Clarity & Intention- Evolving the Equine Partnership

Too many people are unclear in what, where and how they communicate with their horse. They unintentionally "challenge" the horse into guessing what they want. Then they reprimand the horse every time he can't figure it out. Or they present a task using the same manner of communication repetitiously, driving the horse's stress levels up, until he accidentally figures out what the person is asking. The more the horse has to "guess" at what the person wants, the more he will tune out the person's aids or communication and can become dull and unresponsive to the aids or feel like he is "taking over" during the session.

Alternative Horsemanship™ Southern California Clinics 2025-26

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Preparing the Horse for the Unknown

I hate practicing anything in a mindlessly repetitive manner. Irrelevant of the discipline, there are many folks who teach that as long as there is "time in the saddle" it is equivalent to quality training. I find that by "training" this way dulls the interest, awareness, intention and focus in both the horse and human.

Human Mental Distractions & Anticipations Sabotaging the Equine Interactions

Many people get triggered by distractions and mentally go far away from where they are with their horse as they get lost in their "stories" of what ifs, history of previous experiences, or anticipation of what might potentially happen.

July Alternative Horsemanship™ Livestream Schedule

Join Alternative Horsemanship™ the Remote Horse Coach for the two-part July Livestreams discussing defensive horse behavior toward rider aids.

Signs of Defensive Horse Behavior
Tuesday, July 8th, 6pm pdt

Addressing Defensive Horse Behavior
Tuesday, July 15th, 6pm pdt

Register Now

20 Horse Health questions

 20 Horse Health Tips, Questions & Assessment

Below are some basic questions to ask in regards to your horse’s health. 

June Livestream Replays

 Hello All who subscribe to the Monthly Livestreams in the Remote Horse Coach Video Catalog

 

The June Livestream Replays Groundwork and Riding Q & A are now available. Click HERE to watch.  

Horse Skills: Reviewing The Release

 

As with everything much is left to interpretation when it comes to terminology in association with horses. I try to be clear and precise in the words that I'm offering, but there still can be a gray area in the human student's understanding.

Horses and The Learning Journey

One Step at a Time

It is very easy to be overwhelmed by everything that "isn't" or is challenging, frustrating, and exhausting with the horse.

Interfering Human Behaviors

As folks are learning with their horse or experimenting with a new way of communicating and interacting, they can unintentionally develop intensity in their facial expression, posture, energy, and movement.

Horses, Humans and Pressure

When we work with a horse we primarily use two forms of pressure to communicate, physical (the lead rope attached to the halter, the rein, the leg, the seat, etc.) or spatial (not touching the horse but able to influence his brain and movement.) Vocal commands are a third, less common form of pressure.

Building Confidence in the Rider

 Tips for the Insecure, Anxious, Anticipative, or Timid Rider

What about building the rider's confidence for riding out?

Building Confidence in the Horse

 Confidence- just because a horse is going through the motions of "doing things" and is "learning" does not mean that he is gaining confidence and feeling secure from his experiences.

June Alternative Horsemanship™ Livestream Schedule

NOTE: We've been making some changes, and you'll notice email updates on events, livestreams, courses, clinics, Newsletters, etc. will now be hosted by EmailOctopus. We just sent out the June Livestream schedule, if you missed it, check your junk folder.

June Livestream Schedule

Ask the Trainer- Q & A This month we are changing things up! This is your opportunity to submit any groundwork or riding related questions for Sam to answer in the June Livestreams. She will attempt to answer as many questions as possible in each 25-minute session. All questions must be emailed prior to the event. Both sessions will be held over the same weekend. SUBMIT your questions prior to Friday, June 13th at 5pm pdt. Groundwork Q & A Livestream Saturday, June 14th 6pm pdt Riding Q & A Livestream Sunday, June 15th, 6pm pdt

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