Building a Solid Foundation: The Most Important Skills to Teach First
When it comes to horse training, a strong foundation is everything. Without mastering the basics, your horse will struggle with more advanced tasks, leading to confusion, resistance, and frustration for both of you. Whether you’re working with a young horse or refining an older one’s skills, these fundamental exercises will set you up for success.
1. Leading with Respect
Why It’s Important: A horse that drags behind, rushes ahead, or crowds your space lacks proper groundwork. Good leading skills establish respect and set the tone for all future training.
How to Teach It: Walk with your horse at your shoulder, stopping and turning together. If they lag or rush, correct them by making small direction changes or using a rhythmic pressure-release approach.
2. Yielding to Pressure
Why It’s Important: Horses naturally push against pressure, but in training, they must learn to yield instead. Teaching your horse to move away from pressure is key for safety and responsiveness.
How to Teach It: Use your hand or a training stick to apply gentle pressure to their hindquarters and shoulders, rewarding them when they step away. This builds softness and responsiveness under saddle later on.
3. Stopping and Standing Still
Why It’s Important: A horse that won’t stop or stand still is a safety hazard. Teaching a solid stop and relaxed stand makes mounting, groundwork, and trail riding much smoother.
How to Teach It: Practice stopping with a verbal cue, rein pressure, or by stepping in front of them on the ground. Reward every successful stop and increase the duration of their standing still over time.
4. Responding to Light Cues
Why It’s Important: Your goal is a horse that responds to the lightest touch, not one that requires constant nagging or heavy-handed cues. The more responsive they are, the easier advanced training will be.
How to Teach It: Start with groundwork, ensuring they move off the lightest touch or pressure. Under saddle, ask gently before increasing pressure, always rewarding the correct response.
5. Confidence and Desensitization
Why It’s Important: A horse that spooks at everything is difficult to ride and work with. Exposure to new objects and situations builds trust and teaches them to think instead of react.
How to Teach It: Introduce new objects like tarps, flags, and poles gradually. Encourage curiosity, rewarding relaxation and calmness rather than fear-driven reactions.
Final Thoughts
Before moving on to advanced maneuvers, make sure your horse has these foundational skills mastered. The better their basics, the smoother their progression in training will be. Skipping these steps can lead to bigger problems down the road.
🚀 Want to Build a Strong Foundation with Your Horse?
I offer online coaching to help you implement these training techniques effectively! Get real-time feedback and a customized training plan to improve your horse’s responsiveness, respect, and confidence. Send me a message to get started today! 🐎
Why Your Horse Won’t Listen (And How to Fix It)
As a horse owner, there’s nothing more frustrating than when your horse seems to completely ignore you. Whether you’re on the ground or in the saddle, an unresponsive or resistant horse can make training feel impossible. The good news? Most listening issues come down to simple miscommunications that can be corrected with the right approach. Let’s dive into the most common reasons your horse isn’t listening and how you can fix it.
1. Lack of Clear Leadership
The Problem: Horses are herd animals, and they naturally seek leadership. If your cues are inconsistent or hesitant, your horse may ignore you because they don’t see you as a leader.
The Fix: Establish clear, consistent communication through groundwork. Exercises like yielding the hindquarters, backing up, and lunging with control help reinforce your role as a confident leader.
2. Mixed Signals and Miscommunication
The Problem: If your horse seems confused or unresponsive, you might be unintentionally giving conflicting cues. For example, pulling on the reins while squeezing with your legs tells the horse to go and stop at the same time.
The Fix: Break down your cues into clear, simple steps. Be mindful of your body language, rein pressure, and leg cues to ensure you’re sending a single, understandable message.
3. Lack of Respect for Your Space
The Problem: If your horse pushes into you, lags behind, or refuses to move, they may not fully respect your space or authority.
The Fix: Use groundwork to reinforce boundaries. Asking your horse to move away from pressure and yield their hindquarters helps develop respect and responsiveness.
4. Physical Discomfort or Pain
The Problem: Sometimes, a horse’s refusal to listen isn’t a behavioral issue—it’s a physical one. Ill-fitting tack, dental problems, or soreness can make it uncomfortable for them to follow your cues.
The Fix: Regularly check your horse’s saddle fit, teeth, and overall health. If your horse suddenly becomes resistant, consult a vet or equine chiropractor to rule out pain as the cause.
5. Boredom or Lack of Mental Engagement
The Problem: Horses, like people, get bored with repetitive tasks. If your horse starts zoning out or ignoring you, they may not be mentally stimulated.
The Fix: Keep training sessions varied and engaging. Incorporate obstacles, pattern work, and changes in speed to keep your horse focused and interested.
