Cactus Belle Horsemanship

25/04/2025

Cutie Rhiannon loved playing on the obstacles today!

23/04/2025

23/04/2025

Presence vs compliance
Tolerance vs acceptance

What’s the difference?

If you’ve ever worked a job that you’ve only done because you had to, you know that you can mindlessly run through the motions just to get it done and get your paycheck at the end of the week. If you work a job that you love or have a hobby that you enjoy, you know that there’s a big difference in the way you participate in it. You are mentally present, engaged, and interested in what you’re doing. Therefore, you retain the information better and usually yield a better result.

It’s no different for horses believe it or not.

I see a lot of horses who just go through the motions of what they’re being asked to do because they’re told that they have no other option. I rehab a lot of these horses after they are burnt out, emotionally checked out, and sometimes even become defiant and dangerous.
These horses tolerate until they can’t.
Then depending on their personality, they either shut down or start fighting back.
And truthfully, I’m not sure what’s worse-
A horse that is angry, or a horse that is submissive and scared to step out of line.

I don’t know about you, but I would much rather take a little more time, and put a little more thought into how I communicate with the animal I’m working with to help them understand the, “why” before expecting them to do the, “what.”

I want them to be present enough to ask a question, and accepting enough to look for an answer from me.
They try.
They trust.
They are present and accepting.

Once your horses start doing this, you’ll never look back at the old way of doing things again.

22/04/2025

Here’s the answer!

Rhiannon’s owner was told she is a Fjord cross! 🤗

22/04/2025

Cooper!

22/04/2025

If you could ride with anyone, past or present, who would it be and why?

21/04/2025

Conversation starter:
What’s a change you would like to see in the equine industry?

21/04/2025

Time for everyone’s favorite game, “ guess the breed cross!”
Rhiannon is a four-year-old kill pen rescue. So, no known history. She presents currently as a guarded left brain extrovert who doesn’t have a lot of confidence that people can do their job (keep her safe) so she takes over the role as the leader.
She is smart, sensitive, and not the type to put up with any BS. She seems to have a nice foundation on the ground, but whether or not she can be ridden is a big ???
Her owner is doing right by her and investing in her education so we can find any holes or issues that may have landed her in the kill pen in the first place. So far so good, I’m just seeing a confident and sensitive mare who can probably outthink most humans 😉

21/04/2025

Hey guys! I’m super excited to announce I’m finally jumping on board and having some gear made! I will be ordering a handful of sizes in this first batch but if you want to make sure you get one in your size, you’re welcome to pre-order!
I can take PayPal or Venmo

Hats- $25
Shirts S-XL- $30
Shirts 2XL/3XL- $35

Pick up from me in south Lakeland!

20/04/2025

Thank you to everyone that came out!