Cohesive Horsemanship

04/24/2025

While working with a student, we discussed the importance of either having a clear, soft contact or no contact at all, rather than living in what I call the “grey zone” of “kinda contact.” This grey zone is where inconsistency lives - the connection bounces between on and off, creating a disruptive experience for your equine partner who feels you one moment and doesn’t the next.

Think about how confusing this must be from your horse or mule’s perspective! It’s like trying to have a conversation with someone who keeps walking in and out of the room mid-sentence. The start-and-stop nature of inconsistent contact makes it nearly impossible for your equine to understand what you’re asking and respond with confidence.

I invite you to become aware of whether you’re living in this grey zone and instead, practice these two states:

1) deliberately loose rein
2) soft, consistent connection

Do you find your equine releases tension? Shows an increase in willingness? Total chaos? Let us know!

04/21/2025

I recently read a post suggesting we avoid the word “respect” in horsemanship, as it’s often confused with obedience and dominance. I’ve seen this firsthand, where forceful techniques are justified as “earning respect.”

This made me reflect, since respect has always been central to my approach — it’s even part of my brand: Building Partnerships based on Confidence, Trust, and Respect.

For me, respect isn’t about control. It’s about understanding differences, accepting what feels unfamiliar, and moving forward with dignity — not force. It’s about connection, not compliance.

So I’m curious:
What does respect mean to you in your relationship with your horse?
I’d love to hear your thoughts — let’s start a conversation!

04/18/2025

A horse can do everything you ask and still not understand you.
A horse can comply and still not feel safe.
A horse can obey… and still not trust.

Obedience might look like success from the outside — but understanding feels like connection on the inside.

When we slow down, soften, and listen, we stop teaching for control…
and start building a conversation that both hearts can belong to.

The real magic isn’t in getting your horse to say “yes.”
It’s in helping them mean it.

04/13/2025

So often we ask: “How can I get my horse to listen to me?”
But the deeper question is: Are you listening to them?

Horses speak all the time — not with words, but with tension, posture, breath, stillness, and movement.

When we stop treating resistance as disobedience and start hearing it as communication, the whole relationship shifts.

Listening builds trust.
And trust builds everything else.

04/08/2025

The Cohesive Foundations Interactive course first coaching call is TOMORROW , April 9!

Still not sure if this is the right direction for your horsemanship journey? Check out some reviews from the last course!

A truly profound partnership with your equine is just around the corner— join us! Link to sign up in bio

04/05/2025

The Cohesive Foundations exercises and principles can benefit any equine in any discipline! The foundation triangle elements of relaxation, balance and willingness set you and your equine up on a journey to clear communication, mutual trust and overall a profound partnership.

What will you and your horse gain from the Interactive Cohesive Foundations Course?

✅ A shared language that works in any situation
✅ Mutual trust, confidence, and respect
✅The essential foundations of relaxation, balance, and willingness
✅ Weekly LIVE coaching to address your specific challenges
✅ A supportive community of like-minded equestrians
✅ Lifetime access to all materials

First coaching call: April 9th

Spaces are limited! Secure your spot today (link in bio)

Learn to build an amazing foundation with your equines and work on developing an extraordinary partnership.

04/04/2025

Here is an example of one of the 12 exercises we explore in the Cohesive Foundations Course- the target exercise. This exercise builds curiosity and confidence through positive reinforcement while teaching our equines to become problem solvers, which in turn is the antidote for fear and spooking.

The foundations aren't just basics—they're the critical building blocks that support all
advanced work with your equine.

Our Interactive Cohesive Foundations Course opens the door to clear communication, mutual
trust, and willing partnership with your horse. The 12-week journey begins April 9th with our first
live coaching call!

Ready to join us? Link in bio!

04/03/2025

🎉 ENROLLMENT NOW OPEN! 🎉

The Interactive Cohesive Foundations Course officially opens today! Transform your partnership with your horse through our 12-week guided journey focused on the essential Foundation Triangle:
RELAXATION → BALANCE → WILLINGNESS

🔸Weekly LIVE coaching calls starting April 9th
🔸Personalized guidance for you and your horse
🔸Progressive exercises that build clear communication
🔸Lifetime access to all course materials

Don't miss this opportunity to create a profound connection with your equine partner! Link in bio
to enroll!

Learn to build an amazing foundation with your equines and work on developing an extraordinary partnership.

03/21/2025

When was the last time you approached a training session with pure curiosity?

03/18/2025

The 7 Core Principles — the foundation on which I build relationships with my equines.

These 7 core principles are more than just guidelines—they’re a compass. When I find myself frustrated or stuck, these principles help me realign my approach and rediscover the joy of working with my equine partner.

Are you ready to dive in? Let’s begin this transformative journey together! Click the link in my bio!

03/16/2025

Some very kind words from longtime Cohesive Horsemanship student, Leslie Hait:

“A Trainer, A Teacher, and a True Horsewoman

I’ve had the privilege of working with Tessa Nicolet for several years, and in that time, she has had an incredible impact on both my riding and my partnership with my horse. Whether through in-person and virtual lessons (using PIVO), clinics, workshops, or online courses, Tessa’s teaching has always been clear, kind, and effective.

One of the things I appreciate most about Tessa is her unwavering patience and empathy—not just for her students, but for their horses as well. She has a unique ability to adapt her teaching to any level, breaking down concepts in a way that truly makes sense. I’ve never seen her make a student or horse feel wrong, self-conscious, or discouraged. Instead, she meets every challenge with encouragement, making learning both enjoyable and rewarding.

What sets Tessa apart is that she doesn’t just train horses—she teaches her students how to train their own horses. That’s a rare and invaluable skill. Under her direction, my horse and I have progressed tremendously, earning many awards and blue ribbons, but more importantly, we’ve grown together as a team. She has taught me not just how to ride and train but also how to care for my horse in the way he deserves and build a true partnership with him.

I also admire that Tessa never stops learning. She actively furthers her own education and is always excited to share what she’s learned from her own mentors, clinics, and lessons. This commitment to growth makes her an outstanding resource for both amateurs and professionals alike.

If you have the opportunity to learn from Tessa Nicolet, I highly recommend it. She is not just a great trainer—she’s an exceptional teacher, mentor, and advocate for both horses and riders.”

Thank you Leslie for your kind words, and for setting an incredible example for us all on what it is to be a student of the horse!

02/28/2025

03/17/2024

Entries are now Available for the Schooling Show at American Ranch in Prescott on May 18th!! https://form.jotform.com/240745291338156