Groundwork and in-hand work: two essential components of a well-rounded horse training program. But what's the difference between them, and how can you use both to create a truly harmonious partnership with your horse?

Let's try to clarify the distinctions between these techniques and explain how...

You've mastered the basics of groundwork. Your horse is responsive, understanding, and emotionally engaged. Now, it's time to explore the next level: In-Hand Work.

In-hand work is more than just leading your horse with a bit. It's a sophisticated form of communication, a blend of mindfulness and...

Groundwork. It's more than just leading your horse around. It's the bedrock of a strong, understanding, and enjoyable relationship. Think of it as your horse's primary school education – essential for everything that comes next. Without a solid groundwork foundation, even advanced training...

The terms "on the bit" and "soft feel" are often used in riding, but their true meaning can be confusing. Many riders struggle to understand the nuances of these concepts, leading to frustration and potentially hindering their horse's progress. This article aims to clarify these terms and explore...

The following are the “6 Rules of Horsemanship” I teach my students.  Incorporating these six deceptively simple rules in your everyday horsemanship will prove to maximize the time you spend with your horse, increase your rate of progression, and eliminate much of the frustration...

Regardless of discipline, preferred breed, or level of training, some riders consistently improve themselves and their horses while others languish.  The degree of success can be measured by the habits the riders form; great horsemanship comes down to a series of great habits.  Amongst...

When seeking refinement and precision in our horsemanship, we desire a horse that is light and responsive to the leg aids.  It takes seemingly no effort to guide them, control their energy, or position their body.  However, we often see riders kicking and pushing their horses with their...

One of the primary goals of our horsemanship is to help our horse to develop in his strength, suppleness, and balance. In our endeavor to success with this goal, it is important that we keep his mechanics in mind.

When a horse is on a bend his inside hind leg is the driver of the body – it...

Horsemanship is a Journey… and it’s a journey unlike any other.  It’s all about personal discovery, increased awareness, and self discipline.

When I say personal discovery, I’m talking about knowing what our limitations really are, instead of what we think they...

When it comes to riding and handling horses, safety comes third.

Yes, you read that right.  Safety third.  Surely some of you are shaking your heads at me for such a suggestion, but don’t misunderstand my intentions, please.  Safety is a pretty big priority – sorta like...

When we think of Dressage, we tend to think of riders in white breeches and top hats mounted atop leggy warmbloods performing high level maneuvers like canter pirouettes, tempi changes, piaffe, and passage.  Oh yeah…. and they’re riding in long-flapped black saddles that...