Miller's Unbridled Horsemanship

15/05/2023

Vendi is a coming is coming back to Ky, back to where it all began! We are so excited to host Christina Mink and her two fabulous warm bloods! Get ready to a experience a content explosion.

25/03/2022

18/01/2022

There are legends that leave millions of words behind and people come and go. There is no telling how many you may meet, some you may impact, some you may see and never say any words to. Some I can say I have had the chance to talk to and some I will only dream of meeting. For example Tom Dorrance and Ray Hunt were true masters of the craft of creating a true partner. Someone who I am proud to say I had the chance to say a few words to is Buck Brannaman. The simple point is, every one is a student, only you can pick who you are a student of. Some like me always want more than there is the simple fact. That is what creates passion. You can spend a lifetime trying; trying is the best part of anything. It's the time spent that matters, that is something I see that is being truly lost. Buck brannaman has spent a lifetime practicing the art, to have a chance to ride one hour with him, for me that may be the closest chance I get to being as good as those before. Maybe one day I will get that chance but the point is if you don't see yourself different every year, month or day then how can you get any better. Time is best spent when you can see the simple changes and this quote shines light on more the just horsemanship. Buck Brannaman, "its been a long time since I was afraid fear has to do with helplessness the only thing that conquers it is knowledge when you learn about how a horse thinks and makes decisions that helplessness goes away."
Don’t ever be afraid if your at the bottom the only place to go is up..

25/10/2021

Slow is fast and smooth hands make a great horse this is a very simple step that I go through there is a lot more to it then just coming up to you on the fence I want the emphasis to be on the feet guiding them very lightly in the beginning it my not be as smooth as you would like but the more you practice you can get the feet as smooth as his easy to take back and forth this is the NEW member of my program tap he is my newest snaffle bit horse and will be talked about a lot more stay tuned

28/07/2021

Why is timing so important, why is knowing where your horses feet are important, when I ride my horses or any horses for that matter I try and find a balanced state a places where it takes nothing out of me or him. Sometimes this is a few seconds other times it's half the ride ,but understanding where his feet are will help you make your rides much smoother, more exciting ,and enjoyable. Understanding that your horse in certain movements needs to be more in balance and more in time with you then when you're letting him carry himself and find his own balance. More importantly there are two kinds of balances; yes your horse should always be in balance but the first balanced state is when he is carrying his own cadence and his own balance through all his maneuvers this is the first step that I work on with teaching young horses and even more experienced horses that fall out of balance: the second state is where my horse can carry balance and now I am aiding him in his maneuvers to stay balanced and being in the most athletic position possible as I ride I want to make that transition between him being balanced and me aiding him more fluent and smooth as he progresses in the advancement from the snaffle bit, to the hackamore, to the two rein setup, and then straight up in the bridle. For those that aren't thinking about it all the way and just want to keep there horse in the snaffle bit or maybe even get him into the hackamore this is still an extremely valuable mindset to have things I look for that acknowledge my horse finding balance and him starting to carry himself with more cadence (1) obviously I want my transitions to be nice and smooth from the walk trot to the canter if my transitions are nice and smooth and I can roll up through transitions from the walk to the trot to the canter and all the way back down without having to pull on my horse I acknowledge that as him finding balance. (2) symmetrical circles are very important to me being able to define a symmetrical circle at the walk trot and canter. (3) it is very important at this time if my horse is progressing nice and and willingly I would even start to think of offering a soft feel to him.

19/07/2021

The empathy that crosses through one's heart and mind for something that is afraid and unsure is truly the best quality. This simple piece of compassion shows a true connection can be built from the reassurance of confidence.

Photo credit jacey ellis

02/07/2021

25/04/2021

Come say hi!! Final day of Miller's Unbridled Horsemanship, Spring Tune Up Clinic at Southern Cross Ranch 🙌

25/04/2021

12/03/2021

Are you constantly wishing your horse would remain relaxed and ready to ride in every training session?

