Passionate Horsemanship

05/11/2024

3 Reasons Why Obstacle Work Can Help Your Horse Listen to Cues

Ever feel like your horse 🐴 just isn’t listening to your cues? Obstacle work might be the perfect solution!

🔹Improved Communication and Trust
Working through ground-based obstacles, or what I like to call "puzzles" helps your horse understand that listening to your cues is both rewarding and fun.

The obstacles create moments where your horse learns to focus on you, building trust and clear communication over time.

🔹Quick and Consistent Responses
With each obstacle, your horse learns to respond more quickly and consistently to your cues. As they master each new activity, they start to connect the dots—when you signal, it’s time to engage!

This responsiveness can translate to a smoother, more enjoyable partnership.

🔹An Engaging and Fun Way to Practice
Obstacle work offers variety, so your horse doesn’t get bored. Each activity reinforces different cues, keeping them engaged and learning in a low-stress, enjoyable environment.

Plus, when learning feels like play, you both end up having more fun!

♦️If you’re struggling to get your horse to tune in, try adding some ground-based obstacles (puzzles) to your routine. It’s a simple way to build communication and make each moment together more rewarding.

✅"Want to avoid common mistakes and get the most out of your time with your horse?

Drop your favorite emoji and I'll get you my free guide, 9 Common Mistakes You May Be Making When Training Your Horse for the Obstacle Course! 👇👇👇

It’s packed with tips to help you communicate more clearly and make each obstacle more enjoyable for both you and your horse."

31/10/2024

What if the small progress you’re making isn’t ‘too slow’ but exactly the right pace for a lasting bond with your horse?

15/10/2024

Does your horse seem anxious or constantly on edge?

1. Gradual exposure to obstacles helps calm their nerves.

2. Consistent practice reduces spookiness and anxiety over time.

3. Watch your horse transform from anxious to calm as they become familiar with different obstacles.

05/10/2024

For those in the area affected by Hurricane Helene. Please get the word out.

25/09/2024

If you're a horse owner who's not riding and you're struggling to get your horse to go through the obstacle course with ease but can't then you're likely dealing with these 3 problems:

🔹Your horse rushes through most obstacles, ignoring your cues to slow down or stop.
🔹Your horse gets spooked when faced with new or spooky obstacles.
🔹Your horse crowds into your space and sometimes pushes you, especially when they get nervous or afraid

Why is this happening?

It's likely because:
🔸You've allowed your horse to go at their own pace
🔸You try the obstacle a couple of times and then move on to an obstacle your horse is comfortable with.
🔸You step back when your horse invades your space.

If this sounds familiar, don't worry. I've helped other horse owners fix these problems. DM me to see if you are someone I can help too.

21/09/2024

Are you a horse owner who's not getting the results you want when going through the obstacle course?

09/08/2024

"Is your horse 🐴 struggling with obstacles? It might be due to one of these 9 common training mistakes. Want my free guide to see the difference in your horse’s performance?" 👇👇👇

23/05/2024

I've been working on the pre-work activities you'll get when you join my upcoming workshop on leading your horse. 🐴

I'm getting excited about it 🎉 I'll be sharing tips and techniques for leading your horse safely and confidently. Want more info? 👇

21/05/2024

In-hand obstacles whether for groundwork or pre-training for riding first require a horse 🐴 that leads well (you don't want to be pulling on them or have them pulling on you) without obstacles.

Learn my top tips for smooth and cooperative leading. Want more info? 👇👇👇

11/05/2024

Is leading your horse 🐴 more like a tug-of-war?

Join my workshop and learn how to turn resistance into responsiveness. 🥰 Interested 👇👇👇

09/05/2024

Is your horse 🐴 challenging when being led?

Learn strategies that promote cooperation at my workshop. Want to know more? Leave me a comment 👇

14/08/2023

I remember when I got PJ he was afraid of so many things including me and my husband. I knew that if I took the time he needed and spent time with him I could earn his trust.

Every day I would spend time with him allowing him time to get to know me and every time I opened his gate to go into his pen he would retreat to the back of the run and stand there with his head in the corner.

After several days even though he would go to the back of his pen he would at least stand and face me. He was one of those horses that once you caught him he would do what you wanted but he was very watchful of everything you did.

I started introducing him to clicker training and it started making a huge difference his confidence started to grow and I could tell he was starting to trust me. I started working on the foundational skills he would need in order to start him on obstacles.

Once I had some of the basic foundational skills in place I started introducing him to simple obstacles. With some of the obstacles, he was a little cautious.

PJ knew that I would not force him to do any obstacle and because I was using positive reinforcement he knew that offering behaviors would get him a reward.

Would you like to know how to build your horse's confidence to new or spooky obstacles? 👇👇👇

22/08/2022

Attention horse friends! I'm planning on hosting a live training on "How to Reduce the Cost of Owning a Horse" 🐴

In this training, I'll be sharing several tips on how to reduce the cost as a horse owner!

With the high price of hay because of the rising cost of fuel, fertilizer and in some parts of the world there is a drought going on and we are all looking for ways to cut costs.

Space is limited! The fee to join is $25 per person.

The training will take place on Sunday 8/28/22 @ 7pm CST. If you are interested in joining the training let me know and I'll send you the information on how you can get registered.

19/03/2022

Bridge Work For You Horse

To get your horse 🐴 used to going over a bridge I recommend starting off with a sheet of 3/4" plywood laid flat on the ground instead of a raised bridge which would add a level of complexity.

You can add a twist to the bridge by leaving one side natural and the other side can be painted with bright colors and different shapes.

You will now have two different bridges and believe me your horse 🐴 will notice.

Have patience when you switch to the painted side and give your horse 🐴 the time they need to develop their confidence to cross over the painted side.

Is this something you will do with your horse?

14/03/2022

04/03/2022

Hi friends, I'm considering doing something fun and different! 🙂

I am thinking of hosting a free live workshop to teach my 'Secret Formula' to a Happy and Healthy Horse 🐴 that is a joy to work with! 💗

Would any of you be interested in this topic❓❗️

This would not be your average live video. 🎥 This will be an interactive workshop with lots of Q&A! 🎉

I have been training horses for 40+ years and have found that the happiest and most well-adjusted horses 🐴 come from owners who are very consistent in the 6 specific areas that I would love to share with you!

This live workshop will be approximately 45 minutes + 30 minutes for open Q&A where you can ask me ANYTHING!

Would any of you be interested in learning about this topic❓❗️

01/01/2022

May the New Year bring you happiness,
peace, and prosperity. Wishing you a joyous 2022!

25/12/2021

Wishing you a Merry Christmas!