Horseman's Toolbox

12/25/2022

Merry Christmas!!!

05/14/2022

The Real work
I tell a joke about how my Mother used to tell me, as a lazy teenager, that no one was going to hire me to stand around doing nothing, but here I am spending the bulk of my paid time giving horses dwell time, and waiting for a horse to truly relax before progressing to the next step.
I make it clear to people before they work with me that this is the case, but I still get many questions about when the 'real work' will start. Here is my standard answer: This Is the real work. Building connection, relaxation and communication is the most crucial part of developing a horse.. But what about collection, flying lead changes, spins, jumps and fitness? Horses can do all that stuff on their own already. This is why you will never hear me talk about schooling a horse. You're not teaching them anything new. We develop the communication to be able to ask for a particular movement or shape, but they are capable of that movement, or shape before they ever have to interact with people.
Connecting with a predator (humans) is a completely new concept for many horses though. Being able to relax around them and not keep waiting to be eaten takes some convincing.
I know thousands of riders, trainers and enthusiasts that can get on and jockey a horse around, but the number of people who can connect and be aware around horses enough to set them at ease is far lower... So.. If you are struggling with an issue with your horse.. I'd be willing to bet this is the area you need to work on!

02/20/2022

Sage The Gemini • Tick Tick Boom (feat. BygTwo3)

02/15/2022

These girls have been working hard with their horses and I can't wait to see their hard work pay off in the show ring this summer!

02/14/2022

02/14/2022

02/14/2022