Elliston Equine Solutions, LLC

10/04/2025

Patience Pays: Rejecting Instant Rewards in Horsemanship

Working with horses teaches patience in a way that building fences or mowing pastures never can. With physical tasks, you see immediate results. A shed goes up, brush is cleared, and a haircut is obvious as soon as you step out of the chair. Horsemanship is different: it rewards the smallest, subtler gains.
Progress with a horse is built moment by moment. You reward the slightest try, shape thought into action through the horse’s body, then layer the cue until the horse understands. Take disengaging the hindquarters (untracking) as an example: begin by encouraging the horse to look left, then apply a left-seat and leg aid from position three (just behind the girth). Hold the aid until the horse shifts its weight, release, and repeat when the horse takes a step, reward, and build on it. As you refine the aid, you may find you need less leg and more seat — a sign you are developing true communication and unity.
Because results are gradual, it’s easy to become discouraged by the lack of immediate, material feedback. Don’t let that slow you down. Repetition practiced with feel, timing, and calm consistency builds confidence in both horse and rider. Regroup when you need to, reset, and return to the work. Over time, those small increments add up to balance, responsiveness, and partnership — the real rewards of horsemanship. Cheers- Travis

09/29/2025

Elliston Equine Solutions and E/9 Ranch have been busy this season — offering riding lessons, horsemanship clinics, and professional training. Even with heavy monsoon rains, our team and students keep making steady progress. Lots of small improvements and projects are underway to make the ranch safer and more welcoming every day. We are also want to give a shout out to everyone who has signed up for the equine basic and advance first aid coming up next month. Looks like a full class. Fantastic! Also, we are proud of the difference we’re making for horses and riders!

09/19/2025

09/12/2025

It is truly refreshing to have someone like Bob as part of our ranch family. A deeply respected senior citizen from the Sierra Vista area, Bob is a medically retired United States Marine Corps senior officer who served in the Gulf War, also known as Desert Storm. He later became a sheep farmer in New York before eventually retiring to Arizona decades ago.

When Bob first reached out to me for riding and horsemanship lessons, I gladly welcomed him and had him complete a volunteer form. From that day forward, I’ve never regretted the decision. I greatly enjoy his old-school work ethic, the stories we share, and the conversations we have while working side by side.

After each ride, Bob’s first words are always, “What’s next? Can I help you on the ranch?” Without hesitation, we dive into projects that keep the ranch moving forward. Whether it’s tackling repairs, clearing areas, or brainstorming improvements, Bob approaches every task with determination, grit, and a gleam in his eyes. You can tell he misses his sheep farm days, and it shows in the joy and purpose he finds here.

If I don’t have a specific project for him, Bob creates one himself... like the other day when he took it upon himself to clean a water trough without being asked. That initiative and heart are exactly what make him such a valuable part of the team. And he’s got a great sense of humor too—when I once mentioned I was going to take a picture of him, he laughed and said, “Don’t do that, I might have a wanted photo out there.” Well, he’s right about one thing: Bob is definitely wanted at the E/9 Ranch.

This story is just one example. There are many others, including volunteers and friends, who have stepped in to help bring the ranch back into shape. To Bob, and to all of you who lend your time and effort: thank you. Your hard work is appreciated not only by me, but also by the horses here now and the many more who will one day call this ranch home.
12 September.

Cheers,
Travis

09/09/2025

We are proud to announce that E/9 Ranch, in partnership with Elliston Equine Solutions, is hosting an Equine First Aid Training Course with AZ Equine First Aid Instructor, Teri Ann.

09/07/2025

Elliston Equine Solutions is proud to congratulate Martina Peters and Cutter on their outstanding performance at today’s Sierra Vista Riding Club gymkhana! Most of you know her from her storied career with B Troop, 4th US Cavalry, and her role as a highly regarded number one intern under my guidance. She represented with high marks for her very first fall event, earning Reserve High Point Champion... an incredible accomplishment, considering Cutter had only been ridden once this week and was coming off a couple of months of downtime due to the big move to the E/9 Ranch. What a fantastic start to the Fall Series... congratulations to you both! 6 September. Cheers- Travis

09/03/2025

At Elliston Equine Solutions, we take great pride in providing trusted consignment services that connect the right horses with the right people. Recently, we were honored to facilitate a successful partnership between a seller and buyer for a wonderful horse named Bentley. The process was smooth, professional, and resulted in a positive outcome for all parties involved. We are delighted to extend our warmest congratulations to Robbie on his new horse... may this partnership bring many years of enjoyment, growth, and memorable rides ahead. 1 September. Cheers- Travis

08/04/2025

Everybody Wants the View… But Few Want the Climb

Most folks get into the horse industry to look the part... especially with the influence of western movies and hit TV shows. They’ll dress the part, act like they know everything… and fade away as fast as the latest trend.

