Cohesive Horsemanship

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

01/30/2025

2025 is shaping up to be full of opportunities to learn and ride Working Equitation! YAY! Here is a list of clinics for this spring in AZ.

If you are new to clinics with me - come try a clinic or workshop and get 25% off!! Comment and I'll get you signed up!

11/30/2024

I've had many requests for something to help keep us motivated and inspired. A place to get support and have meaningful discussions. A community of passionate and supportive Equine People. A roadmap or process to work through with your equine.... And THIS IS IT!

The Monthly Journey will start January 1st with the first Live Coaching call January 9th. Pre-Purchase NOW to get 50% off your membership.

The Monthly Journey includes monthly focus exercises and movements presented at different levels both on the ground and from the saddle. You will have ongoing support and discussions and Live Coaching calls for in depth discussions and to answer any questions.

Find out more here: https://cohesivehorsemanship.com/the-inspired-membership

09/07/2024

This is one of my favorite graphics for the training scale. I'm not sure where it first appeared... I've seen it in several different publications and have always liked it. If someone know where this first came from I'd love to give credit to it... But... Why do I like it so much?
I like the drawings of the horses in different stages of training. The drawings help me 'see' those different steps along the way... I'm a visual learner... I learn best by seeing diagrams, watching others do it, observing and noting things. After I 'see' something I have an easier time 'doing' something and trying it. I also need to know why. I like understanding why we do what we do when and how. That's what works best for me... but it's different for all of us. Understanding how we learn can be very helpful in finding different courses and ways to grow our understanding of any subject, including our horsemanship and riding.
As an instructor it is my responsibility to find many different ways to explain and show different concepts and help students understand WHY we are doing what we are doing.
I teach two Online courses - 1 - The Cohesive Foundations Course, and 2 - the Cohesive Rider Course. The Cohesive Foundations course focuses on building Relaxation, Willingness, and Balance both on the ground and while in the saddle. It builds the foundations for the first 3 phases on this dressage scale. The Cohesive Rider course then takes this further to build more flexibility, Mobility, Straightness, and the ability to collect. In each course we have the option to Listen, Read, See (with videos and diagrams), try it, and get feedback on all our work. This has proven to be very helpful to students.
Right now Enrollment for the Cohesive Rider course is open!!!
What about the WHY??? This Dressage Training scale may seem linear, but in practice we go back to foundations often as we keep building our equine athlete. For example, as we start to work on connection, often our rhythm and relaxation gets wonky and we have a stiff (not supple) horse... so we circle back down and work through those while teaching and learning about connection... we always circle back down in order to circle back up this scale. The Cohesive Rider Course goes through each of these with exercises and shows WHY we do what, when and how as we move up this scale. Enrollment is open now - Class starts September 11th!

Building Partnerships!

09/06/2024

The Shoulders... In these pictures we can see the left shoulder is higher, but what is striking to me is the dip behind the shoulders, behind the scapula - and how filled in it becomes!
I try to look at all my horses from this angle (and several other angles) and look for asymmetries and any muscle atrophy. This helps me make a plan for how to work on building balance and releasing any areas that may have been constricted. In this case we changed saddles to ensure no hinderance of the scapula and incorporated exercises to target the lifting of the thoracic sling while encouraging suppleness and straightness.
Do you want to learn more about how to do this? The what to do when, how, and why for this type of work is the focus of the Cohesive Rider Course. Enrollment is now open for the next 10 week Interactive Course! Learn more here -

Building Partnerships!

09/01/2024

Happy September!!! The shadows are getting longer - here are some upcoming clinics and shows... Come Join Us!!! All riding levels are welcome!

September 6th and 7th - Working Equitation Clinic Saturday and Private Lessons Sunday in Flagstaff AZ

September 13th and 14th - Rim Rider 2 Working Equitation Clinic and Show in Payson AZ

September 21st and 22nd - Working Equitation Clinic Saturday and Private Lessons Sunday in Prescott Valley AZ

October 12th - Working Equitation Clinic in Apache Junction AZ

October 19th and 20th - Working Equitation Clinic Saturday and Private Lessons Sunday in Prescott Valley AZ

October 25th and 26th - Rim Rider 3 Working Equitation Clinic and Show in Payson AZ

you can sign up for any of these events at

Building Partnerships!

08/01/2024

There's a lot of Gold in this article. Personally I tend to lean into option 1 in this article, but I also believe this very unfortunate event can serve as a catalyst for all of us to really REALLY prioritize our partnerships with our equines above any ambition for competition, goals, etc.. as a absolute non-negotiable in our lives.

British equestrian Charlotte Dujardin withdrew from the Paris Olympics on Tuesday when a video showed her abusing a horse. The discovery marks a moment of deep sadness for horse lovers everywhere. Fortunately, the international and national associations governing equine events acted immediately to p...

07/30/2024

If you are looking for a versatile, fun, safe, and beautiful partner to compete in Working Equitation, Western Dressage, and trail obstacles... IRISH is IT!

Irish loves obstacles and is a very fun and safe horse.

9 year old (foaled June 14th 2015) Morgan Gelding for sale. This is a safe, fun, talented horse. He has an engaging and curious personality. Loves people, and loves to please. Stands about 15h3... dark beautiful bay. Currently barefoot. Has competed in 1st level dressage with scores in the high 60's, was Western Zone Champion in Level 1 Working Equitation in 2022, Has won several shows in Level 2 Working Equitation. Loads, hauls, clips, bathes, etc with no issues.... he's a easy keeper and all around great horse.

Videos available Here:
Obstacles - https://youtu.be/bBGW7gtaQcE
Flat work - https://youtu.be/LS2fMPI8eD0

Email me at [email protected] with questions etc...

07/03/2024

Join us for some Working Equitation in Flagstaff AZ! Fort Tuthill is a great place to camp and spend some time in the pines. Stalls are available for the weekend.
Friday Clinic, Saturday show 1, Sunday Show 2.
Join us for all or just one or two!
Entry Forms Available Here: https://form.jotform.com/241626950321149

06/21/2024

Clinics in Flagstaff and Prescott Valley in June, July and August. Find out more here:
https://cohesivehorsemanship.com/clinics-and-events

03/17/2024

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