6. Too Much or Too Little Pressure
The Problem: If you’re too soft with your cues, your horse may learn to ignore them. On the other hand, too much pressure can overwhelm them and cause resistance.
The Fix: Use the ask, tell, demand approach. Start with a light cue, reinforce with a stronger cue if needed, and only escalate pressure as necessary. Reward even small improvements to build responsiveness.
Final Thoughts
If your horse isn’t listening, don’t take it personally—take it as feedback. Their behavior is a reflection of their understanding (or misunderstanding) of your cues. By addressing the root cause and adjusting your approach, you can regain their focus, respect, and willingness to respond.
Need Help Pinpointing Your Horse’s Problem?
Every horse is different, and sometimes it takes an outside perspective to identify what’s causing the resistance. In my 1-on-1 coaching sessions, I help riders troubleshoot these exact issues and create a tailored plan to improve communication with their horse. Send me a message to book your session and start seeing real progress with your horse today!
The Key to a Relaxed and Willing Horse
Every horse owner dreams of having a relaxed, willing partner—one that responds calmly to cues, trusts their rider, and moves with softness instead of tension. But achieving this isn’t about luck—it’s about understanding how relaxation plays a crucial role in your horse’s training and knowing how to create an environment where your horse wants to work with you.
Why Relaxation Matters in Training
Horses are prey animals, which means their first instinct when they feel uncomfortable, confused, or pressured is to either resist, flee, or shut down. If a horse isn’t mentally relaxed, they can’t fully absorb what they’re being taught, and their reactions can range from subtle bracing to full-blown resistance.
A relaxed horse is:
✅ More willing to learn and retain information
✅ Safer to handle and ride
✅ More confident in new situations
✅ Able to progress in training without frustration
On the other hand, tension in training leads to problems like:
❌ Lack of focus and responsiveness
❌ Unwanted behaviors like jigging, head tossing, or spooking
❌ Resistance to cues, making training sessions frustrating for both horse and rider
Signs Your Horse Is Tense (and How to Recognize Them Early)
Your horse may not outright tell you they’re uncomfortable, but their body language will. Here are some common tension indicators:
🔸 Stiffness in movement – Their body feels rigid rather than fluid.
🔸 Tight jaw or lips – A clamped mouth, excessive chomping, or pursed lips can be a sign of stress.
🔸 Raised head and hollow back – Instead of carrying themselves in a relaxed frame, they brace against pressure.
🔸 Wide eyes or flared nostrils – A clear sign that your horse is feeling anxious.
🔸 Unresponsive or overly reactive to cues – Either ignoring you completely or overreacting to small asks.
Recognizing these signs early gives you the chance to adjust before frustration or fear builds up.
Encouraging Relaxation: What You Can Do
Relaxation isn’t something you can force—it’s something you set your horse up to find on their own by making training clear, consistent, and pressure-free.
✔ Slow Down – Rushing through exercises only builds anxiety. Give your horse time to process.
✔ Release Pressure at the Right Moment – Horses learn from the release, not the pressure. Let go as soon as they respond correctly.
✔ Breathe and Stay Relaxed Yourself – Your energy directly affects your horse. Tension in your body = tension in theirs.
✔ Use Groundwork to Build Trust – Before getting in the saddle, ensure your horse is mentally with you on the ground.
✔ Give Them Time to Lick and Chew – This is how horses show they’re processing information and releasing tension.
The more your horse learns they can trust you, the more relaxed and willing they’ll become.
Want Personalized Help? Let’s Work Together!
If you’re struggling with a tense or resistant horse, I can help. In my 1-on-1 coaching sessions, we’ll pinpoint exactly what’s causing your horse’s tension and develop a step-by-step plan to create relaxation and willingness.
📆 Book a session today and start building a better connection with your horse!
Signs Your Horse is Ready for the Next Training Step
Training a horse is a journey, not a race. One of the biggest mistakes riders make is pushing a horse forward before it’s truly ready. Knowing when to move to the next step in training can mean the difference between a confident, willing partner and a frustrated, resistant horse. But how do you tell when your horse is ready?
1. Consistency in Current Exercises
A well-trained horse should be able to perform his current tasks with ease, both physically and mentally. If your horse is consistently responding correctly to cues, staying relaxed, and showing confidence, it may be time to introduce something new. However, if your horse is still hesitant, anxious, or inconsistent, it’s a sign to spend more time reinforcing the basics.
2. Willingness to Learn
A horse that is ready for the next step will often show signs of curiosity and engagement. They will seek out direction rather than resist it. A willing horse is relaxed in their work, shows minimal frustration, and approaches training sessions with a positive attitude. If your horse seems bored or unchallenged, it might be a sign that they are ready for something more advanced.
