Guest post by Mel Fleming of Connecting with Horses and Riding with Syncronicity I have been experimenting with using treats for a couple of years now and have found them to be really helpful. Before that, I was not a fan of treats. Of course they have to be used […]
Treats – it’s not just about the food! Read More »
I recently re-connected with Jenny Pearce, a friend from way back, a healer extraordinaire and a fantastic teacher. Jenny’s passion for helping people and horses was  so evident during our conversation that as I learned more about what she is now teaching, I’m inspired to share her gifts and wisdom. As
Jenny Pearce – Happiness and Wellbeing for Horse and Rider Read More »
I have just read a book by notable dog trainer, Harrison Forbes called ‘Dog Talk’, and I liked his perspective on training methods so much I wanted to share it. In quoting Harrison – I’ve put ‘horse’ in brackets to help you visualise better. “Instead of watching their dogs (horses), I
How do you approach your horse training? Read More »
There are many new books being written for those looking for a different or better way to be with their horses. I have recently read ‘Quality Time: Activities for You and Your Horse’ by Andree L. Ralph. There seem to be so many more posts in blogs and on Facebook
by Greg Glendell This article tries to explain some key terms used in leaning theory, as applied to training horses. Learning theory is the scientific explanation of how all animals, including humans, behave. It is not really a ‘method’ for training horses. Instead, it explains how the process of learning
Jargon Busting: Some Learning Theory Terms for Horse Owners. Read More »
By Laurel Gordon Based on a definition of CAT-H by Dolores Arste and Kellie Snyder. While working on her Master’s thesis, behavioural science student Kellie Snyder noticed that positive reinforcement methods like clicker training, or giving food treats, didn’t work so well on animals when there was a lot of
Some people see winter as a time to put the horses aside, some even complain about the weather, short days and no time to ride. Then there are those who see winter as a time to focus on other horsemanship challenges and these are only limited by your imagination. One
Winter Play Ideas Read More »
by Josepha at Dressage In Hand Q: How do I get connection with my horse without a bit? A: First of all, I ask the question to each person what ‘connection’ is according to them. What people mostly say is the following: “The rider energises the horse with the legs (impulsion),
Getting a Bitless Connection Read More »
By Cynthia Cooper The term ‘on the bit’ has become commonplace and used to denote a certain frame or level of head carriage and collection of the horse. But what happens when you don’t have a bit in your horse’s mouth? Can your horse still collect and if they do,
Riding Bitless – ‘On the Bridle’ Read More »
 by Philip Nye What is disengagement? Firstly, it’s the opposite of engagement or full power as a disengaged horse has relaxed and yielded all its power. It has released its power to the hindquarters mainly but also softened and released its shoulders, head, and neck. The horse overall is relaxed,
Disengagement is a Powerful Control Read More »
by Cynthia Cooper Often referred to as being ‘barn sour’ or rushing home, the herd bound horse just wants to stay near the barn or get home and back to their mates as fast as possible. It can turn in to a frustrating or dangerous situation, especially if you’re out
How to help your herd bound horse Read More »
– by Cynthia Cooper When I discovered horses (and all other animals) could ‘hear’ me or telepathically read my mind, I felt bad for ‘saying’ (thinking) not so nice thoughts about them. I asked myself – “Would I greet a good friend with ‘hello fattie’ or say ‘Get going you
Watch Your Thoughts Read More »
