What do horses really see when they look at us? According to Tik Maynard, it's not just our cues or commands—it's who we are in that moment. In this powerful episode, taken from Tik's NF+ Masterclass Understanding Horse Behavior, he shares how our emotional state, body language, and inner awareness deeply influence how our horses respond.

And the timing couldn't be more fitting: Tik has just made history as a two-time Road to the Horse Champion.

Often called the World Championship of Colt Starting, Road to the Horse is one of the most prestigious and influential events in the equestrian world. It's not just a test of training—it's a test of character. Competitors are given untouched colts and just a few hours to build trust, partnership, and a solid foundation, all under the watchful eye of a live audience. Past icons of the event include Stacy Westfall, Pat Parelli, Clinton Anderson, and Jonathan Field—horsemen and women who helped shape modern horsemanship as we know it.

Winning once puts your name in the history books. Winning twice, back-to-back, places Tik in rare company—and proves that empathy, clarity, and feel aren't just ideals. They're tools for greatness.

In this episode, you'll learn how to:

• Build a deeper, calmer connection by understanding how your energy shapes your horse's responses

• Create trust and willingness through slow, thoughtful interactions that honor your horse's emotional state

• Train with patience and clarity by recognizing the stages your horse goes through when facing something new

• Communicate with meaning by redefining "trust" and "respect" in ways that actually make sense to your horse

This episode is a powerful reflection on horsemanship and what it truly means to show up with intention, humility, and presence. Tik shares the same principles that led him to the top of Road to the Horse—not through force, but through feel. The mindset that builds trust in the round pen doesn't stop there. It shapes how we lead, connect, and grow in every part of life. When we choose clarity over control and presence over pressure, our horses feel it—and so does everything else around us.

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