There is a plethora of clinicians and trainers trying to sell themselves to riders in order to make money, but that isn’t exactly what I’m referring to. I imagine that like myself, there have been times when you’ve watched someone go through the exact same motions and come out with far greater success than yourself. [...]

Have I ever ridden in a bitless bridle? Yes. Have I ever ridden bridle-less? Yes. Do I recommend or do either regularly… no. And here’s why.

Natural horsemanship has been a method of which great expansion has occurred over the last 15 or so years. We have seen it flourish into a great marketing enterprise for many clinicians and expounded for the amazing feats it can accomplish. I myself have a background in natural horsemanship thanks to one of my first [...]

As a once-upon-a-time-ago student of Competitive Dressage, this term is very familiar. As a student of Classical Dressage this term is foreign. But why? Do you know what “on the bit” means? Can you put it into words? What does being “on the bit” do for you and your horse? What does it lead to?

I know it is common practice, and while there is more information being circulated to the general public which supports the idea that starting a horse at 2 years old is premature I still get a lot of questions posed to me relating to issues that come up in training the 2 year old horse [...]

The posting trot is such an effective tool for riders. It lightens the load on a young horse’s back while they are building strength and coordination, it saves the rider’s seat on long distance rides, is a necessary step in developing your position for jumping, and much more.

I love it when people find my blog with search terms that I haven’t addressed the issues for yet… gives me an opportunity to address them! This is in line with today’s search terms “of the day”…

I’ve talked about the use of pressure when working with horses before, written about it on here as well… which is exactly why I am excited to say that it will once again be the topic of conversation during my next online radio broadcast this Sunday!

There are two ways to be nice – authentically and inauthentically. What is the difference you ask?

Ah, the old adage, “Less Is More.” It somehow manages to bring about reminiscent feelings of bliss in me.  How is it that we so often fall off the wagon and work so hard for so little reward?

It isn’t that I am against dangerous stunts. I even find them entertaining when they involve a professional, who isn’t advocating that beginner’s should try this at home or are capable of teaching themselves how to successfully do them. There are many who do stunts and tricks and so on, that impress me to no [...]