Ellen Kealey Horsemanship

05/31/2024

This is a gentle reminder that really solid and well adjusted horses are built over time. We often need to get things wrong in order to illuminate the path to doing better. We can then use this as motivation to show up as often as possible.

If your horse has a bad day- so what. If he is struggling with something, find a way to get a change of thought rather than rushing to obedience. Take the weeks, months, or years required to adequately problem solve. Getting things right in the relationship is still worth more than getting by with something for a period of time.

Don’t focus on behavior, focus on small improvements that a horse can achieve in the moment.

It can take a few minutes to screw something up in a big way, which costs more time to undo or will always be there just below the surface. Take the time to help a horse become OK with something. Why make the first or any experience a bad one for the sake of getting something done?

Being more aware often starts with taking the pressure off of ourselves. We need to accept and allow our horses to be where they are at without comparison and unfair expectations.

Photo: Not taking things too seriously, while trying new ways of riding and presenting a feel. This is not a bad forehand yield for a backwards approach.

I will also mention that this is not Pipers third ride under saddle. Her and I have an established relationship, which allows for fun experiments without damaging what she already understands. She is going great, yet there are still many more years for her to step up in ways that aren’t available today. I’m grateful for everything her uniqueness has taught me.

05/29/2024

The concept of “good timing” comes up a lot in horsemanship talk along with other things like feel and clarity. I consider timing to be the ability to release consistently for a change, the adjustibility in the tempo of the questions being asked, and the judgement call of what to accept as a good enough change from moment to moment. Different horses require varying intensities in pressure and movement. Some benefit from releasing for the thought, while others require more waiting and hand holding.

One of the most important things to consider with timing is the ability to stay ahead of a horses thoughts and movement. Humans often get lost in what a horse is doing rather than helping a horse to stay focused and ready.

A strong indication that the human is behind a horses thoughts is that everything is a reaction to what the horse is doing, rather than the horse and human having a back and forth conversation. Leaving a horse hanging by not doing enough, or being there without meaning can lead to stronger leaving behaviors.

Photo: Raffi is a very busy minded and sensitive horse who learned to get ahead of pressure to avoid feeling troubled by it. He required me to be very consistent in interrupting his thoughts until staying with me felt better than leaving.

Staying with a horse like him was a tricky timing balance, because he had learned several evasion patterns. There were times where waiting was required to help him feel better and other times where the questions needed to be snappier to ask his thoughts to soften and be ready for the next thing.

05/22/2024

Thank you Good Horsemanship - Ross Jacobs for being such a consistent and helpful mentor in my professional horse journey!

I spent some time with this Fox Trotter mare a few years ago. We did a lot of things together, but helping her learn that a feel was something to embrace with minimal trouble inside was by far the most important and rewarding thing we had going.

05/21/2024

How do you help a horse who becomes unsettled in a stall for tacking up, or struggles to stand tied?

These smaller areas of worry can be easy to ignore or find a way around. Here are some questions to consider. Does the horse stand relaxed when his friends are around, or is there no change in the behavior? Does he worry more when a person isn’t in close proximity? How does he respond when you step into the stall? Has your horse ever been injured and suddenly on stall rest for days or weeks at a time?

One of the first areas to address is teaching a horse to follow a feel with different positions and proximity on the end of the line. He should be ready to stand quietly as if he is tied, or make minor adjustments. A step back while brushing his hip should be no problem, or a step sideways should be available with minimal effort. Having a horse with you throughout the tacking up process should become a way of life.

The next step may be to ask for a higher level of focus on the line and at liberty when the horse is in the stall. Can he go in and out quietly? Can he stay back with ease as you walk out and come back in? Does he leave for the nearest corner to his paddock as soon as the halter comes off? As his focus becomes better through clarity and intentional questions, the desire to be somewhere else will dissipate.

Once better communication is established, and the horse is able to let go of outside distractions I would begin to consistently leave him in the stall for short increments of time. While routine can be anti good horsemanship, there are some instances where it can really help to enhance a horses ability to handle uncomfortable situations, while understanding that it won’t last forever.

Many well known horse training techniques for this sort of problem would include things like letting the horse have a melt down for hours until he calms down, or tie him to something that doesn’t give after he has already learned to escape. These methods may work to help a horse shut down and show less outward signs of distress. Obtaining obedience in this way is working against the horse, instead of increasing his ability to stay grounded over time, and teaching him that these things eventually come to an end.

