Stepping With You Equine Behavior and Training

08/08/2024

This right here is where it's at. I have had this amazing client family who I admire so frigging much. They never owend a horse up untill a year or a little more ago. They reached out for rehabilitation and lameness help with their first horse Echo ( a quarter horse). After helping them with their mare for a few moths we found another mare to help out. The second mare is a Polish Arabian. Not all Arabians are created equal. They are an amazing, reliable, hearty and trusting breed. Fast forward about a year of my help and collaborating with training... here they are happily trail riding at night. Happy horses and owners. I love my backyard owners! They pay so much more attention to detail and the progress speaks for itself. Amazing job,it was a family effort. Christi, Emma, Cora and Freddie! Great work. I tip my hat to you all. Love yah!

04/07/2024

04/07/2024

So proud of this family I've been working with. Hard to believe it's been a year working together. Thank you for taking the time to listen to me and your horses. The results speak for themse❣️

26/06/2024

I love my clients! They give me goosebumps often. Lol

23/03/2024

I love my OTTB clients! The change in their body, feet and mind is almost unbelievable.
This podcast brings up alot of good information on OTTBs. One of my favorite parts of the podcast is how lowering stress levels can make a huge impact on their overall health. Easy, less is more.
Even if your not an OTTB owner, alot can be learned by listening to The Humble Hoof podcasts.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/Eyf7N269G8gHXUAz/?mibextid=Nif5oz

When it comes to thoroughbreds, I don't think there's anyone who hasn't heard the stereotype about "bad thoroughbred feet." I've heard all the excuses.. that TBs weren't bred for good feet, that their genetics are just awful, that they will always have thin soles and thin walls, that abscessing "just happens" with them, that they'll be crippled when losing a shoe, and more.

While I'm sure ALL of us have met OTTBs that have had hoof issues at one point or another, many of us have those that have great feet as well, or start out having junk feet off the track and we rehab them to stronger feet and sound gaits. So what's the story - are thoroughbred feet genetically awful, is it environmental/care, or somewhere in between?

Kate Anderson, founder of the Center for Racehorse Retraining, has noticed some pretty amazing changes in the thoroughbreds under her care once they adapt to their facility - including massive changes in the hooves. Kate chats with me about what they do there to get these OTTBs to become sound, barefoot, easy keepers.

You can hear the entire conversation on any podcast app under "The Humble Hoof," or directly at this link: https://thehumblehoof.com/2024/03/22/ottb-feet-genetics-or-environment/

Thank you to our amazing sponsors:

Equithrive offers supplements for everything from metabolic health to joint support – get 20% off your first order at equithrive.com with code HUMBLEHOOF

Cavallo Hoof Boots is offering 20% off a pair of Trek hoof boots at cavallo-inc.com with code HRN

A special shout out to Grid as New, Mud Control Grids– they are a game changer for any mud issues, big or small! – mudcontrolgrids.com

Also be sure to check out HayBoss Feeders – haybossfeeders.com – for all your slow-feeding needs. I get my Hay Boss feeders from Mountain Lane Farm in NH!

27/02/2024

Even if you don't have a pushy horse, everyone should watch this webinar. Very informative and easy to understand.

This topic is so important for the safety of horse lovers and the wellbeing of horses. I made this presentation and want you to have it, for your wellbeing and your horse’s. Check the link in the comments to access this. It’s free, no strings, enjoy it and learn!

06/01/2024

How do I train horses?

