Nicole Shoup Horsemanship

04/16/2025

Just because you have learned something new doesn't mean you should abandon all of your previous learning.

Most riders have a teacher they admire and aspire to follow their ways. Especially when the proof is in the pudding right in front of your eyes. Whether you observe a big change in the horses they work with or there are big changes in yourself.

What will get you stuck is deciding that you have to abandon everything else you've learned and solely focus on the new. The reason why this gets people stuck is because they forget how to just BE around horses. They get wrapped up in the ex*****on that they lose their feel.

When I'm learning, I think of new information and skill as an ADDITION to what I already have. I consider the new information as something I'm studying and practicing. I'm expecting it to take time. I'm expecting mistakes and uncomfortable moments.

There are some "old ways" that do belong in the trash. Those don't have to continue to be practiced. This is where I like to take inventory of what do I know, what do I not know, and what do I need to practice?

Horsemanship is an art and requires the study of it.

04/16/2025

Your every day perspective shapes your horsemanship.

A windy day is an opportunity and not a reason to quit. A windy day shows us where our horses mentally are. How can we connect with them when they are more frightened? How can we use the energy that is drumming and turn it into something useful?

See the opportunities in the challenges versus being set back. Horsemanship is trudging through every day. Being consistent doesn't pause for rain, snow, 100°, or wind.

04/15/2025

I was recently interviewed by Gina @ Monday Creek Publishing. The article has been published in the Florida Equine Athlete.Here is an excerpt-

"GM: How do you measure success in your training programs?
NS: I think success is going to look different for each horse. I have to account for the current education of the horse, their age, and what their owner knows (or will learn). I don’t think it’s fair to guarantee that every horse will go home with the same skillset and buttons. I always try to take lots of photos and videos and watch the evolution of the horse’s behavior and condition. It’s easy to look back and think, “wow, we have barely done anything!” until I look at the evidence. Success for me is when the horses become more confident, balanced, and conditioned. Each horse will have certain pieces of success that are unique to them."

Thank you for reaching out, Gina!

Full link to the blog in the comments!

04/15/2025

Fancy had a great first bodywork session from Anne of EquiKinetics ! I love working with like minded professionals with an approach that keeps the horses "say" involved! Fancy was touchy about certain places and sure enough- they needed attention that Anne could help with! She soaked into massage, nerve release, and OAB.

04/11/2025

The weather isn't great but it's been worse- go ride your horse.

You haven't ridden your horse in awhile- it's ok to start today.

Your horse hasn't been to a certain new place- today's a good day to try.

You're super busy- I bet you have 15 mins for your horse.

Your horse is dirty- just brush the saddle and bridle area and ride. We aren't judging.

You're tired- you'll probably feel better once you ride.

Go ride your horse.

04/07/2025

I thought it would be fun to share what horses I rode last month! One of my goals this year is riding more variety. I'm doing pretty good so far!

04/04/2025

Thanks for 800 followers!!! 🪅🥳🎉🎆

I'm working on preparing writings for this page and videos for my YouTube channel.

What do you want to learn about?

Comment below!

04/02/2025

The Best Horse Practices Summit has been moved to November and there are more presenters! Take a trip to beautiful Santa Fe and connect with wonderful horse peoples. 🪅

Registration is open‼️

Join us for a fun weekend of learning with Dauphin Horsemanship, Katrin Silva Dressage, True West Horsemanship, Patrick King Horsemanship & Dressage and The Masterson Method, Integrated Equine Performance Bodywork.

Registration includes activities on October 31-November 2nd including:

👋Welcome reception & early registration Friday afternoon/evening
🤠Morning sessions & afternoon arena presentations
☕️Coffee and tea service
🛍️Welcome swag bag including assorted gifts and discount offers from our fantastic sponsors
🥙Fine catered food by local caterer
🎤Evening round panel sessions with presenters
📚Access to our trade show, with books, DVDs, apparel, and more

This is a cup free event and the first 20 people who register will receive a free Stanley travel mug & $100 credit to spend at the Trade Show.

We will also give you $100 off for Volunteering!

Registration link in comments!

04/02/2025

What's your favorite thing about your horse? 😊

03/29/2025

Last year I approached my landlord about renting some space to run this training business. He offered his personal space for 2024 and in the mean time began building the next location.

It's always been his dream to have a nice place to rent to trainers. Everything has come together for this location and we are ready for business! Thank you to Nelson Yoder! (Owner of Hashtag Blues a blue roan cutting horse stallion standing at stud for the 2025 season- shamless plug 😆)

✅️150x200ft arena
✅️Trails on-site
✅️Pasture and turn out
✅️Open air and deep bedded stalls
✅️24/7 forage
✅️Forage based diet
✅️Easily located off of SR 39 in Millersburg

We are accepting a few more training horses for the rest of 2025. Specializing in young horse ground manners, tune ups, refreshers, and "good citizen," training.

