If you've ever been late to a lesson because your horse suddenly decided the trailer is lava, welcome. Tik Maynard and Nick Rivera are here to help.

In this first episode of Groundwork Guys, the duo tackles listener Megan's question about her semi-feral mare who has made her feelings about trailer loading very clear. What follows is part training plan, part therapy session, and part two horsemen trying to out-joke each other.

Tik and Nick talk through why trailer loading usually isn't about the trailer at all, how to spot the moment your horse starts thinking instead of panicking, and why you should probably practice before show day. They cover everything from "sending vs. leading" to reading ear flicks like body language PhDs.

Along the way, you'll learn:

• The difference between a reward and a bribe (and why your horse totally knows the difference).

• How to help your horse find curiosity instead of chaos.

• Why calm energy gets you farther than fancy gear.

• And how Tik somehow turned a groundwork lesson into a plan to build a horse-sized suspension bridge.

Key takeaway: Trailer loading is 20% technique, 80% emotional regulation (mostly yours).

Quote of the episode:

"If you go out two hours early, your horse walks right on. If you go out five minutes before, it takes two hours. Do the math." — Tik

So grab your coffee, your sense of humor, and maybe a cookie (for you and the horse). It's time to load up.

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Episode Sponsor: Jug Waterers

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Groundwork Guys - Now streaming on NOËLLE FLOYD's new platform Camp HorseWorld" linked to https://camphorseworld.com/pages/groundwork-guys