The type of training that I do is differant with every horse.
It's extremely informative, beneficial and thereputic to both horse and owner. I've had many moments with horses and owners that will make your jaw drop, in a good way.
But in a nutshell, I take a mind and body approach. The horses diet, conformation, biomechanics, body language, past/current medical or trauma history ect..is all taken into account. Once a horse is evaluated I give homework. Such as, what kind of nutrition (vitamins/minerals ect) the horse could benefit from. What type of rehabilitation exercises to do, starting on the ground. I give recommendations such as, would it be more beneficial for a horse to be stalled at night or out 24/7. To blanket or not to blanket and why. Does the saddle, bridle, bit fit them properly? Do they need shoes or can they go barefoot. I enjoy working with my clients Vet, Farrier and anyone else they have on their team. As Equestrians we can never learn enough.
As an established client, I am always available to talk or text when they need advice, have a question about training or a medical issue happens. I should be called after the vet if it is something serious.
I like to train both R+ and R-. The type of training will depend on the horse and their personality. What is most important to me is safety and the horse being in a relaxed state while learning/training.

I'm happy to answer any questions, feel free to call/text or p.m. me.

Veterinarian, Farrier and client references available upon request.

Looking forward to working with past, current and new clients in 2024!

10/12/2023

Contact me with any information please.

03/10/2023

Congratulations to Maddie and Remy❣️

After being at the same facility for 6 years Maddie decided it was time for a change. She found the right situation at a new facility that will benefit both her and Remy. It's only been less then 2 days and Remy is thriving. His OTTB personality is already coming out. He is calm, cool and relaxed as is Maddie! Can't wait to see you both progress more than you already have. Here's to new beginnings ✨️☺️

05/09/2023

Is Remy sedated you ask? NOPE! With the right training: A horse with a confident, relaxed handler is a confident, relaxed horse.
Great job you guys!

05/09/2023

Monday night shenanigans with a 6 year old Arabian! In her defense, she is only 6 and has already had 2 foals. She was taken away from her last foal a couple months before my client bought her.
Last night Zel was having difficulties focusing while away from her pasture mate. She would get distracted and only wanted one thing....her pasture mate. She screamd, stomped and reard quite a bit. While making sure everyone was safe, I tried differant ways to get this mare to relax for just a second and I would bring her back to where she could see her buddy. After a while I managed to get a second of relaxation and decided to end our session. When we went back to her safe spot, she yawned and eye rolled for a few minutes. That's something we haven't seen from her before. Even though she didn't do a huge release when i was looking for it we ended on a good note. Then she was able to relax and unwind when she felt safer. And I'll take that!

We have taken her away from Echo a few times before with a little anxiety, but nothing like last night. We are always able to redirect and relax her in a short period of time.

I got notification later on last night from Zel's owners...there were BEARS all around the outside of their pasture 😱. Could that be why she was acting the way she did during training? ABSALUTLY!! She doesn't know or trust us yet. Her instincts kicked in and all she wanted/needed was a herd member to be near and keep eachother safe. How can anyone be frustrated or mad at that? It's always good to take a step back and think instead of us reacting emotionally.

If you can get out door cameras for your paddocks/pastures...do it! It is well worth it.

This mare was/is undermuscled and underweight. She came this way to her owners. We are working on both issues. She has been checked by a vet and is healthy. She's been depleted for a while from having babies young and not fully grown herself yet. Her owners are working hard to do what is best for her.

05/09/2023

If you ask my teachers growing up in school, or my former bosses about me and my personality, they’d probably describe me as lazy, stubborn, or disorganized.

As a self employed person, I hear a lot from folks that they don’t know how I get it all done, that I work hard, and probably most folks would describe my personality as pretty pleasant.

What’s the difference? My actual personality never changed. But in the earlier part of my life, I wasn’t engaged, not interested, and was usually being given orders I didn’t respect. I had a tendency to take over and do my own thing if I didn’t find the order given to be worthy of my time- which usually lead the authority figure in question to make labels about my temperament.

When I’m working on my own agenda, I’m extremely motivated. I know just what needs doing and don’t need any outside help to stay interested in getting it done. If I’m riding with a teacher I respect, I am 100% engaged and give up my agenda entirely to do what they suggest. I trust them fully and am willing to try new, hard, or potentially scary things because I know they have the awareness and ability to keep me on track and safe. If I’m riding with a teacher who’s skill I don’t respect, I stay on high alert and don’t give up my own agenda. I’m gonna keep doing my own thing until something better comes along.

