Considering the Horse: Movement by Alternative Horsemanship


Considering the Horse: Movement (Sound on) The pinto is 25 and semi-retired. The roan is nearing 20 and had a history of physical trauma. Different horses have different requirements and as they age the interaction needs to be adapted. Replay the video a few times to practice "seeing"- balance using the head and neck, engagement of hindquarters, lifting in of spine, pressure, and absorption in fetlock area, etc. The more you understand about the horse's movement, the better you can't recognize and decipher root causes vs symptoms of unwanted physical maneuvers.

Horse Conversations: Building Trust in the Fearful and Traumatized Equine

A Glimpse into helping the Horse by Alternative Horsemanship

Someone recently said, "Sam I love the word you use but I don't understand them. You mention things like Conversation, being mentally available, and searching. What does that mean when you're interacting with the horse?" 

Then I came across this video footage of a severe case from a horse that arrived for help last year. You couldn't get near her, touch her, she was incredibly head shy, and had a lot of PTSD from her previous human experiences. Her bad had massive scarring from a violent past. She'd been sold via video as a Beginner Safe Horse. 

This video shares a glimpse into one of the first few sessions with her. It is an example of what a Conversation with the horse can look like, the shift of when they start to become mentally available to acknowledge the human, and what searching can look like.

Horse Problems: Bucking, Biting, and Bolting - Fixing the Source not the Symptom


In this video, Alternative Horsemanship with Samantha Harvey the Remote Horse Coach shares a brief glimpse into the before and after rehabilitation of a horse that arrived with many human-created "issues." 

He appeared to his owner to have bucking, bolting, rearing, biting, and other unwanted behaviors. The reality was there were a lot of factors and contributors leading to his current dangerous behavior. This video shares how addressing the horse's mental, emotional, and physical state can help rehabilitate the once seemingly dangerous and overwhelming equine.

Dear Sam: Horse Help *Re-evaluating Horse Problems by Alternative Horsem...



Alternative Horsemanship with Samantha Harvey the Remote Horse Coach 

Dear Sam: Horse Help *ReEvaluating Horse "Problems" 

Addressing how most common problematic or unwanted equine behaviors are a symptom, not the issue(s) the horse is struggling with.


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Dear Sam: Horse Help Horsemanship Series *The Disinterested Horse

Dear Sam: Horse Help Horsemanship Series 
*The Disinterested Horse 

Alternative Horsemanship with Samantha Harvey the Remote Horse Coach discusses the topic of the disinterested horse and the factors that are leading to the unwanted behaviors. Subscribe to the Alternative Horsemanship YouTube Channel to watch new weekly videos.

Horseback Riding Lesson- Starting with a new Instructor



I've had an influx of new students lately and although folks sign up thinking they are coming for "horse" lessons... there really is a whole lot more that will be addressed.

Horsemanship: Misconceptions of the Circle by the Remote Horse Coach

Misconceptions of a Circle

One of the most misused "techniques" I have found is how people present asking the horse to move around a circle.
Whether it is for lunging, groundwork, riding one, or otherwise, rarely have I witnessed horses thinking and traveling around a circle in an intentional, soft manner.
Often there is a degree of "driving" energy from the human, along with containment via the lead rope, lunge line, reins, the rider's outside leg, etc.

Horse Rider Mindset Hints by Alternative Horsemanship


The Story...
What ifs...
Yeah, but I want to...
In peeling back the layers of why things fall apart, there is an imbalance of blaming the horse versus human self-observation and awareness.
Rarely is it popular to discuss how much the human mind and emotions can delegate how the horse interaction occurs.

Horses, Words, and Emotions

I think it's interesting how often opinions or perspectives, whether it's within the horse world or outside of it, can be massive emotional triggers.

Horsemanship- Reviewing the Release by The Remote Horse Coach

Reviewing The Release

As with everything, there are many interpretations when it comes to terminology associated 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. This often comes from their level of awareness, background, and unintentional anticipation/expectation of their mind "getting ahead" of wherever they are currently at with their horse.

Horseback Rider Awareness by the Remote Horse Coach



Self-awareness- A Crucial Factor

The next time you're with your horse, ask yourself...

Dear Sam: Horse Help Horsemanship Series *Allowing ourselves Permission


Dear Sam: Horse Help Horsemanship Series 
*Allowing Ourselves Permission 

Alternative Horsemanship with Samantha Harvey the Remote Horse Coach addresses the realities of needing to give Ourselves Permission on the learning journey of horsemanship.

Spring Time Safety and Prep Checklist for the Horse Enthusiast



Spring Horse Preparations

Every spring after cold, dark winter folks starts getting excited at the prospect of the upcoming riding season. For most people in the inland northwest, there is a major decrease in the amount of ride/horse time during the winter months. Below are some ideas to help safely get you back in the saddle!

The Uncomfortable Topics: Money, Horses, and Future Planning

Looking at the books...