Photo: Tack up time can be stressful for Hoagy. His owner steps out for a few minutes, and then did some work in the stall to get him to have a stronger focus with her. Even though Hoagy never settled down for long while she was away, he will learn over time that being in the stall isn’t a forever thing. I have recommended that she leave him in the stall before each session for 3-5 minutes. Then take the time to get him as settled as possible at liberty and on the line before taking him out of the stall. Over time these moments will start to blend together and his emotions won’t fluctuate so much. She could even increase the time once he is doing better.

05/16/2024

The ability to get a horse quiet and attentive at a distance is one of the most valuable first steps to understanding a horses’ thoughts. It is the beginning of mirroring conversation, and allows us to be the observer rather than something to accept as in the way or part of life. It gives us the opportunity to see everything in our surroundings that catches our horses thoughts, as well as how committed those ideas are to other distractions and interests.

We can then notice the body language that gives us insight into the inner workings of our horse. Some examples of this may be noticing how he struggles to stay “here” by carrying a brace in a forward position. Or his feet may be still, while his mind is busy and unsettled. Many of the physical changes are indications of a horse shifting to a more grounded mental state.

If we do things right, we can first get our horse attentive, which then leads to directing a thought and a foot. What is the first step to getting a horse more attentive? Becoming more aware of your horse from moment to moment and asking questions. Once you are aware, then you can develop the skills to help your horse.

Photo: Seda staying attentive at liberty. She is incredibly fun to converse with.

04/12/2024

Statements I hear often are, “he was fine” or “the ride was good.” Most peoples judgements are based on their ability to complete a task that is in alignment with their goals. It is important to consider what deserves to be deemed a good ride, and if your horse could talk what would he say about the experience?

Humans don't put enough consideration into the small indications that a horse isn't going well. If adjustments can be made to lessen a behavior things will often go unaddressed until the horse slips over threshold. It is an uncommon occurrence to address the worry in the training so instead of going back to the little things that need attention, we find a solution that will make things OK enough to get by.

I encourage every horse person to ask questions and observe as much as possible. Practice rating everything you ask of your horse on a scale of 1-10. Learn to articulate emotions, body language, and the pressure required to ask a question and receive an answer.

When I say I had a really good day with a horse, it doesn’t necessarily mean that I got to ride, or solved all of the problems that came up. What matters to me is that things felt better than the last session. This could be that the horse found a higher level of relaxation going to the right, or his level of flight was less activated when I went out to catch him. I’m always working toward having an active participant in a back and forth conversation rather than a horse who can be pushed into a job, or completes exercises A,B and C.

The best job we can do with a horse acknowledges and addresses their internal experience.

Photos: Willow is a horse who has learned to hold it together on the outside, but is always worried about what a person might do next. Her focus in the work comes from high levels of worry. Her reactivity is always just below the surface waiting to protect her from an event that puts her over threshold. Her sessions are all about "better." The milestone moments will happen as a natural progression rather than an imposition.

Photo 1: Willow is concerned about being asked to follow the feel while I'm up on the fence. After working with her for a couple of weeks I can feel that her worry has come down a few notches. She isn't pulling as hard on the line, and doesn't feel like she could leave in an instant. During our last session she was comparatively at a higher level of convinced that things might work out OK for her.

Photo 2: She is lining up closer than before, but still has a level of tightness and worry about what is to come. Even though it is better, the emotions still need to be softer.

Photo 3: She has learned to soften to my touch rather than tightening when pressure is applied. Using feel and touch to help her let go of an emotional response to pressure has been such an important piece to the puzzle.

01/03/2024

Exposure is emphasized often in regards to bringing a horse along in the training. They need to cope with more distractions, get down the trail, or experience a busy show environment. I don’t disagree with the sentiment, however the most important component is that a horse feels better because of the work.

People cheer when a horse “survives” something scary without having a complete meltdown. Many exposure experiences put a horse through the motions, but leave them tense and walking on egg shells. If a person doesn’t address the worry levels, the horse will have a meltdown in 15 minutes, or later on when they are put into a similar situation that inspires the same feelings.