How many times have we heard a horse described as pushy, strong willed, stubborn, ornery? What if this horse is just in the wrong job, working for a person who doesn’t have a plan better than their own agenda? What if, instead of labeling this horse and writing them off as having a problem, we admitted, we just don’t have anything to offer this horse better than what they’re already doing?

25/08/2023

Many of you know Cannoli as my beloved special boy who also works as a therapy horse to many … Olivia Testa needs your support for Holy Cannoli Surgery Fund!

19/08/2023

19/08/2023

03/08/2023

Introducing Echo's new sister:

Pretzel is a 7 y/o regesterd Polish Arabian mare. She has had 2 foals in the past and is broke to ride.
Right now I'm starting to put groundwork into her. She needs some weight along with thrush and scratches treatment. She's a really sweet, beautiful mare with a good personality.

01/08/2023

Echo 6 weeks ago and now!

01/08/2023

Echo is getting stronger every day!
Today she got a surprise.! She has a new beautiful Arabian companion. We are taking their transition slow due to Echo's neglect with being fed. Can't wait to show off her new sister from another mister 😉

30/07/2023

Congratulations to these two! Maddie handled Remy for his farrier appointment yesterday. Jordan gave them a A- behavior rating!
It's hard to believe just 6 months ago Remy had to be sedated by a vet to get shod.

09/07/2023

Introducing my newest client Echo! She is an 15 y/o QH. She was purchased by her owner 4 weeks ago. This mare was skinny, stressed and had old shoes on her feet for many months. Echo's owner has done such a great job taking care of her feet, body and mind since then. For the trauma she went through she is the sweetest mare I've ever met...aside from the mares I have owned and trained myself. Actually, she reminds me soo much of Sequoia and Tia. This is how mares should be when listend to and taken care of properly.
Upon my evaluation I noticed her shoulders were sore but not bad because her owner has been massaging her frequently. Then going onto the back end her SI was tight along with her hocks, hips and hamstrings. I showed her owner new stretches to help with that. I proceeded to put her on Sure Foot Pads. Let's just say she had really good results with the pads. On to light no pressure lunging. When offered no pressure on her face Echo stretched out on the line and moved out beautifully. Somthing her owner hasn't seen before. Then we went on to saddles that looked like they didn't fit properly. But luckily her owner hasn't ridden her more then a few times for less then 10 minutes. So that shouldn't have done any damage. Our plan moving forward is diet change, getting her to move more in her paddock, different stretches, and a well mated/bedded stall to lay down in. She hasn't had any REM sleep while at her new home. We are also booking The saddle Gal to come for a fitting soon.
Can't wait to see both Echo and her owners progression❣️

02/07/2023

Hello, my name is Angela Riggs. I am a traveling horse trainer with 29 years of equine experience. Specializing in behavior, connection, rehabilitation and Natural Horsemanship.
Do you have an aggressive horse you can't figure out why they are that way? Maybe a horse that is stiff or reluctant to be ridden? A young horse that needs groundwork and connection with people?
My methods are based off of learning from confidence, relaxation and connection. It will leave a positive impression on the horses mind and body. The type of training that horses look forward to when they see a human.
You don't have to drill your horse for hours at a time to get good, long lasting results. I don't have to travel to you every day. Some of my clients train with me once a week and others more depending on budget.
Call/text or email me today to talk more about what i can do for you and your horse. Or maybe set up an evaluation. Thank you!

02/07/2023

Anyone looking for a free project? I can help you help this horse! He's young and sounds like current owner has put alot of love and care into him. Honestly, if my barn was built....I would scoop him up in a heartbeat!

Brown Westphalian Gelding, Free to Good Home in New Hampshire. DreamHorse.com is the premier horse classifieds site with horses for sale, lease, adoption, and auction, breeding stallions, and more.

