, particularly the importance of teaching them the correct things from the start.

I often find myself debating with first-time owners who receive advice from others suggesting they practice certain skills regularly. One of the biggest issues we face is the tendency to practice things incorrectly. When you ingrain behaviors that you don’t want in your horse, we ultimately have to undo that work later. When I receive a horse ready to start training, I want you to consider your young horse the same way you would an older one.

Most people think about training challenging maneuvers—like lead changes, sliding stops, or spins—and usually seek help from a trainer before attempting them. I encourage you to think about this when it comes to your young horse. If you haven’t practiced something correctly, and you’re the one teaching the horse, you risk instilling incorrect habits. Teaching a lead change incorrectly establishes a fundamental base that your horse will carry for life.

Yes, we can teach them new skills, but fixing a problem often takes more time. When something is taught wrong, it can stick with the horse, regardless of how they’re later taught the correct way. If incorrect cues are used, the horse may revert to performing the wrong maneuver based on previous experiences—think of horses that struggle with bridling, stepping up to the mounting block, loading in a trailer, or visiting the vet.

A helpful approach is to treat everything—from groundwork to riding—as maneuvers. A young horse doesn’t inherently know how to accept a bridle, lead correctly, yield their body, or load into a trailer. They need to be taught these “maneuvers” correctly from the beginning to set them up for lifelong success.

In my teaching philosophy, I focus on establishing a solid foundation for the youngsters. The groundwork I do with them carries through into every aspect of their training, rather than trying to pattern train them. I emphasize giving them a skill set that builds over time. Anyone who has worked with me knows that I teach them to move their hindquarters in conjunction with their shoulders on the ground, and that becomes the basis for everything moving forward.

I also want to mention what I call the “spongy brain window.” Recently, I’ve been working more with warmbloods and larger breed horses. I’ve come to realize that they are physically different from quarter horses and take longer to mature. However, many people engage in poor handling instead of quality groundwork, waiting until these horses are older to start training. This misses the critical period when they could have been much easier to train, and the lessons would stick better.

A horse I’ve worked with weekly, doing proper groundwork since it was young, is far easier to start when they are ready than a horse that has never been handled and arrives at four or five years old.

10/15/2024

Understanding young horses and the training process.

An important conversation to have with most owners is an understanding of young and green horse training expectations. Young horses are nearly a clean slate, their entire learning base is their experiences, both the positive and negative . It is important to understand realistic expectations in the c**t breaking process.

Your baby horse doesn’t know anything, every single contact is teaching them something. Unless you have had a lot of young horse experience as a trainer, I personally strongly suggest allowing your trainer on the horse proportionally more then you are. An example of the balance for the first 3 months might be that the trainer may ride the c**t first and the owner finishes the session with a short 10 min ride. This process could last for 6-12 months as the trainer instills the desired responses and then teaches the rider to illicit those responses.

Occasionally in my program, I encounter pushback on timelines, the expected process or find that we struggle because the perspective from the outside is that our proven program demonstrates quick, results and we can make things look “easy or simple”. What an observer does not see is what happens behind the scenes, to make things smooth and easy. The expert timing and reactions that create this smooth appearance is what you hire a trainer for.

Realistic expectations and honest conversations about outcomes are exceptionally important in the trainer owner relationship. There is a perspective in the industry that it takes 30 days to get a horse riding, however realistically that is only to put the foundation on a horse to get it safe to mount. A horses’ training for the first 12 months is vastly different from a seasoned horse, and a rider must have different skills to correctly teach a green horse.

An experienced, sensitive trainer can teach a horse something in only a few rides. An inexperienced rider can also teach horses for the positive and for the negative. It is always my intention to have owners be involved in the process of their horses’ learning but within my program, it is often simpler to have the trainer handle and ride the horse exclusively. This instills these behaviors without an amateur rider complicating the messages to the student, the horse. If you sent a horse to a trainer or c**t starter and the relationship looks harmonious, you probably picked a good horse and a good trainer but often times that will not automatically translate to your relationship with your horse.

Training horses is not just dangerous and hard, it is an art form that takes so many years of learning and it is encouraged to take an honest look at your skills and education. Some of the classic quotes in the business are “you do not know what you don’t know” and “beginner horseman want to work on advanced skills, expert horseman want to work on the basics,” these perspectives are hard earned through hours of experience, injuries and mistakes.

Most young horses don’t deserve to be your learning opportunity; bad timing is confusing and hard on them. Let your trainer ride the horse and trust the process.

10/15/2024

Phoenix K.F