NZN Horsemanship

11/15/2025

The colors of November 🍂

11/12/2025

Posture is very important. Reading into and discovering pain signals is important too

But I’m finding the current climate is so unsure, so tentative, backing off for every potential signal of discomfort either physical or emotional, that horses are actually worse off for it.
If you never put the horse straight, they will BECOME painful. If you back off EVERY time the horse has a question, often interpreted as resistance, the horse WILL break down.

Why? Because without some guidance, some straightening, some questions and answers, horses and people will never get anywhere.

Imagine going to a fitness coach. Imagine he backs off every single time you’re remotely uncomfortable, a little sore, a little unsure, not perfectly comfortable. Imagine you need this for PT to recover from an injury.

Not only will you never get fit, you’ll actually become more anxious and more lame. Why? Because you have no guidance through and forward. Your coach will be feeding into, and building anxiety and weakness.

This is what I see in the world at large now- a well meaning attempt to create comfort in horses is actually building more lameness, more body pain, more anxiety.
Of course we need to address and solve sources of pain and discomfort.

Get good fitting tack, learn to sit WELL, and learn to ride straight. I’m not saying don’t listen to the horse - but don’t become so tentative you’re no help.

A lot of people are capitalizing on people’s good intentions to create confusion, dependence, and mystique. This stuff isn’t new - it’s been around for ages. We’ve known how to straighten horses and keep them sound for a long, long time, but suddenly it’s like the Tower of Babel out there and nobody knows what to do.

Calm; forward, and straight. Soundness is actually quite simple. Get your seat right, your tack right, and then ride them forward and put them straight.
—obviously there are some horses with lameness or congenital issues that this will not apply to. But a qualified vet or other professional will be the best help, not every Facebook post or forum you can find

Almost all of my horses came to me unsound. At a certain point I decided they were either going to be ridden to soundness or retired. And wouldn't you know it, they are all sound now. Sometimes you just gotta go for it.

11/05/2025

So exciting! This was a great event, many more to come. Honoring true horsemanship and keeping it alive for the next generation.

Ray Days 2025 was a wonderful event.
This idea was put together by Tom and Trina Curtin, Lee and Mark Smith and Emily Kitching. It was a get together of friends and family who had spent time with Ray Hunt. We shared stories of some of his remarkable horsemanship exhibitions, along with just funny traveling mishaps. We also shared some tears, because Ray changed our lives in so many ways.

At the 2025 annual Ray Days the most important thing we discussed was the Ray Days foundation. With the formation of a foundation, we are trying to preserve the horsemanship teachings of Tom Dorrance, Bill Dorrance and Ray Hunt. This foundation will be established in honor of these remarkable horsemen, Tom Dorrance, Bill Dorrance, Ray Hunt, and others who significantly impacted the horse industry by introducing innovative approaches that prioritize the well-being of the horse.

The Dorrance bothers achieved remarkable success in working with horses with minimal pressure, and they shared this knowledge and understanding to the betterment of the horse. Ray Hunt was one of the first to receive the benefits of such help, and he was able to spend his life sharing it with others.

This organization is dedicated to perpetuating the philosophy that fosters this harmonious relationship between horse and rider. Each of those master horsemen were individual and unique, maybe even genius, possessing distinct characteristics, rare gifts, and talents. While it is impossible to fully capture everything they offered, we can all share in their mission: to think in harmony, strive for true unity, and embrace a mindset that enhances the horses’ experience.

Historically, horses have played a vital role in many civilizations. Just as technology and sociology have evolved over the years, so too should our understanding and methods of interacting with these noble animals.

We would like to provide scholarships for students who are interested in this style of horsemanship.

As the foundation gets established, we will list the requirements need to apply for for a scholarship and what that scholarship will include. If you would like to donate to the foundation we are working on that also. Stay tuned, great things are in the works.

Also Mark your calander
RAY DAYS 2026
October 16-17

11/03/2025

Sharing some great Monday wisdom from Amy Skinner Horsemanship

Guilt and shame

I am a huge proponent of self discipline and responsibility- but I often feel sad for my students when I find them enveloped in guilt.

I want to remind anyone reading that mistakes are a NORMAL part of learning. Sometimes some mistakes can cause feelings of shame for what you didn’t know at the time - and I challenge you to think outside of yourself. Look at the pros around you, or others you admire. Do you really think they haven’t done something they aren’t proud to share? Something they did to accidentally harm a horse or student, or maybe even on purpose?

No one is immune to these experiences, and unfortunately, the more horses and students under your belt the greater the statistics of mistakes. It’s not an IF but when.

I don’t like that I’ve made some mistakes in my life involving the wellbeing of others. I never intended to hurt anyone - but the fact that I did helps me teach others, to steer them in a better course because I know from experience where that one can go.

If you’re stuck in shame, you miss the learning. You are not your mistakes, you are simply a person learning. It’s your choice what to do with it: you can use it to propel yourself forward, or to help others who are feeling shame or struggling too.

