Elliston Equine Solutions, LLC

06/21/2025

ARE YOU PREPARED FOR A SNAKE BITE?!

- Check out the case study on the first picture.
- What to do on the second picture and to have on hand.

Get educated if you're in snake country. As they say in the Scouting... "Be prepared!"

06/17/2025

One of my favorite techniques when working with Mustangs and starting horses, especially early in their training, is ground driving. This is an excellent way to expose them to the sensation of direction, pressure, and communication without a rider on their back. Ground driving lets many Mustangs think and move while step-by-step developing that trust since they are still learning to trust humans.

Usually I start in a round pen or small arena with two long lines connected to a halter, sidepull, or snaffle bit. The first few sessions help them get used to the feel of the lines and learn how to follow delicate instructions for turning, halting, and forward movement. Instructing them to steer from the ground before adding a rider later on is sort of akin to this.

I particularly value how ground driving helps the horse to become forward-thinking and independent. They begin to learn how to hold themselves, react to pressure, and keep their concentration even when the handler is behind them. Moreover, it's a perfect way to introduce obstructions, terrain changes, or even drag-pulling before moving into more complex work.

It is a good component of every horses to include these four Mustangs, training basis on the whole and prepares them for success when it's time to mount up.
16 June SV, AZ Cheers- Travis

06/11/2025

06/06/2025

These four Mustangs are doing well. All are saddled and bridled on the regular now. The owners and my intern are doing fantastically with these future saddle horses. Besides teaching the horses to be saddled, wear a headstall with bit, doing run ups, they have been doing body control and bridle control (what they are doing in the video). I couldn't be any happier with these folks and the horses progress. Good stuff! Cheers- Travis 6 June 2025, Sierra Vista Riding Club grounds, AZ

06/04/2025

Horsemanship Credit: I started learning horsemanship through Dennis Reis and his Universal Horsemanship Mentor Series. I first met him back in 2002 at a clinic in Missouri, and that experience really stuck with me. Over the years, I attended a number of his clinics and always walked away with something new to apply to my work with horses. The last time I saw him was in 2009 at a clinic in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. His approach helped shape the way I think about communication, timing, and leadership with horses. It was a solid foundation that’s still a big part of my horsemanship today. I believe it is essential to have teachers, coaches, mentors, and leaders in the horse industry shape who you are in horsemanship. You can learn from big names and folks you've never heard of when developing your own horsemanship style. The most important part is to work with as many mentors and horses as you can on your horsemanship journey. You won't regret it. Cheers- Travis

05/30/2025

As a horsemanship teacher, I believe that equine education must go hand-in-hand with safety and emergency preparedness. My Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification allows me to respond confidently and effectively in the event of injuries—whether in the barn, on the trail, or in remote settings. I’ve used these skills in real-world situations, including assisting fallen riders in Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado. With my experience as a Merit Badge Counselor (Horsemanship), (Animal Science) for Scouting USA, I understand the importance of modeling preparedness and responsibility. First aid training is not just a credential—it’s a commitment to protecting students, horses, and the integrity of our equine environment. Cheers- Travis

05/24/2025

This Memorial Day weekend, I'm remembering and honoring the friends, family, and fellow service members who gave everything. Their sacrifice means more than words can say. Forever grateful. 🇺🇸

05/15/2025

Howdy folks, I know I am late by a couple of weeks on my posts. Been busy. lol We successfully trained three wild Mustangs to confidently navigate a bridge obstacle and load into a trailer, demonstrating significant progress in trust-building, desensitization, and groundwork fundamentals. Each horse responded positively to consistent, patient training and now handles these challenges calmly and willingly. This is the end of the contract for these three horses. It has been a fantastic journey for these Mustangs, the owners, and me. In 32 days, we could catch them daily, halter break, lead, tie up to hitching posts, do groundwork, pick up the hooves, and load the small trailer. The adopters are so happy with the work that we all did that they have asked me to start all four mustangs for riding. I am excited to see the progress continue on all accounts and fronts. Cheers- Travis 14 May 25'

05/05/2025

Big thank you to the Hozro Ranch Riding group for inviting me to ride my young horse with you all! This was her first big outing and her first time hauling in a small trailer—she handled it like a champ. It was such a cool experience getting to ride through the same area Louis L’Amour wrote about in Last Stand at Papago Wells. Felt like stepping into a western novel. Everyone was super welcoming, the trail was a blast, and the scenery was absolutely stunning. Can’t wait to ride with you again soon. Cheers- Travis 05 May.

05/02/2025

Howdy folks, I have been really busy with life. I am sure you're in the same boat. lol I haven't had time to put the simple videos together concerning the Mustangs. Here is an update. Last week, we concentrated on teaching the mustangs to pick up all four feet. The adopters were terrific at helping their respective horses learn this vital skill for livestock husbandry. We are doing trailer loading this week and will post their progress next week. These are some good mustangs, and I am delighted with them.

04/28/2025

21-25 April. Just a snapshot of some of the work Elliston Equine Solutions is currently working on in the afternoon, in addition to starting 4 Mustangs in the morning. You can see the clients and horses that I am working with range from tuneups, trouble horses, starting horses, riding lessons, horsemanship, introduction to horses, and many other needs of the equine community. Serving Sierra Vista, Herford, Palominas, Whetstone, and Sonita areas.