It’s not about exposure, experiences, or flooding a horse with a good time. It’s about how you can get them feeling on the other side. Exposure doesn’t mean presenting them with scary things until they get used to it, or teaching them coping mechanisms for survival. It’s about meeting a horse where they are at without agendas, and making life better for them.

Photo: Seda feeling good about asking me questions in a busy environment. She has been trailered in once per week as part of her training. We always made the start of each session about getting her to a higher level of focus and engagement while carrying the least amount of anxiety.

When she feels good her movement is floaty and responsive, and everything between us feels like a nuanced back and fourth conversation. When she is disengaged and stuck on a thought, tightness creeps in at varying levels, and more things begin to bother her.

If you help a horse have a better internal experience, the rest will follow.

11/17/2023

Happy Friday! What is something you are looking forward to with your horse?

I am excited to move my riding horse Piper to my primary barn for the winter so that I can further our relationship and education. Minnesota winters can be tough, but horses and indoor riding arenas make it better :)

11/16/2023

Feel is often taught in the context of when I do this you do that, and if you don’t I’m going to use driving pressure to make it happen. This approach focuses on getting the movements over and done with, and adding repetition to make a horse light and obedient. If done with proper timing, the horse gets worried about leaning on the pressure, so he moves his body.

Feel should be a back and fourth exchange of energy that encourages conversation. The only time that I use a bigger amount of pressure is to encourage a horse to search and engage. A feel should be ongoing and directional with varying amounts of pressure to match the conversation.

A good example of a maneuver where feel is demonstrated in groundwork is teaching a horse to go out on the circle. A horse must rock his weight back, which precedes a forehand yield to the left or right. When a horse doesn’t understand, I will come in close and ask him to adjust his focus in the direction of travel. I don’t get big to force it to happen, but rather take a hold of the line to have an ongoing conversation. I can do a micro release when he starts to think in the direction I want his body to go. Soon enough, he will think to the left or right strong enough to rearrange his body to step out onto the circle.

I make sure that the feel has clarity in correlation to his thought before his feet. A light horse is one who gets out of your way. A soft horse is one who thinks and feels and responds mentally and physically.

Photo: Rhiannon struggles to leave the herd. I am asking her to let go of it seconds at a time by tipping her thoughts away from the distraction. You can see she is trying, but struggling to let it go. I can’t force her to have a thought, but I can adjust my feel to set her up for success.

Take the time to communicate with a directional feel for a change of thought, rather than increasing the driving pressure to make it happen. Your horse will improve in the realms of understanding, focus, and relaxation.

11/10/2023

When it is my responsibility to give a horse their first experience with something, I think about how it feels from their perspective, and how I can make things better for them. Oftentimes this requires slowing down to ensure that the next step won’t send them on overdrive. Even though feelings of uncertainty and worry will be present in the learning process, it’s really important that the first experience isn’t overwhelming.

Photo: The bravest baby had his first experience with following the line this week. I was thrilled with his ability to consistently look with the feel and rearrange his feet.

Before the halter went on I had him consistently following me around the pen. I was then able to pet him with two hands at once, and then started carrying the halter which became part of the petting.

Helping him to take an interest and follow me without ropes around him made the process more seamless. Another important piece was getting him to stay checked in for the petting. It’s crucial that they stay invested in the process. Otherwise things can become repetitive and non relational.

11/07/2023

Kind words from a client yesterday morning. I am so grateful that I get to practice my craft professionally for going on 10 years now.

"Good morning Ellen, I have been meaning to reach out to you. I have used what I learned in my ONE, 2 hour lesson with you over and over this summer!! Just wanted to let you know it has worked wonders with my big guy all summer! His anxieties of leaving the farm has been a fraction of what it was last summer! Thank you so much Ellen!"
-Jill Wellman

11/04/2023

Horses come into arenas and other situations with anticipation. Things are often done to them, and they have to brace themselves for whatever is coming next. Here comes the saddle, next is the bridle, and the pressure tells you where to go and how fast to do it.

A horses’ posture can tell you a lot about their internal experience. These emotions are what drive their decision making, the quality of their movements and their ability to have an ongoing conversation with the human.

Photo: This is a before and after of a clients horse during a groundwork session. Notice in the first photo how his neck and topline are hollow and contracted. In the second photo his body has let go, and he is checking in.