We will be offering Haul-In Lessons starting May 1st for those wanting to learn more about balanced seat riding, obstacles, and horsemanship.

We almost have 800 followers! Share this post!

Send me a PM for more info!

03/29/2025

We have moved into our new facility and the first training horse has arrived!!! Who wants to see pics?

03/29/2025

No tip, trick, fad, gimmick, or tool will beat consistent and clear horsemanship. What are you doing to stay consistent with your horse?

03/25/2025

Is the horse not going the direction or speed you would like? Check in with these things.

1. Where is the rider looking? They should be pointing with their belly button where they are wanting to go. Asking riders to look where they want to go will help guide the horse. Be sure to remind that the "look" must include a change in the seat.

2. Where is the riders weight distributed? If the rider is uneven in their seat bones when going straight, the horse will float one way or another. If they are sitting/leaning to the outside of the turn the horse will be unable to make a turn to the inside. Remind riders to step into the inside stirrup to change the weight when guiding the horse.

3. What is the riders seat doing? When a rider has a very restricted seat that stops moving when turning, the horse has no other choice than to stop or brace against and speed up. Counting steps and keeping the seat flowing allows the horse to move.

4. What rein aids is the rider using? If the rider is using a backwards feeling rein aid when turning, the horse is liable to stop moving, get bound up, and/or back up. The rein aids should be enough to help the horse understand direction but the forward impulsion must continue through the turn.

5. What leg aids is the rider using? Crunching legs, grinding heels, or static squeezes make a horse brace. Encourage riders to squeeze first and then encourage more with a waving or fluttering of the leg right up against the barrel.

6. What attitude does the rider have in the moment? Always evaluate if the rider is nearing mental or emotional fatigue, or if they are excited to be working through challenges. Challenges will come up with riding and riders need to learn how to handle them. An overwhelming amount of challenge can remove the rider from trying which doesn't help anyone.

Pictured is a student learning about riding. This lesson was a combo of learning how to post and riding independently. We try to layer in each piece with support when needed.

03/24/2025

The horses at Brent's young horse class are untouched before they come to his ranch. They have grown up on rocky, hilly, and diverse terrain. They jump like deer off of small cliffs and carefully place their feet down a treaded path. They cover ground each day and don't see humans regularly.

When they are weaned, they are branded, and then turned back out before they come to Brent's. Then they are in the smallest pen in their life, with the most people looking at them, and nothing is familiar. But it's a huge step to their future.

You would think- how in the world can we ever get close to these horses? They keep 2 eyes on you and their bubbles are huge. Brent has a very specific set up of pens that ensures each c**t will find success through kind handling, repetition, draw, layering skills, and expanding their world each session.

The first catch is a huge step. The main word that describes the first catch to me is "trust." It's the first extending of ourselves and communicating, "will you trust me?" How can we catch this flighty animal, gain it's trust by working with it's nature, and then continue to grow? It's amazing how willing these horses can become in just a short few days when they aren't wrangled, cornered, and forced.

"Cricket" came into the pen full of moves and looking for escape. The cutting blood in him tried to look BELOW the panels to get out vs ABOVE. He flexed every joint and rolled back left and right in a blink.

I was standing off to the side when Cricket reached out the first time and Brent said, "oh when this one hooks onto you it's a little intense." From that moment on Cricket trusted more and more. Each catch was less "athletic," and more inviting.

I expected his first touch to feel like little bands of electricity, but he melted really quickly. The next day, his second day being touched, he got his feet trimmed with the support of the saddle horse. He didn't fuss.

What I quickly started learning about Cricket was his ability to try, trust, turn on the heat, turn it off, and hook on. This is everything someone would want in a working horse. It was the neatest thing. And yes, I swear he stared into my soul a lot of the days.

03/20/2025

I have returned from Texas with more knowledge, skill, understanding, and dirt in my ears 😂

Another young horse handling class has come and gone with Brent Graef Horsemanship . This class is so special, meaningful, and impactful.

My c**t this year was a June/July baby and therefore just a little pint. But that pint packed a punch with his athletic and cowy moves.

I cant wait to share more about "Cricket." Dual With Me x SCR Hot Little Boom.

03/07/2025

It is spring maintenance time!

Here is what is on my care list for this spring:

- Vaccinations
- Coggins
- Deworming
- Float teeth
- Clean sheaths and teats

Equipment care:

- Double check fly gear
- Wash blankets
- Safety check, clean and oil all tack

Pro tip! When your horse is sedated for teeth or any other procedures, immediately following is a perfect time to clean sheaths and check for beans!

Client horses need to be UTD on vaccinations, deworming, and have a negative coggins! Vaccinations must be done a minimum of 2 weeks before coming to training!

Call your vets soon if you haven't already to get your horses scheduled!

03/03/2025

Nebo Valley Farm was kind and gave us a very thorough field trip! They did riding demonstrations and discussed their facility. Both classes got a ton of information and experience!