Helen Talley - The Trail Less Travelled: Horse Training & Blog

21/08/2024

Do I always hop on the c**t starts bareback?…
No.
Did it go well?…
Yes.
Do I recommend trying this at home?…
No.

10/08/2024

Ta-dah! 🤗

10/08/2024

Chief modeling the rope halter I made. Still have some things to tweak but I thought it looked good on him!

08/08/2024

Can anyone guess what I’m learning to do on this rainy day???

05/08/2024

It’s time for an update and re-branding!
On August 1st, I opened my doors for training at a new facility!
Being closer to home and in a private setting, I will be able to better focus on my horses and training. My new daily schedule gives me more time for riding as well as pursuing other ideas and interests (more on that in a later post).
Training slots are already filling (August & September are FULL!!!) but I’m accepting new clients for this fall/winter! For those willing to haul in, I offer lessons and training sessions on-site. More information about the facility and its amenities coming soon in another post!
I have enjoyed being part of Southern Comfort Farm-Rougemont, NC for over a year and I’m thankful to Suzanne and Brian Lougee for giving me a place to train, teach, and stable my horses. I loved getting to know the people and horses that made that facility home to me.
I will continue to be available for lessons at Southern Comfort while beginning new endeavors in Oxford. And when the weather is inclement, you’ll likely find me in their indoor arena!
Stay tuned for more posts and pictures as I settle into my new routine!

04/04/2024

👏🏻
Artwork by: William Dyck

27/02/2024

This week's Wise Words come from Ernst Hoyos 🗣️

Hoyos learned to ride in his native Austria on his father’s Icelandic ponies and racing Thoroughbreds. At 17, he was accepted at the Spanish Riding School in Vienna where he studied for many years. In 1993, he began working at Olympic Medalist Ulla Salzgeber’s stable in Germany, where the two continue to collaborate. He has worked with many other top horses and riders, including Lisa Wilcox, a U.S. Olympic medalist. Hoyos is featured in David Collin’s book, "Dressage Masters".

24/02/2024

Do you dream of a partnership with your horse? Do you want a relaxed and happy horse both inside and outside the arena? Do you wish to communicate clearly and effectively both on the ground and in the saddle? Let’s make a plan and make it happen! (Megan and Opal pictured here on their FIRST field hack) It’s not magic, but it can certainly feel that way sometimes. ❤️

06/02/2024

Open for lessons, rain or shine!
Enjoy learning in the comfort of our indoor arena during inclement weather! 🌧️ ❄️
For sunny days we have an outdoor arena, round pens, and trails! ☀️

We have several quiet horses and ponies for beginner riders who are developing their horsemanship skills. 🐴
We also accept haul-ins for equestrians seeking instruction on their personal horses. 🐎

Lessons are ideal for those seeking:

•Confidence building exercises for timid horses or riders.
•Effective communication between horse and handler.
•Foundation skills for greater success in any disclipine.
•Problem solving.
•Improved “feel”.
•Respect on the ground and in the saddle.

Do you need more help with your horse?
I also offer training board for:

•c**t starting
•problem solving
•tune-ups/legging up
•corrective training for improved biomechanics- (strength, flexibility, and relaxation)
•groundwork and fundamental skills
•de-spooking, helping tense horses learn to release tension
•improved response to rider’s aids
•training from green to broke

Training packages include lessons for you and your horse!

Contact me directly to learn more!
919-482-2816

11/01/2024

Shiloh- the overachiever

14/08/2023

So excited for the opportunity to work with these three year old mares! Aren’t they gorgeous???

29/07/2023

Last minute opening available for August training board or join the waiting list for fall!
Call to discuss your riding goals! Multiple training packages available. I specialize in developing happy, willing, and calm horses and improving rider/horse communication with a focus on solid horsemanship skills.
Located in Rougemont N.C. - Southern Comfort Farm offers the luxury of both indoor and outdoor arenas, plus miles of trails!
Lessons available for haul-ins.
919-482-2816

06/07/2023

Hi friends! For those of you who haven’t heard, I’ve moved my training program to Southern Comfort Farm-Rougemont, NC. I’m excited to continue training and offering lessons with the added benefit of the farm’s awesome amenities. Including both indoor and outdoor arenas and access to miles of trails!
The indoor arena allows for riding year round, regardless of inclement weather.
Contact me for more information about my training program and to join my waiting list!