Getting this sort of change requires noticing the physical symptoms, but not directly addressing them. Instead, you ask a horse questions and release for an emotional change. Influencing their ability to follow a feel changes their mindset from stuck and worried, to checking in and asking questions.

There was a moment in the work where the horse looked at Tina and had an inquisitive expression. Rather than moving on to the next thing she wanted him to do, she paused to pet him. This was the moment that made a huge change in how he felt about being in the space and working with her.

11/02/2023

SESSION NUMBER THREE WITH THE ROAN WEANLING

A week ago during his first session he was really nervous about me getting close, and touching him brought up a lot of uncertainty. During session number three he came into the pen feeling much better. He even checked in with me in the larger space before I directed him into the enclosed area.

This short video demonstrates a change of thought. His mind and body come with me as I’m backing away. He has a lot more confidence in his decision to get close. Notice he is not just spinning his hindquarters to face up, but rather both eyes and the inside shoulder are committed to coming with me.

11/01/2023

Our goals and agendas can get in the way of the smaller changes that are necessary for a horses’ understanding. Rather than slowly allowing things to unfold, we get impatient with the timeline. It happens in the beginnings of teaching a horse how to lead, and it persists into the upper levels of training.

I’ve had the pleasure of taking on a new project this fall, working with three unhandled weanlings. It is eye opening to go back to the fundamentals of what horses are without the influence of humans. There are many moments of fear, curiosity, and uncertainty.

I’m not in a hurry to get ropes and halters on them. Their first experiences, along with the emotions they carry will influence their future in so many ways. It’s really important that they can be touched and follow along without feeling trapped. Everything that I ask of them is guiding them towards feeling confident that things will work out in their favor. When worry and uncertainty are present, it’s important to work within a level that the horse can handle.

Photo: Rate these weanlings on a scale from least to most concerned. Even though they have all had similar life experiences, they are very different in how their minds interact with the world. This requires working with them on individual timelines, and without expectations.

10/31/2023

I was once having a conversation with a person at the fair grounds who was leading their horse around. While they were talking to me the horse was tight, wide eyed, and began to circle on his own. Meanwhile the human continued to talk and acted like this was normal behavior for the horse. They then proceeded to give the horse more line in an effort to encourage grazing as a means to stop the horse from leaving.

It was really hard for me not to intervene the moment I saw the horse start to get bothered. As things escalated, it was hard to pay attention, and the horse was on another planet for the majority of the conversation.

Many old school trainers would use this as a primary example of a horses disrespect, and the humans lack of commanding it. I see it more as the horse has needs, and the human isn’t aware of the responsibility that comes along with meeting them.

It can be very damaging from the horses perspective to leave him to his own devices, yet we’re physically dragging him along with us. It is our primary responsibility to make things right for our horse in every situation. If we don’t, we are actively making things worse.

This post is meant to bring awareness to the areas that we leave our horses alone in their worry and situations that we have asked them to be apart of.

Photo: This mare is sure to tell me how she feels. It’s amazing that if we put an effort in with the right tools, we can help a horse become a more relaxed version of themselves.

10/27/2023

Humans often misinterpret a horses behavior in the context of speed and willingness. They think a horse who is rushing down the trail, or over a jumping course is a horse who loves its job and wants to be there. Likewise, a horse that doesn’t want to do anything is relaxed and without trouble in its life.

What people often don’t think about is what makes a willing partner. A horse who feels good about being with you will be OK in different circumstances. He will be just as willing to put out an effort, or stop and let the other horses pass without running through the riders ask. A willing partner follows the feel presented by the rider, and joins the conversation by continuously asking questions instead of resorting to obedience or trying to find an escape plan.

Likewise, a thoughtful horse person considers the whole horse. They see every rush through a gate and tightness in the saddling. They not only interpret how his response time is improving, but they consider how he does it. It becomes about learning to recognize the difference between a horse who is escaping and going through the motions, versus one who is attentive, soft and adjustable.

Photo: Pete is my new horse who used to be in the Arab show circuit. His go-to response has been readiness with containable amounts of worry. Addressing his tightness has allowed him to relax while maintaining his sensitivity.

10/24/2023

The fall 2023 Good Horsemanship - Ross Jacobs clinic was a success. All of the horses made improvements, but more importantly Ross helped each student to connect with their horses needs from moment to moment. The methods continuously changed to align with the principles of how to best influence a horses thoughts and emotions.