23/06/2023

I’m not a people person, but I love people as individuals often dearly

The thought of a crowd sends me over the edge. People in herds- that’s called a no thank you.

But each individual person is infinitely interesting; and the way they show up for the horse, the way they digest information, what they latch on to, and what they each create with the same ingredients- it’s pretty fascinating stuff that as a teacher, I get to witness across the country regularly.

Watching people grow and change and learn: like watching ripples in a pond, or fat, fluffy snowflakes fall silently- so simple, so complex, always different.

That’s one of my favorite parts of teaching- coming to love individuals over time.

23/06/2023

🤍🐴

14/06/2023

Check out this handsome boy! Jagger is a 15 y/o quarter horse gelding. His owner Scott purchased him about a year and a half ago. Scott was told Jagger was a working ranch horse in his earlier years.
After a few weeks of getting to know eachother...they went for a ride. Jagger was a bit forward but nothing too bad. As their rides progressed Jagger felt the need to look off into the distance and get anxious. The end result was him spinning to go back to barn and Scott went off a few different times. Scott reached out to trainers, a vet and saddle fitter. But after a while of working with them he felt somthing still wasn't right with his horse.
Upon my evaluation I found that Jagger was a bit shut down mentally. He didn't want to be caught. This usually is a big sign of a horse associating people with discomfort. Once we were able to catch him I began my physical evaluation. Upon palpation I noticed both his girth area and behind the withers were very sore. He could also drop a little weight but the soreness is more of a concern right now. So I checked his saddles and none of them fit properly. This is many months after a "saddle fitter" had been out.
Our focus right now is slowly transitioning Jagger's diet to forage based with vitamin/mineral supplements. Getting his Vit E and Selenium checked. Topline strengthening and stretching exercises. Then getting a massage therapist out to help get blood flowing to areas that have been effected by poor saddle fit.
It's very possible that most of Jaggers symptoms are from his past given he has been ridden very little since Scott has owned him.
I appreciate Scott's commitment to his boy. Other then being a little shut down and sore...Jagger has a great mind to him.
I'm looking forward to both of their progress. 💓

13/06/2023

Remy and I yesterday worked on relaxing before training for the farrier. This is a huge deal for him because months ago he would want to bite and kick if anyone touched or looked at him the wrong way. Now he asks for scratches and massages then bends like a dog when you find his happy spot❣️

09/06/2023

As a hoofcare provider, whenever I hear horses are living on grass my heartrate speeds up a bit. My first thoughts are "will this horse become laminitic" or "is this horse laminitic".... But some horses do just fine living on grass, and not all horses are metabolic, but even so, I tend to find some of the worst feet on those that live on pasture. So how do we ensure that we are making safe choices with horses that CAN graze?

I have seen posts from Cherrie Nolden over the last few years about grazing her large herd of Norwegian Fjords on abundant grass 24/7. I have always wondered - how does she do it? How did she keep an "easy keeper" herd on grass without soundness issues or weight concerns? Can we mimic this with healthy horses in our lives?

Cherrie and I sit down and talk about how she manages her fields and herd of horses to ensure healthy pasture, healthy horses, and healthy hooves. You can hear the entire conversation on any podcast app under "The Humble Hoof," or at this link: https://thehumblehoof.com/2023/06/09/safer-grazing-for-horses/

Thank you to our amazing sponsors:

Equithrive offers supplements for everything from metabolic health to joint support – get 20% off your first order at equithrive.com with code HUMBLEHOOF

Cavallo Hoof Boots is offering 20% off a pair of Trek hoof boots at cavallo-inc.com with code HRN

31/05/2023

Let the land clearing begin! 😊🐎🐴🐎

Randy R. from Ossipee, NH, decided on a new 2023 Bad Boy 3026H and front loader attachment. Enjoy your new toy and thanks for choosing Patriot Tractor, Truck & Equipment LLC. !