Our horses are stoic creatures. They will function through discomfort because they don’t feel they have a way out. This is called Learned Helplessness. The discomfort can come from handler, rider, tack, feet, body issues, etc. The horse will shut down and do the work just to get through. We then acted surprised when they blow up or have behavior issues. Pay attention to the small indicators. Tension, fascial expression, body language, evasions, spooking, worry, refusing to en

A day late. This has been a challenging week. Let’s just talk about horses. We are at the time of year the mares are cycling like dragons. The first cycle of spring is a doozy. I have some sensitive mares in that have become permanently bonded to their neighbor as long as their neighbor doesn’t look at them wrong. Then it’s squealing, striking, kicking. The poor geldings are in love and traumatized all at the same time. There has been a lot of work on relaxation and patience

Favorite Things Friday

March Master Zoom

Be the constant. Don’t change everything on your horse.

Keep consistent expectations from beginning.

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Master Zoom

Tarrin Warren is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Topic: February Master Zoom Time: Feb 24, 2022 07:00 PM Central Time (US and

Sometimes the only path forward is to backtrack

We all know trailering comes with risks. It is not natural for our horses to get in a moving cave. Sometimes they make poor decisions. Or sometimes there are accidents. Due to all the unknowns, I prefer trailering with leather halters. Why? Because leather breaks easier than rope or nylon. So if my horse is hung up and fighting, they have a chance to get loose.

Tired of fighting with your husband over his poor hand signals?

Remember your horse didn’t sign up to help you accomplish your goals.

It depends, maybe, sometimes, no. Today was a Texas weather day. This morning it was drizzling and humid. When my 12p lesson started it was 70 degrees, sunny, 20mph south wind. Within 20 minutes the wind switched. Clouds rolled in. The temperatures plummeted. By 2p we were in 3-4 layers with actual temperature 49, windchill of 41. By 5p we are supposed to have windchills in the 30’s. We had barrels rolling across the arena, obstacles falling over, leaves racing along the grou

Is it too windy to ride? Probably not if your horse has been taught to be responsive instead of reactive. Your horse lives with Mother...

What were your horses doing in the wind today? Mine we grazing and napping. Did I ride? You betcha. They were great rides. Why? Mostly because I expected them to be. My attitude was appropriate. I believe in working horsemanship. That means my horses and I must be adjustable. That includes adjusting to weather. I even taught lessons.

I listened to a podcast from Dr. Declue this morning. She was discussing how to help your vet diagnose lameness. Dr. Declue spoke about her vision of a team for your horse. 1. Owner 2. Trainer 3. Horse and 4. Veterinarian.

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Don’t get yourself in a bind

Don’t skip the body work