Ross continuously reminds us of how our goals always come secondary to how a horse feels. Having a conversation with the mind is one of the key elements to addressing softness, straightness and creating a willing partnership.

Here are a few photos of some of the participants throughout the four days. A huge thanks to Complete Equestrian Company for their willingness to host us last minute, and to Kadie Osgood for making lunches and taking photos! It takes a village to host a successful clinic where everyone is focused on learning and spending time with their horse.

We look forward to hosting Ross again in summer of 2024.

10/14/2023

DAY 2 of the Good Horsemanship - Ross Jacobs clinic is about to be underway!Everyone is invited to attend and join in discussion. Lunch is provided. Bring a chair and ask your horse questions 🐴🤩

10/05/2023

A BIG ANNOUNCEMENT: Due to unforeseen circumstances we will be canceling the clinic this coming weekend, and moving locations from Dakota Stables to Complete Equestrian Company in Lakeville for the second weekend (Oct 13-16). There will be unlimited space for auditors at the new location.

We will still be having a few private lessons this coming Friday morning (10/6) at Dakota Stables with a small lunch to follow. If you want to attend, please let me know.

A huge thanks to CEC for having the ability to host us last minute! Contact me directly if you have any questions or wish to attend!
(319) 331-6276 call or text
[email protected]

09/27/2023

I recieve overwhelming feedback about my ability to help a horse find their inner calm. People often attribute this to my gentle and quiet nature around horses, which actually has very little to do with the end result. So how does this actually work?

Having a presence that doesn’t upset a horse can be great but doesn’t necessarily result in a lasting change. The reason why horses end up calmer after some work with me is because I find the trouble spots, while helping them to find clarity each step along the way. I become extra aware of a horses’ cup of worry, and I find a way to converse without flooding them with things they aren’t ready for.

If a horse is explosive on a lounge line I help them by slowing their emotions, while teaching them to stay connected with me. The horse got quieter not because of my calm energy, but rather because of the clarity about how I want them to feel and respond. Sometimes this requires a bigger response to interrupt a committed thought, and other times it may not look like anything is happening to evoke a response.

The real conversation begins when a horse isn’t putting effort into leaving mentally. This allows him to have a quiet and receptive mind for the politest ask. Embrace what needs to be done, so that you can help a horse find more moments of calm and readiness.

Photo: This young Arab has a busy mind, and has been taught to get quick with her feet. Interrupting the cycle of anxiety that comes from work with humans has been very beneficial for her progress.

09/21/2023

We still have participant spots available for both clinics at Dakota Stables in Northfield, MN. Contact me for questions or to sign up!

There are still participant spots available in both clinics! Contact me if you’re interested in bringing a horse, or auditing

09/15/2023

IT'S NOT THE TOOL
I once had a student whose horse was very dull on the whip in groundwork. I suggested she should change it for a horsemanship flag, in order to get the horse more responsive to it again. I showed her how to use it and we came to a good result in that session.

When I came back two weeks later, the horse was completely dull towards the horsemanship flag. I observed how my student worked with it: she flapped it around constantly, in a similar way she had used the whip before.

Once I had a student who had a very hard hand and pulled a lot on the rein. I could see the discomfort the horse was suffering through the bit. I suggested my student should use a bitless bridle.

She bought one, and the next time I saw her, I saw a raw place underneath the nose strap and some lamb wool padding on that nose strap. Apparently the student had pulled on the bitless bridle the same way she pulled on the bridle, and the horse had gotten raw.

When I started teaching, I first had to learn that it’s not the tool, but the way we use it. We can hurt a horse with a bitless bridle and we can build up a fine communication with a curb bit.

Today, instead of suggesting different tools, I rather show my students how to use their tools with a feel and how to develop good timing. Because with the right timing and good feel, you can use many different tools in a way which connects you to your horse.

Whenever I use a tool, I want my horse to think towards the tool and towards me, not to disconnect from the tool or from me.

Of course, there are some tools I never use, such as draw reins, because I don’t have a need for them and they are against my ethical standards. Whenever I decide to use a tool, it should add something useful
Photo by .senderowska

09/04/2023

There are still horse and rider spots available for the Good Horsemanship - Ross Jacobs clinic this coming October (6th-9th and 13th-16th).