But for those of you who are truly committed, I salute you. Because becoming a horseman takes grit, heart, and a whole lot of willpower.

Horsemanship isn’t easy... it will test you. You’ll hit plateaus with your horse and yourself that bring out alligator tears and snot bubbles. But don’t give up. It takes blood, sweat, tears, time, and yes… money—for lessons, clinics, workshops, and mentorship... to truly hone your craft.

If horsemanship were easy, everyone would do it. But it takes courage and leadership to keep showing up... for your horse and for yourself. Because when your horse receives that leadership from you, it brings them peace. That’s when you get unity. That’s when it becomes enjoyment.

The climb is worth it.

Don’t go at it alone. Find a good mentor, coach, or teacher. As I often say, “Brilliance is in the basics.” A great mentor won’t just take your money... they want to see you and your equine partner succeed.

So don’t be the know-it-all or one who makes excuses: “The saddle doesn’t fit,” “the horse isn't feeling good,” “he’s just being stubborn.” In most cases, it’s not the horse...it’s us. And that’s okay. The worst thing you can do is get in your own way because of pride or embarrassment.

Just like Nike said: Just do it!

You owe it to your horse and your mentor to listen, stay humble, and follow through. When you're given homework, do the work... don’t get distracted by the next flashy thing on social media, I have a better way, or someone’s “quick fix” advice.

Because if you don’t stay committed, you won’t get past the plateau... and your trainer or instructor will move on to someone who will.

And in the end, when you’ve earned that unity with your horse... when they’re tuned into everything you need and trust you completely... there’s no better view from the top of the mountain.

Wishing you and your horse the best!

Cheers- Travis

4 August. Hereford, AZ

07/31/2025

Announcement from Elliston Equine Solutions

After a great couple of years offering mobile training services, I wanted to share an important update: Elliston Equine Solutions will no longer be providing traveling or mobile horse training services to the public.

All current clients already booked are grandfathered in, but moving forward, all training will take place at our new home base—the E Slash Nine Ranch in Hereford, Arizona. I’m currently in the middle of relocating equipment, horses, and household goods, so regular business will resume September 1st.

I'm incredibly thankful for all the support and connections made through mobile training, and I’m excited to be shifting into full-time training and horsemanship work right here at the ranch. There is currently a waitlist for training spots—so if you're interested in getting your horse on the schedule, be sure to reach out soon!

Thank you for your patience during this transition and for continuing to support Elliston Equine Solutions. Looking forward to this next chapter!

– Travis Elliston
Elliston Equine Solutions

07/04/2025

Happy Fourth of July from E/Nine Ranch & Elliston Equine Solutions! 🇺🇸🐎

Wishing a very Happy Fourth of July to our cherished family, dear friends, esteemed clients, and, of course, our wonderful horses. We hope your celebration is filled with joy, freedom, and memorable moments shared with those who matter most. Enjoy the festivities and have a safe, sparkling Independence Day!

Here's to the stars, the stripes, and the ones who ride beside us.
God bless America and all who call her home.

Cheers- Travis

07/02/2025

The phrase "success lies in the relentless ex*****on of the basics" fits perfectly with the heart of horsemanship. In this discipline, progress doesn’t come from flashy shortcuts or quick fixes—it comes from consistently showing up, mastering the fundamentals, and applying them with intention day after day. Things like timing, feel, pressure and release, soft hands, clear cues, and groundwork aren’t just for green horses or beginners—they’re the foundation for everything, from c**t starting to advanced maneuvers.
In horsemanship, when problems arise, the answer is almost always to go back to the basics, not away from them. Or as my students often hear me say, “brilliance is in the basics.” A well-executed hindquarter yield, a respectful back-up, or simply standing quietly tied can tell you more about the horse’s mindset—and your communication—than any fancy pattern or trick. Riders who succeed are the ones who don’t just practice the basics—they refine them, they live by them, and they hold themselves accountable to those standards every ride.
So whether you're teaching a green horse to pick up its feet or refining your flying lead changes, it all comes back to how well you execute the fundamentals. That’s where the real progress—and partnership—happens. "Now you have the knowledge to become the solution!" Cheers- Travis

06/26/2025

First Ride Update –

The Four Mustangs

Today marked the first ride for all four Mustangs. Each horse handled the session with a different level of confidence, but overall, it was a solid step forward for every one of them.

The focus was on multiple calm mount-ups, making sure they were comfortable with the weight and movement of a rider. We took our time to establish a relaxed rhythm before asking for anything more. Each Mustang was worked through basic lateral flexion and untracking of the hindquarters, which helped soften their bodies and minds.

We also introduced backing up under saddle, reinforcing softness in the halter, and communication through the reins. The repetition of these foundational moves gave them a chance to process and helped build trust with the rider.

There were some sticky spots—normal for first rides. All four Mustangs stayed thinking and willing, which made it a successful day in the saddle.

Cheers- Travis