3. Physical Readiness
Each new level of training comes with different physical demands. A horse needs to have the strength, balance, and endurance to handle the next step without strain. If your horse tires quickly, struggles with coordination, or seems physically uncomfortable, they may need more conditioning before advancing.
4. Confidence in a Variety of Environments
Horses learn best when they feel safe. A horse that is ready for the next step in training should be able to perform reliably in different environments—not just in the round pen or arena. If they remain calm and responsive even in new or slightly distracting situations, they are demonstrating the confidence needed to progress.
5. Minimal Resistance to Cues
If your horse is consistently soft and responsive to your cues, without excessive head tossing, ear pinning, tail swishing, or avoidance, it’s a sign they are mentally and emotionally ready to advance. Resistance often indicates confusion or lack of understanding, meaning more time is needed at the current level before progressing.
What to Do If Your Horse Isn’t Ready
Not every horse progresses at the same pace, and that’s okay. If your horse is struggling with a particular skill, take a step back and reinforce the foundation. More groundwork, repetition, and patience will help build confidence and understanding.
Are You Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you're unsure whether your horse is ready to move forward in training, I can help! Book a personalized consultation with me, and we’ll assess your horse’s progress together. I’ll give you clear guidance on what to work on and when to take the next step.
How to Gain Your Horse’s Respect Without Force
Why Respect Matters in Horse Training
Respect is the foundation of any successful horse-human relationship. Without it, training becomes frustrating, dangerous, and ineffective. But respect doesn’t mean fear—it means trust, clear communication, and mutual understanding. Many horse owners struggle with finding the right balance between being a leader and a partner, often resorting to force or frustration when their horse doesn’t respond as expected. The good news? You don’t need to use intimidation to gain your horse’s respect.
The Balance Between Leadership and Partnership
Horses are naturally social animals that thrive in a herd environment with clear leadership. If you don’t establish yourself as the leader, your horse may take that role instead, leading to disobedience, pushiness, or even dangerous behaviors. But leadership isn’t about dominance—it’s about setting clear expectations, being consistent, and responding in a way your horse understands.
Key elements of a respectful horse-owner relationship:
Clarity – Horses respond best when they understand what’s expected of them.
Consistency – Your horse learns through repetition and reliability.
Calmness – A leader remains patient and confident, even when the horse challenges them.
How to Establish Respect Without Force
Set and Maintain Boundaries
Just like in a herd, boundaries are essential. If your horse constantly pushes into your space, ignores your cues, or refuses to move when asked, they may not see you as a leader. Enforce small rules consistently—like backing up when asked or respecting your personal space.
Use Pressure and Release Correctly
Horses learn through pressure and release, not force. Applying gentle pressure (such as a slight pull on the lead rope or a tap with your hand) and releasing it the moment the horse responds correctly helps reinforce good behavior without intimidation.
Be the Source of Comfort and Security
Horses naturally seek leadership in uncertain situations. If you stay calm and consistent, your horse will trust and respect you more. Never punish a horse for being afraid—instead, guide them through fear by remaining their steady and confident leader.
Recognizing Respect vs. Dominance
A respectful horse will:
Move willingly when asked
Stay attentive and responsive to your cues
Stand quietly and respect your personal space
Follow your lead without resistance
A dominant or disrespectful horse may:
Push into you or refuse to move
Ignore cues or respond with aggression
Show signs of frustration, such as pinned ears or tail swishing
Try to take control of situations instead of looking to you for directions
Final Thoughts
Respect is earned through leadership, not fear. By setting clear expectations, being consistent, and communicating in a way your horse understands, you can develop a relationship built on mutual trust and cooperation.
If you’re struggling to gain your horse’s respect or need guidance in your training, my 8-Week Coaching Program is designed to help you become the leader your horse needs.
👉 Join the Program Today and take the first step toward a confident and respectful partnership with your horse!
The #1 Mistake New Horse Owners Make (And How to Avoid It)
Owning a horse is a dream for many, but without the right knowledge and preparation, that dream can quickly turn into frustration. One of the biggest mistakes new horse owners make is underestimating the importance of groundwork and proper horse selection. This single misstep can lead to behavioral issues, training setbacks, and even safety concerns. Let’s dive into why this happens and how you can set yourself up for success.
