In this extra-length special episode, we take the time to discuss our ideas on the controversial practice of 'checking' a horse with the bridle on the ground. We provide full context on what we believe is the best way to approach this subject correctly, and where trainers can go wrong in misapplying or abusing it.

This is one of the most important and controversial topics we've covered yet, and this statement toward the end of the episode sums up our ideas perfectly:

“This has been our goal from the beginning. We set out to bring hard-hitting info that lets people who want to improve their horsemanship fundamentals, or have performance horse aspirations, get a fair shake at looking ‘under the hood’ of what really gets done behind the scenes to make great horses. And this is an example of something that if done smart, and done correct, can be a great asset to a well-rounded training program.”

In this extra-length special episode, we take the time to discuss our ideas on the controversial practice of 'checking' a horse with the bridle on the ground. We provide full context on what we believe is the best way to approach this subject correctly, and where trainers can go wrong in misapplying or abusing it.

This is one of the most important and controversial topics we've covered yet, and this statement toward the end of the episode sums up our ideas perfectly:

“This has been our goal from the beginning. We set out to bring hard-hitting info that lets people who want to improve their horsemanship fundamentals, or have performance horse aspirations, get a fair shake at looking ‘under the hood’ of what really gets done behind the scenes to make great horses. And this is an example of something that if done smart, and done correct, can be a great asset to a well-rounded training program.”

[Training On The Trail] How to correct a poor stop and what to do if your horse consistently ignores your cues.

[Training On The Trail] How to correct a poor stop and what to do if your horse consistently ignores your cues.

We address the needless worry some horse owners have over the effects of splint boots on a young horse's legs. We also continue our discussion about steady vs. driving pressure on the reins, and why we strive for a balance of the two in our program.

We address the needless worry some horse owners have over the effects of splint boots on a young horse's legs. We also continue our discussion about steady vs. driving pressure on the reins, and why we strive for a balance of the two in our program.

We give a brief update on the Project Horse string and our new addition to the fold. We talk about this new horse's training, the problems he brings to the table, and how we're fixing them. Then in our Advanced Horsemanship 101 segment we continue the discussion on backing that we started in the previous episode; talking about backing circles, backing angles, and how to refine your horse's backup overall.

It's important to focus initially on lateral softness, getting the horse supple and broke through the body, and softening him off your hands and legs. But after awhile you recognize the importance of maintaining a little bit of stiffness in exchange for greater confidence & control.

We give our thoughts on when, and how, to introduce a green horse to lead departures. In our Advanced Horsemanship 101 segment, we discuss the benefits of Backing Circles and why we believe it's a valuable exercises.

We give our thoughts on when, and how, to introduce a green horse to lead departures. In our Advanced Horsemanship 101 segment, we discuss the benefits of Backing Circles and why we believe it's a valuable exercises.