Shame is not productive itself- it is a signal to look deeper. This kind of thing happens, and whatever was done was done. You have the power now to grow forward. Who do you want to be? Not a one of us is perfect, and in fact those of us least perfect can find ourselves relying well to others who are imperfect too - and that may just be what the world needs most right now

10/28/2025

Eager to listen in on this!

Reminder... this week we've got two classes scheduled, one with Siobhán Watkins, Ph.D., on the science of supplements and the second with Deb Bennett, Ph.D., which will be our first functional conformation class.

See full schedule:
https://eclectic-horseman.com/the-horsemanship-shop/eclectic-classroom/live-classes/

10/28/2025

👏
I want to thank everyone that has trusted me with their c**ts over the last few years.

While we are currently full for training until August 2026, please don’t hesitate to still reach out. I’m always happy to visit about your goals!

**tstarting

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐢𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐭 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 — 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞’𝐬 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫

It’s no secret the equine industry is booming. Between the explosion of incentive programs and more major horse shows than ever before, the demand for well-started, confident young horses has skyrocketed. Leading riders are traveling now more than ever - escalating the value exponentially solid c**t starting programs.

Yet, there’s one part of the equation that seems to be in short supply — experienced c**t starters.

If you’re new to the business or simply preparing to show one you’ve raised for the first time, our advice is twofold:

Feed them well.
Find a horse trainer you trust and want to invest in.

But here’s the vital piece of the puzzle that often gets overlooked: the c**t starting.

𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐭 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐚 𝟑𝟎-𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝

This isn’t a quick-fix job, no matter how much we wish it could be. Every c**t is an individual. What one horse may figure out in a day might take another 30 days to understand — and that’s not a reflection of the trainer or the horse. A true horseman knows the difference and adjusts accordingly.

Too many people still throw around the phrase “just starting” like it’s no big deal. Truth is, that mindset can make or break a young prospect. The foundation built (or not built) in those first 30 days will follow that horse for the rest of its life.

So here’s our first piece of advice: Don’t discount this step.
The professionals who dedicate their lives to starting performance prospects are worth every single dollar they charge — and then some.

𝐈𝐟 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥, 𝐃𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐜

It’s a good problem to have when the trainer you want to use is booked solid. But instead of settling for “whoever’s available,” ask that trainer who they recommend. Many top horsemen have other professionals they trust to start horses for their own programs. That insight is gold — take it.

And once your c**t is with the c**t starter and then the trainer, remember to communicate. Listen to their evaluation. This is your first “progress report” of the year. Pay attention to what they say, don't be offended or defensive — listen to where your horse excels, where it struggles, and how it learns. That feedback helps you make better decisions moving forward in their careers.

𝐆𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧

We’ll say it again: this isn’t a 30-day miracle job. If you want your horse to be confident, consistent, and set up for a lifetime of success, plan to leave them for at least 90 to 120 days.

With so many leading trainers constantly traveling for major events, your young horse will benefit from being with someone who’s consistent, patient, and hands-on when it counts the most.

𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 — 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐖𝐚𝐢𝐭

Here’s the elephant in the room: When should you start your c**t?

Most professional c**t starters will tell you — the sooner, the better. Young horses, much like teenagers, go through what we call a “sponge stage.” They crave stimulation and learning. Not because they want to get into trouble, but because their minds are searching for something to do.

For some c**ts, that phase comes around 18 months. For others, closer to 24. The best approach? Let your horse, veterinarian, and trainer guide the timing together.

And remember — in a professional c**t starting program with horseman, these horses aren’t being worked hard or long. Sessions are short and intentional — 10 to 20 minutes focused on confidence, clarity, and communication. The goal is to set them up for a lifetime of success, right at the moment when they’re most open to learning.

𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬

The truth is simple: The industry needs more skilled c**t starters — and more owners who understand their value. If you’re investing the time, money, and heart into breeding or buying a performance horse, don’t cut corners at the very start of their journey.

For the love of all things holy... Pay them. Pay them well. In the long run it will be the best money you have spent. Ever. Guaranteed. You will lose less time. They won't go 10 step forward to go 20 steps back.

Feed them right.
Trust the process.
Find a horseman who believes in setting a foundation, not rushing a result.

Because those first rides don’t just make a horse — they make a future.

Pictured: Our C**t Starting Magician - David Neason of A Texas Cowboy & The Everyday Horseman Community

10/26/2025

Hearing the stories and sentiments about Ray Hunt and how much he meant to the horsemanship community was incredibly inspiring. I can’t wait to help this grow into something to benefit not just future horsemen and women, but first and foremost, to benefit the horse.

10/13/2025

Little how to video of the bowline knot… or at least my version of it!

Thanks Joey for being a great model, and miss Cathleen Peabody for being my impromptu videographer 😆

10/02/2025

🔗: whmag.co/accept-having-a-foot-held

The next time you see a horse standing still with a hind leg cocked, walk behind it and make note of how that leg hangs down under the hip. It’s straight down, not angled out from the body.

Idaho horseman and clinician Martin Black says that observation is key to helping a horse—especially when young or inexperienced—learn to accept holding up a foot while you work on it.