True partnership with a horse isn’t created through technique alone. It grows through a sequence of trust, leadership, and shared understanding. This post breaks down the three pillars that shape every great horsemanship journey and why the order matters more than we realise.
Tag Archives: building trust with horses
The First Five Minutes: Why Your Horse’s Emotional State Matters More Than the Training Plan
Your horse’s emotional state determines the quality of your training. When you learn to read subtle signs, regulate early, and rebuild trust throughout the session, everything changes. This post explores why the first five minutes matter and how supporting your horse’s mind creates softness, willingness, and true connection.
Akila – Session 2
Starting an Untouched Colt https://youtu.be/uDqc_RhHIXI Working with a sensitive yearling is never about “getting the halter on.” It’s about earning the kind of trust where a young horse chooses connection over instinct. In this session with Akila, we move through freeze, hesitation, curiosity, and finally a soft, genuine willingness. This episode is a slow, honestContinueContinue reading “Akila – Session 2”
Akila – Session 1
Starting an Untouched Colt https://youtu.be/ma6y7oopy1U What happens when a young, untouched colt learns that humans don’t always mean pressure or fear? This episode captures the very first steps of connection – the moment trust begins to replace instinctive self-protection. In this foundational groundwork session, I work with Akila, a one-year-old colt who has had littleContinueContinue reading “Akila – Session 1”
Sally & Freya – Session 7.1
Helping a Shutdown Horse https://youtu.be/I_t5KH9c1VY Riding starts long before you’re in the saddle – it begins with the trust and confidence you build in preparation. This session is about laying that foundation. I focus on helping Sally feel safe, connected, and truly ready for me to get on. You’ll see how groundwork reveals her tensionContinueContinue reading “Sally & Freya – Session 7.1”
Elke & Lola – Session 3.1
Restarting a Sensitive OTTB Mare https://youtu.be/e0zNrw4WatQ Sometimes the most powerful breakthroughs in horse training aren’t dramatic. They’re found in the quiet moment when a horse chooses connection over resistance. In this real-time session, I revisit foundational groundwork with a mare who tends to push into pressure and is reactive when unsure. You’ll see how clearContinueContinue reading “Elke & Lola – Session 3.1”
How to Get a Horse to Move Forward: Training for Responsiveness
Photo by Barbara Olsen on Pexels.com Ever Felt Like Your Horse is Ignoring You? You squeeze, cluck, or tap, but your horse won’t move forward. Frustrating, right? Many riders struggle with a horse that refuses to go forward. The key isn’t to kick harder, it’s to change how you communicate. In this guide, we’ll coverContinueContinue reading “How to Get a Horse to Move Forward: Training for Responsiveness”