If you are struggling with a certain issue, or are searching for ways to improve your relationship with your horse, then this clinic is for you. Sign up for 1 or all 4 days. The cost is $270/day which includes a session with Ross, lunch and housing for your horse.

Contact me directly if you have questions or wish to reserve your spot!
(319) 331-6276
[email protected]

Send a message to learn more

08/22/2023

When your horse wants to drink water, but won’t step in it. 🤣 He must have some pretty sensitive toes!

08/17/2023

Relationships are not about comparisons. They are also not about dwelling on the past, or using it as a reason to ignore the present.

Relationships are about assessing what is working well, and what needs help. They are about finding unique ways to fill in holes that result in a better partnership. Any spot that contains trouble should be given time and value. Every minor detail flows into the bigger picture.

As a trainer, nothing will teach you this better than your own horse. It becomes one of the best reasons to let go of expectations, and to make the relationship your own. It’s all about noticing the little things that get in the way of going together.

Photo: A senior photo moment during todays session ✨ Working on getting the mare to stand peacefully with nowhere to be in the wash bay, because doing things together is fun.

08/14/2023

There is no better feeling than asking things of a horse that feels relaxed, flowing and ready. So get the emotional state going first, then worry about the other things.

And furthermore, if you want to get a taste of what it means to understand some of these things, sign up for Ross Jacobs clinic this fall!

WHAT DO YOU SEE?

A few weeks ago I watched a few video clips of the 2022 European Dressage Championships with a feeling of discomfort. This morning I viewed a clip of a horse that was difficult to pick up its feet.

Yesterday I watched a training video by a well-known horsemanship trainer and felt very uncomfortable.

When I read some of the comments that accompanied each of those videos, I was struck by how much my assessment of the training and the performances differed from others. There I was feeling very uncomfortable about what I was watching, yet feeling like I was missing something because of how much rapturous support was being expressed in the comments section.

Then it struck me that what I was looking at and what other people were looking at were not the same elements of the same videos.

People saw the reach of the forelegs in the extended trot of one of the dressage horses and loved it. I saw foam erupting from the horse’s mouth like a volcano indicating tension and worry. I saw a neck with extreme curvature and heavy-handed use of the reins. It bothered me.

In the video of the horse that avoided having its feet picked up, people’s comments ranged from checking for ulcers to back soreness. Yet I saw a horse that was distracted and mentally disconnected from the handler and was wanting to be with its paddock buddies.

In the video showing the horsemanship trainer working a horse, there was a lot of praise for the responsiveness and lightness the horse showed when asked to perform lateral flexions. I saw a horse that was afraid of the reins.

At a horse expo a few years ago I watched the c**t starting competition. The official winner of the event was able to ride his horse over tarpaulins, open a gate, and cracked a stock whip while sitting on it. He got a huge applause. But for me, the unofficial winner of the event was a woman who didn’t even try to get her horse to do any of those things. It was not ready. In fact, she didn’t even ride her horse. But over the three days her horse became relaxed, connected with her, and was trying its heart out at everything it was asked. The way she worked with her sensitive mare was first prize in my book.

I want to be clear that I am not yelling at anybody. I want to be clear that I am not saying that my judgment and perception of what is right is where the discussion ends. But I am trying to point out that different people have different ideas of what they believe is good training. I want to point out that some people make their judgments based on what we can teach a horse to do. Other people are more interested in judging the quality of training on what we can teach a horse to feel.

When I see a horse working a cow or performing a half pass or walking into a trailer or grazing in a paddock, it is my inbuilt bias that automatically looks at the inside of a horse. When I see a horse that is crooked or lame or straight or sound, I immediately think, “What is going on inside that horse?” When I see a horse standing to be mounted or approaching a jump, my mind first considers its expression, the direction of its thoughts, and the tension in its body. I do these things long before I consider the quality or correctness of a horse’s movement or the obedience to the aids. I can’t help it. It’s my prejudice. And because it is such a strong prejudice in me that I sometimes find it hard to understand why other people don’t judge horses and training the same way. Why do some people get excited by a huge expressive canter while a horse is displaying deep emotional upset? It’s not that I think they are wrong. It’s just that I don’t get it. I guess this explains why I am not the trainer for everybody, as hard as I might try.

Photo: This is my mare, Six showing the sort of relaxation that is worth more to me than any blue ribbon.