The key my friend is proper reinforcement!

Often our horses can be categorized into 2 different energy states...

The state of really high energy is when we can't get them to slow down, stop, or just chill.

The other is when they're in a state of low energy or seeming lazy.

Obviously, when it comes to horses, there could be *numerous* fundamental reasons for these behaviors (trauma, fear, anxiety), and it's crucial to learn more and show up for your horse in the best way...⁣⁣
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But when analyzed from a training perspective the answer is quite simple:⁣⁣

Reinforcement... You can reinforce a particular behavior by the release of pressure or treats as an encouragement (though I don't recommend it)

The idea is If your horse is often unmotivated to work... Use lots of reinforcement for energy!

Ask for a small amount of energy, and reinforce at the highest point of energy. Do this until energy increases, and then you can build up with time. ⁣⁣⁣⁣

If your horse tends to be very forward, reinforce for relaxation consistently. Reinforce your horse for standing still and being present, or by doing nothing at all, incorporate this tip with every training ride.

Now you might find that your unmotivated horse becomes super forward, while your super forward horse becomes unmotivated 🤔

This is completely normal just go back to the reinforcement method and with time and consistency, your horse will find the right balance of relaxation, and also a calm and easy energy in movement

It's important to realize when it comes to horses and cultivating a strong partnership, we are forever students constantly finding better ways to work and communicate with each other.

So with each ride try to have compassion and understanding for yourself and your equine pal...After all, you're on this journey together 🌅

Hope you guys found this informative and helpful! 🙌

Be sure to comment with any questions 😊

04/03/2021

THE MISCONCEPTION.

Often riders will determine any undesirable behavior from their horse as a lack of respect. ⁣

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And it’s a flawed thought.
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Why do I say that?

Because it doesn't leave room for communication and understanding. ⁣
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It only results in dominating the horse to “obtain respect.”⁣
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Added pressure and punishment are the solution because the horse has been disrespectful and respect must be established.
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A common theory is “Once the horse is dominated and fears me, the horse will do anything I ask”
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This is an outdated form of training.

Through horse behavior observation and documentation, the latest research shows,
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dominance is unique to the horse & horse relationship... ⁣
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When horses exhibit such behavior towards a human, the horse is going into survival mode.
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So how can we go about resolving unwanted behavior in a way that's productive, nurturing, and beneficial to the growth of a partnership?
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By changing our pre-programmed mindsets and acknowledging issues in training as a lack of understanding, as well as *fear*⁣
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When we realize that it's not personal but the horse's natural instinct we can then...
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Increase clarity in communication, understanding, and compassion when training our equine pals.

Here I am cultivating that foundation of communication with my latest client horse...

*Coach* a Westphalian Dutch & Holsteiner sport horse.

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23/02/2021

What does it mean to achieve True Collection with your horse?

A common idea on collection is that it's a particular frame or headset that you demand of your horse BUT this is a mistaken idea.

Collection is greater engagement of the hind feet encouraging them to step further under the body (belly) of the horse.

The front end of the horse rises a bit so that the rear legs can easily step under and forward. This process to some is known as being “on the bit” or “stepping through.”

By achieving collection with our horse, we are shifting the weight of the horse and rider onto the muscled hindquarters of the horse, which in turn makes the load on the forehand of the horse slightly lighter.

Collection is the greatest level of self-carriage a rider can ask their horse to attain.

And to reach that understanding, a rider must obtain a soft feel, be aware of the footfalls of the horse and ride the whole horse. Perfecting the partnership that's only gained when rider and horse become ONE.

We help riders and horses reach their utmost potential by teaching the process of achieving True Collection.

If you're looking for a deeper, more connected relationship with your equine pal... Reach out!

To learn some great tips, techniques or listen to some general horse talk...Be sure to listen to the newest episode of my and new podcast...

