Working your horse every single day is often seen as the gold standard — but is it actually necessary?.In this video, I’m breaking down why horses don’t need to be worked every day, and how rest, recovery, and intentional training can actually lead to better progress, soundness, and mental willingness..After owning horses for over 20 years and learning through experience, I’ve come to realize that consistency does not mean daily work — it means clear communication, fair expectations, and knowing when to step back.In this video, I cover:.Why daily work isn’t required for progressHow physical recovery impacts soundness and longevityThe importance of mental freshness in horsesWhy turnout and downtime matter more than we thinkHow quality training beats quantity every time.This video is for horse owners who feel pressure to “do more,” ride every day, or constantly push for progress — and want a more sustainable, horse-first approach..📍 If you’re in a busy season, dealing with weather limitations, or simply trying to do right by your horse without burnout, this one’s for you..Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with another horse owner who needs this reminder..KL

Sometimes life gets so busy that there's no time to ride your horse - even if that's all that you want to do..I'm headed into a VERY busy season of life and am fully aware that there will not be enough time to devote to my horses the way I would ideally like to. What do I do with my horses in seasons like that? Check out this video for all the details..KL

In the fall of 2025, my six year old quarter horse gelding, Diesel, was diagnosed with shivers. At the time, I was completely devastated. I had images of horses who could barely stand on their own, kicking out violently, going through my mind. What would this mean for my horse?.In this video, I talk about how the initial diagnosis was incredibly difficult and how I'm not working on learning as much as I can about shivers so that I can best support my horse..This video is not veterinary advice — it’s my personal experience. Always consult your vet and farrier for decisions about your horse..KL

I’ve had horses since I was a young girl. And somehow… I still feel like an imposter in the horse world. I wasn’t born into a horse family. I was born on a cattle ranch, but we didn’t use horses for our ranch work. My first pony was the first horse to step foot on our ranch. .Everything I know, I’ve pieced together over years — lessons here, books there, mistakes everywhere.And even now — after decades with horses — when I post a video online, I still catch myself thinking… who am I to be sharing this? If you’ve ever felt like an outsider in the horse world — this video is for you..KL

🐎 Starting a Full Groundwork Program with My Horse | Diesel’s 2026 Training Plan.In this video, I’m introducing the groundwork program I’ll be working through with my horse, Diesel, as part of our training focus moving into 2026. Groundwork has always been a cornerstone of my horsemanship, and this year I’m committing to going through a structured, progressive program from start to finish..I’ll be using Clinton Anderson’s groundwork program as my primary framework — working through the Fundamentals, Intermediate, and Advanced levels — while also sharing how I plan to adapt the program to Diesel as an individual horse and sprinkle in additional exercises where appropriate..I also talk openly about Diesel’s shivers diagnosis, what that means for his training, and how I’m approaching this program with his long-term soundness, mental state, and physical health in mind. At this point, shivers is not limiting his ability to perform, but it is something I’ll be monitoring closely as we move forward..I’ll be documenting this process honestly — the progress, the challenges, and what I learn along the way — so if you’re interested in realistic horsemanship, groundwork done with intention, and life with horses in Alberta, you’re in the right place..KL

🐎 What to Do With Your Horse in the Winter (No Indoor Arena, Cold Weather Reality).Winter with horses can feel frustrating — especially if you don’t have access to an indoor arena, the footing is frozen, and the days are short. In this video, I’m sharing what I actually do with my horses during the winter months here in Alberta, where riding simply isn’t always an option..This isn’t about doing more — it’s about doing what’s safe, realistic, and beneficial for your horse during cold weather..In this video, I cover:.When not to ride or do groundwork in winter (and why safety always comes first).How to reframe winter as a different season of training, not a setback.What you can do with your horse when footing is frozen and temperatures are extreme.How purposeful groundwork can keep horses mentally sharp and physically tuned.Letting go of the pressure to “always be doing more”.Using winter as a reset season for both horse and rider.I also talk honestly about the mental side of winter — the guilt, the “I should be doing more” mindset, and how stepping back can actually set you up for better progress when spring comes..If you live somewhere with harsh winters, no indoor arena, or limited daylight, this video is for you..❄️ Winter doesn’t have to mean losing progress — it can be a powerful time to build connection, consistency, and clarity..KL

🐎❄️ Why I’m Not Blanketing My Horses This Winter.Every winter, blanketing becomes one of the most debated topics in the horse world. In this video, I’m explaining why I’ve chosen not to blanket my horses this winter, even living in a cold climate like Alberta — and what factors go into that decision..This isn’t about saying blanketing is right or wrong. It’s about understanding your individual horse, their environment, their natural insulation, and their ability to thermoregulate. Blanketing is a management decision, not a trend — and it should always be made based on the horse in front of you..As a horse owner, it’s easy to feel pressure to manage your horse the same way others do — especially online. My goal with this video is to encourage educated, confident decision-making rooted in horsemanship, not comparison..If you’re navigating winter horse care, cold weather management, or trying to decide whether your horse needs a blanket, I hope this video helps you feel more informed and empowered..As always, horse care is not one-size-fits-all — and good horsemanship means adapting to your horse, your climate, and your conditions..KL

Everyone knows that horses aren't cheap. My dad used to say that competing in horse events was a rich man's sport. I don't know about that, but one thing I do know is that budgeting for your horse expenses is a very wise thing to do - especially in this era where it seems like things continue to go up in price..From feed to board to unexpected vet costs, we go through it all in today's video..KL

It's that time of year - time to set your goals for the year ahead. And as horse people I think it's important for us to think about our horse goals a little bit differently. Given that we are dealing with living, breathing animals where there are so many variables that could potentially derail our plans, thinking about how we can set goals knowing that things will almost inevitably pop up is really important..I'd love to hear what goals you are setting for you and your horse for 2026. Let me know in the comments. .And, remember, it's always a good day to ride..KL

Remember, it's always a good day to ride!

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KL

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Great deals on all of your favorite tack brands: https://www.pjatr.com/t/TUJGRUVJTEJGTUZJS0pCRkZNR0lK

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Be sure to follow me on Instagram ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stronginthesaddle⁠

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And also be sure to check out my podcast ⁠⁠https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/WMXS8t0Mvvb⁠⁠ (also available on all major podcast platforms)

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My YouTube channel can be found at https://www.youtube.com/@stronginthesaddle