11/04/2023

New and exciting things are happening! Introducing horses to the indoor arena this week.
More info coming soon!

03/04/2023

The Feel-Good Phenomenon

It never fails. It never fails to amaze me and it never fails to occur.
A horse comes along who’s difficult to catch, doesn’t want to be haltered, avoids eye contact, walks away. He’s so locked up in his body, can’t bend, won’t accept contact, won’t accept the aids. The tension in his body is tangible. His carriage is hollow, the muscles under his neck are over developed, his eye is worried.
So we begin- teaching him to stretch, releasing tension, activating areas of his musculature he’d forgotten how to use.
He exhales, tension is released. Licking, chewing, softening his eye. The Feel-Good happens.

Then this- he greets me at the gate. Eye contact- soft, more trusting. “Can we do that again?”

The Feel-Good Phenomenon.
Maybe it’s for him. Maybe it’s for me. When I don’t feel like I can do anything right. When I question myself and my capabilities to help a horse, help a rider, help myself. When I need validation.
When we both need to feel good.

07/03/2023

At SonoVet Sport Therapy, we draw on our deep understanding of equine anatomy & behaviour with expert knowledge in Sports Therapy.

26/02/2023

How and why I halter my horses the way I do. Featuring Shiloh. 😘🐴

5 Likes, 0 Comments - Helen Talley () on Instagram: "How and why I halter my horses the way I do. Featuring Shiloh. 😘🐴 "

31/01/2023

Deneb

31/01/2023

My favorite way to introduce horses to trail riding is in hand. They find comforted by my company by their side, feeling less alone, and I’m able to offer better support as they navigate a new experience both mentally and physically.
This morning Deneb and I enjoyed a hike to the lake! It was rewarding to see her confidence grow as we crossed creeks and meandered our way through the trees.

0 Likes, 0 Comments - Helen Talley () on Instagram: "My favorite way to introduce horses to trail riding is in hand. They find comforted by my company by their side, feeling less alone, and I’m able to offer better support as they navigate a new experience both mentally and phy...

02/11/2022

Rare openings available for fall/winter!
I specialize in starting under saddle, continuing education for green horses, conditioning for strength and performance, and problem solving with a holistic approach. My methods are horse centered with an ultimate goal of creating willing and happy equine partners.
Interested in lessons for you and your horse? I travel locally (Oxford, NC) for private lessons.
Please call or message me to discuss your goals and to learn more about our program!
(919) 482-2816
[email protected]

01/11/2022

19/10/2022

“When your human is too reactive, send them through the noodle gate. Reward them when they can go through by themselves without flinching.”

From Deneb Martin’s critically acclaimed book, “How to Train Your Human”, available now from Friesian Horse Publications.

15/10/2022

15/10/2022

To say I’m proud of this mare would be an understatement!!!
Deneb has been backed less than ten times. This was her first time riding in a group, first time riding outside of the arena at home, first time attending a clinic, first time navigating obstacles… so many firsts….and she handled it all like a pro!
Deneb is going to make a phenomenal riding horse and I am overjoyed to have the opportunity to develop her talent!

13/10/2022

The world is more beautiful because of horses …and donkeys!

25/08/2022

We all enjoyed the recent break from heat and humidity, but summer isn’t over yet!
Luckily there’s plenty of Aqua-aide to go around and everyone gets a refreshing rinse after training sessions (myself included)!

25/08/2022

These two worked well together on a recent trail ride. I started the ride on Sebastian and ended on Ranger.

01/08/2022

Deneb- before and after her bath. For some reason I don’t believe she’ll stay clean for long… but at least she’s having fun!