Archives: Learning Modules

Before introducing a saddle, it’s important to help your horse become comfortable with both the sensation and pressure around their girth area. This step not…

Before you ever think about saddling, your horse needs to be relaxed and confident with the saddle pad. This step is about much more than…

Working on the canter on-line prepares them both mentally and physically.  It develops the muscle and aerobic strength required for riding, while also reinforcing their…

Lateral flexion teaches your horse to softly follow the feel of the lead rope, which later becomes your rein aid under saddle. It is one…

Just like with desensitizing while standing still, the key here is maintaining a solid connection with your horse. The goal is for your horse to…

Once your horse is confident standing beside you at the fence from both sides, the next step is to practice easing into the feeling of…

The goal of the mounting block exercise is to prepare the horse for saddling by getting them comfortable with a person above and leaning over…

Once your horse is comfortable standing quietly beside you at the mounting block (or bucket), it’s time to get them comfortable with sensations like sound…

This exercise used to be part of fixing a horse that was too bendy or stiff while doing the Focus & Bend, but I think…

The goal of the mounting block exercise is to prepare the horse for saddling by getting them comfortable with a person above and leaning over…

Now that you have successfully moved through the first 4 Basic Groundwork Exercises, you have taught your horse a lot of things they will need…

You will start with this exercise if your horse has more drive than draw. (If your horse has more draw than drive, begin with Focus…

Now that your horse can stand still, stay aware of you, remain connected, and stay relaxed, you’re ready to begin training. This marks the true…

Matching steps is a connection practice, not a control technique. It means: Wherever you go, I’ll go too. It is for horses who cannot connect…

I have found that horses that put their mouths on us are doing so because they are seeking engagement, not because they are being naughty.…