Category: Training Tips

What Makes a Well Trained Horse? Someone asked me once, “What makes a well trained horse?” The question is definitely an interesting one. People aspire to do many different things with their horses and so the answer to the question may be different depending on who you ask. But for me, the answer is clear. Every well trained horse exemplifies a number of characteristics that parlay them to the top of the class to be role modes for all others.…

If you’re looking for a better Partnership AND greater Performance from your horse, then you should concentrate on fine tuning and finessing the groundwork in his training program.  The Foundation in groundwork cannot be overlooked if you want more out of your relationship with your horse.  And, if you’re looking to excel in any discipline, you will need to concentrate on making sure your horse has no holes in his Foundation training.  This may sound like an obvious statement, but…

Getting out of the arena and onto the trail is a great way to continue the training on your horse.  Many of the things that you teach your horse inside the arena can also be taught on the trail such as softening and suppleness to contact with the bit, yielding  and forward motion exercises.  But some things can ONLY be taught on the trail and many flaws or holes in your training program are discovered there which will inform you…

“Winter Blues Got You Down?” I was watching the morning news the other day and I heard the anchor person declare that ‘today’ was the ‘saddest day of the year’.  Evidently June 17th is the happiest day of the year.  Really?  I want to know who gets paid to make such assessments and better yet, why?  I’ll be my own judge of when and where my emotions flare thank you very much!  With that said, I will admit that this…

Horses understand ‘forward’; they are constantly being pushed around by their herd mates and rarely if ever pulled. Learn from the horse – always forward in the maneuvers.  The techniques of the NLHTM Program are built on this principle because it works and that is what the horse understands most.  They know how to drive and be driven by ‘pressure’ or our asking them  with a cue.…