Curiosity is the Key

Curiosity is the key to developing a responsive (not a reactive) horse. A curious horse can learn because he is not as scared as a horse that is not curious. A horse that is scared can’t be curious and can’t …

Moving Forward, from a Solid Foundation

It’s hard to believe the year is nearly over, or how much we have covered in this series, from establishing trust, obedience and respect; to creating calmness and rhythm; and, most recently, developing suppleness, straightness and balance. These are the …

Establishing Contact and Impulsion

Over the years, I have seen a lot of impulsion without a good understanding of contact. This type of movement is often nothing more than nervous energy from the horse, and all it does is create a potential runaway situation. …

Creating Calmness and Rhythm

Over the past few weeks I hope you – and your horse – have had plenty of ‘thinking time’ and the opportunity to work on establishing the trust that is essential to a building a strong foundation in your training.…