True Collection!
https://anchor.fm/truecollection/episodes/This-episode-is-meeting-your-hosts-and-learning-a-little-about-our-season-to-come-eqmtl7⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

21/02/2021

https://anchor.fm/truecollection/episodes/This-episode-is-meeting-your-hosts-and-learning-a-little-about-our-season-to-come-eqmtl7

17/02/2021

Our mindset towards riding has a huge influence in gaining the results that we all dream of in our horse's. That easy communication and effortless trust can only be established when we feel confident and secure with how we approach each ride.

That confident energy translates to our horse that we can lead and guide them safely and comfortably creating that partnership that lasts.

Three top habits I apply to each ride whether it be with a client's horse or my own, have everything to do with mindset.

1. HAVE A GOAL IN MIND

It's important to go into every ride with a plan of action and to know what you'd like to achieve with this ride. Ask these simple questions before a ride and write the answer down, so later you can review and gauge your success. What are you looking to gain from this ride? What does a successful ride look like to you?

2. KEEP AN OPEN MIND

Though you have your goal for that ride in the back of your thoughts, keep an open mind and allow your ride to shape itself. Try not to fixate on the result just enjoy the process because when you fixate your horse picks up on that energy and may not respond as favorably. Just relax and trust!

3. SMALL STEPS

Everything improves with consistency, so take small steps, and know the real successes will come one ride at a time. Build upon each ride and be 1% better each time.

When you encounter issues such as a rushed transition, a wobbly centerline, etc, don’t react to them emotionally. Be constructive and ask yourself What went well? What could have been better, How am I going to improve this?

Then make a conscious effort to learn from yesterday's mistakes and grow, the results with time, will take care of themselves.
Enjoy the ride!

11/02/2021

MILLER'S UNBRIDLED HORSEMANSHIP:
SPRING TUNE-UP & HORSEMANSHIP 1 CLINIC!

April 23-25, 2021

Generously featured at the beautiful Southern Cross Ranch!

3374 High Plains Rd Vine Grove, KY, 40175,
Contact Shelby Stephens at (270) 750-0517 or DM at Southern Cross Ranch for more details.

Join Ellicot Miller of Miller's Unbridled Horsemanship a well-distinguished horse trainer of 8 years. As he guides you in building a true and connected partnership with your horse. Teaching you proven training techniques to help cultivate trust and a stronger bond no matter where you ride.

08/02/2021

At Miller's Unbridled Horsemanship we focus on getting your horse soft and confident. Helping them to become a willing partner using traditional Spanish horse-training methods. Creating gorgeous bridle horses and confident riders.

Ready to transform the way you and your horse communicate? Get In Touch Today!!

22/12/2020

There's a time and a place for everything sometimes that can be a difficult decision or my not seem like the right one for someone that has not seen the other side of a hard spot they are in but it's all those difficult situations that build and make you a well rounded teacher or partner for your horses

15/12/2020

For me I do not think about developing a horse as training him I think of it as a a progression of unity to where me and the horse eventually act as one I go with him and he goes with me in the process of bringing him up you figure out that you are not the horses boss you are simply partners partners that act as one

07/10/2020

This very nice 3 year old showing off his collected canter and counter canter a truly great partner showing how starting horses under saddle and making them great partners and getting them truly soft is the first step to making a great willing california bridle horse

01/10/2020

Gorgeous Brook doing a bit of roping I am so proud to have been able to freeze brand this amazing bosal horse

09/09/2020

A freeze brand is not only a great way of identification but an amazing way to show your great band for me I have so much honor having this on my amazing horses

07/09/2020

24/08/2020

The horsemanship 1 clinic dates are October 23.24.25 it’s going to be a very fun amazing 3 days experience at my gorgeous farm in Lebanon Junction Kentucky for price, sign ups, and information please contact me via my Instagram Facebook or message me at 5022948204

23/08/2020

True collection comes from the hind end and the control you have of the hind end

21/08/2020

The feet come before anything learn how to get right with your horse and get to there feet and then he will go with you and you will go with him and that is true partnership