The Common Mistakes New Horse Owners Make
Skipping Groundwork
Many first-time horse owners are eager to ride but don’t realize that groundwork lays the foundation for everything under saddle. Without it, horses may lack respect, responsiveness, and trust, leading to dangerous or frustrating behavior.Choosing the Wrong Horse
A horse’s temperament, training level, and energy must match the rider’s experience. Too often, new owners fall in love with a horse’s looks without considering if it’s the right fit for their skill level. This can lead to overwhelming challenges and even dangerous situations.Feeding Incorrectly
Overfeeding, underfeeding, or providing the wrong type of feed can lead to serious health problems such as colic, obesity, or lack of energy. Understanding equine nutrition is critical to maintaining a healthy and happy horse.
How to Avoid These Mistakes
✅ Prioritize Groundwork First – Start with consistent groundwork exercises to build respect and communication before ever getting in the saddle. This helps prevent behavioral issues and ensures a safer riding experience.
✅ Choose the Right Horse for Your Experience Level – Work with a knowledgeable trainer or mentor to find a horse that suits your riding ability. A well-trained, beginner-friendly horse is always a better choice than an untrained or high-energy one.
✅ Educate Yourself on Equine Nutrition – Consult with an equine nutritionist or experienced horse owner to develop a proper feeding plan that meets your horse’s specific needs.
Real-Life Example: A Transformation Story
One of my clients, Sarah, was struggling with her new horse, a high-spirited gelding she fell in love with at first sight. Within weeks, she was dealing with pushy behavior, refusals to stand still, and spooking under saddle. After we focused on groundwork and adjusting her approach, the transformation was incredible—her horse became more respectful, responsive, and enjoyable to ride.
Take the Next Step
If you're a new horse owner and want personalized guidance to avoid these common pitfalls, I’d love to help! Book a consultation or join my coaching program for one-on-one support to ensure you and your horse start off on the right hoof.
The Foundation of Horse Training: Why Groundwork is Essential
Imagine this: You swing into the saddle, ask your horse to move forward… and suddenly, you feel tension rippling through their body. Their ears flick back, their head rises, and in an instant, you realize—you’re sitting on a ticking time bomb.
Maybe you’ve been here before. At that moment when you’re not sure if your horse will listen or explode. It’s frustrating, nerve-wracking, and worst of all, it shakes your confidence.
But what if I told you that the problem didn’t start in the saddle? It started on the ground.
Why Groundwork is the Key to Everything
Horse training isn’t just about what happens when you ride—it’s about the relationship you build before you even set foot in the stirrup. Groundwork is the foundation of a well-trained, willing, and safe horse. Without it, you’re gambling every time you saddle up.
I know this because I’ve been there. When I first started training horses, I was eager to ride. I wanted to feel that connection, that partnership. But I learned the hard way that skipping groundwork leads to frustration, miscommunication, and even danger.
Once I committed to groundwork, everything changed. My horses trusted me more, respected my cues, and became safer and more responsive. They weren’t just "broke"—they were willing.
What Happens When You Focus on Groundwork?
1️ You Build a Language of Trust
Horses don’t speak English, and we don’t speak “horse.” Groundwork teaches your horse to understand your cues before you ever get on their back. That means no more guessing, no more hoping they’ll listen—just clear, consistent communication.
2️ You Establish Leadership (Not Fear)
A horse that respects you on the ground will respect you under saddle. Too many people mistake dominance for leadership, using force instead of fairness. True leadership comes from setting boundaries, staying consistent, and being the kind of rider your horse wants to follow.
3️ You Prevent Problems Before They Happen
Most riding issues—spooking, bolting, bucking—are actually groundwork issues. A horse that learns confidence, patience, and respect on the ground will carry that mindset into the saddle. When groundwork is solid, rides become smoother, safer, and more enjoyable.
How I Learned This the Hard Way
When I got my first young horse, Cody, I had big dreams—but no real experience. I thought if I just got on and rode enough, he’d figure it out. Instead, I found myself on a horse that didn’t listen, didn’t respect my space, and sometimes made me question if I even knew what I was doing.
It wasn’t until I committed to groundwork that everything changed. I stopped making excuses and started putting in the work on the ground before every ride. And guess what? The fights stopped. The miscommunication disappeared. I finally had a horse that wanted to work with me.
Your Next Step: Start Before You Saddle Up
If you’re struggling with a horse that doesn’t listen, won’t stand still, or ignore your cues, don’t wait until you’re already in the saddle to fix it. Start on the ground.
Groundwork isn’t just a warm-up—it’s the foundation of everything you do with your horse. And when you get it right, riding becomes effortless.
👉 Want to learn how to build trust, respect, and communication with your horse? Join my 8-week coaching program, where I’ll guide you through the exact groundwork techniques that create willing, responsive horses—so you can ride with confidence.