Find and Fix the Pieces that Make Up the Whole Situation Last month in Part 1, I discussed the tendency some riders have to excuse their lack of motivation for education by stating that they are “just a trail rider”. This mindset suggests that these folks aren’t serious about learning … Read More
A Safe Trail Horse Feels Free to Think For generations, the goal of horse training was to get a horse “broke.” Broke to ride, broke to lead, and broke to behave. But what if I told you I disagree with the whole premise? Historically, breaking a horse meant precisely what … Read More
Horses Need to Know Their Worth We talk a lot these days about happy horses, and that’s a good thing. Today’s horsemen want to go beyond just keeping our horses from harm or suffering—we want them to thrive. We want them to really enjoy their lives and the time they … Read More
Don’t Use a Love of Trail Riding as an Excuse to Avoid Learning and Improving There’s a phrase I often hear when talking to horse people. Usually, I hear it at the start of my clinics, when we all introduce ourselves and tell a little about what we do with … Read More
Montana Trainer is a CHA Master Instructor and Working Equitation Professional Instructor Interview by Kim Roe I first became aware of Montana trainer Trisha Reed and her students while judging a working equitation show in Montana. Trisha’s horsemanship, good sportsmanship, and infectious sense of humor stuck in my mind. Over … Read More
Meike Horrer’s Journey with Manuel Jorge de Oliveira’s Method Meike Horrer (Thompson) is the founder and operator of Thompson Serenity Stables, a classical dressage and hoof rehabilitation facility located in Ferndale, Washington. A lifelong student of the modern dressage training scale, Meike trained and competed across various levels. However, a … Read More
Understand and Use Body Language to Speak “Horse” Working with horses gains better results with better understanding. True horsemanship involves building trust, understanding, and studying the way horses think and behave. Horsemanship’s foundation requires comprehending many principles from the perspective of the horse. It’s not just another thing we do … Read More
Indoor Mountain trail course, 13 obstacles built by Mark Bolander. Register for a time slot and come play on our course at your own pace. Space limited to ensure everyone has fun. See event info here: https://horsesource.org/event/indoor-mountain-trail-play-day PressNews from the horse industry. Sharing today’s information as it happens. The Northwest … Read More
• Does your horse pay attention to you?• Does your horse spook at “invisible” objects?• Does your horse look to you as the leader?• Does your horse stand quietly for grooming, saddling, and mounting?• Does every ride feel like a bigger adventure than you wanted?• Would you like to feel … Read More
Life’s Journey Evolves How We Train As a young horse trainer, I had great ambitions. Although my love for horses has always been true, in my youth I took a more self-centered view of our relationship. What could they do for me? I thought about what we might accomplish together, … Read More
