The Horsemanship Helper

In today's episode, we did a deep dive into learning about the Mustangs. America's feral horse breed that roams out west. We talked about characteristics of mustangs, what to know before you get one, and what all they can do! Key Takeaways Do your own research before you get one Mustangs can be very versatile The US Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Managment takes care of the wild h...

In today’s episode, we discussed several red flags to look out for in the equestrian community. Keep these in mind when touring a barn or finding a new trainer. Also check out previous episodes for more insight such as First time Horse Owners: What to Know, What Qualifies Someone to Be A Trainer, and How to Get Involved With Horses Key Takeaways It's okay to outgrow a trainer's program H...

In today’s episode, I hosted the founders of Wild Strides a nonprofit mustang organization! We covered what their mission was along with their backgrounds and why they chose to be an advocate for the Mustang.  Key Takeaways Learn about the adoption process and how to obtain a mustang  Find out more information on what a Herd Management area is and how it can affect your mustang's characterist...

In today’s episode, we welcomed Ariel Boesener from Ariel Boesener Performance Horses! She shared her background on connection-based training, and we got to learn more about dressage, a competitive mindset, and how to incorporate and apply different skills to both ourselves and our horses.  Key Takeaways Dressage is the foundation to many other disciplines  Our mind and body have to be in alignmen...

Last weekend, I was in Bel Air, MD with The Maryland Mustang Mission and The Mustang Summit! What an amazing yet unexpected weekend it was. Learn more about both these organizations and Q&A on Titan a very sweet and young mustang gelding looking for his forever home.  Don’t forget to follow the socials IG: esnaturalhorsemanship FB: ES Natural Horsemanship YT: ES-naturalhorsemanship

In today’s episode, we welcomed Tamara from Sleepy Hollow Equine! She shared her background on equine bodywork, and we got to discover all of the benefits to bodywork and why we should pay attention to it! Key Takeaways Know what is and  isn’t normal for your horse Use media to find a bodyworker near you Every horse is going to need a different bodywork schedule and type of modality  Use online re...

In today’s episode, we discussed how to get involved with horses. There are so many different ways you can include them in your life! Key Takeaways You don’t need your own horse to be involved with them Do research on different equine events in your area Explore equine entrepreneurial pathways  Don’t be afraid to reach out and post in groups to try and find equine connections Don’t forget to follo...

In this episode, we discussed how to build muscle in horses. This is something that can be tricky for horse owners. Try some of these techniques and be patient! Key Takeaways Ground poles, longlining, stretching, and hill work are the key techniques  Check your horses diet to ensure all dietary needs are met Have an equine chiropractor adjust your horse before pushing to build muscle Do different...

In Today’s episode, we talked about ways to help prevent heat stress in horses and how to keep ourselves cool.  Key Takeaways Horse and rider hydration is important; use electrolytes Keep the heat index and humidity in mind when deciding to ride Be cautious and aware when using fans for horses Know the signs of heat stress in horses  Don’t forget to follow the socials IG: esnaturalhorsemanship FB:...

In Today’s episode, we continued our equine entrepreneurs series featuring HSF Equine Nutrition! We talked about all things equine nutrition, learn all about how to pay attention to your horses diet, personal challenges and how to overcome them in this industry, and how different horses have different needs! Key Takeaways Each horse has individual dietary needs Watch out for equine metabolic issue...

Thinking about starting your own horse business? Well in this episode, we covered a lot of important aspects on what is needed for start up. This is a guide for equine business owners to follow when they need help with the things involved in starting their business.  Key Takeways Remain positive and professional even if others are trying to bring you down Choose authenticity and client relationshi...

This week, we talked about how to pick a horse show series that will best suit you and your horse! Key Takeaways There are a variety of horse shows everywhere You don't need to have the best of everything to show How to come up with criteria to look for in a show series  Anyone who wants to can show Don’t forget to follow the socials IG: esnaturalhorsemanship FB: ES Natural Horsemanship YT: E...

In today's episode, we welcomed a young up-and-coming female farrier and we talked about what a day in the life looks like, some common issues we see in horses hooves, and why a positive relationship with your farrier is important. Key Takeaways Anyone can be a farrier but proper training and or further schooling is needed Farriers can create their own schedules and if they want become specia...

This episode, we talked about first time horse owners and what they need to know! We went over what types of horses to consider, what supplies they need, and how to be a smart horse owner. Key Takeaways A horses training is more important than their breed Boarding barn can have red and green flags, keep your eye out It's okay to ask questions  Build a good support system around you, and work...

This week, we talked about aggressive and fear based reactions in horses. We covered why they might react this why, what under lying causes to look out for, and how to work through these behaviors.  Key Takeaways There will always be an underlying cause to aggressive or fear-based behavior  Lyme, EPM, Ulcers, Arthritis, past trauma, and poor tack fit should be considered when assessing a cause for...

In today's episode, a special guest, Madi from Mane Street Photography, joined us! We chatted with her about her business and asked her a series of questions about being an equine photographer.  Key Takeaway's She photgraphs at shows but also does portraits and brand shoots She is expanding her portfolio and would like to travel more You can turn any passion or hobby into a career Your p...

This week, we talked about The World Horse Expo! I have been attending ever since I was little. This is an amazing event for any horse lover and there are a few different ones depending on the area your in. We also cover Equine Affair, and briefly mention The Midwest Horse Fair! Key Takeaways The horse expo offers something for anyone Lots of local and visiting vendors, rescues, riders, and clinic...

This week, we talked about what the difference between a rescue horse and an auction horse is. We compared the experience of rescues and auctions and what the process is like.  Key Takeaways Not every auction horse is considered a rescue Rescue horses can make excellent companions, trail, and show partners Do your research first if considering an auction horse or a rescue horse  You can help out l...

This week we talked about a very fun, yet controversial topic! What qualifies someone to be a trainer/instructor? There are so many out there but are they all the same? Key Takeaways Do research before choosing a trainer Experience, awards, methods, and disciplines all play a part in what trainer to use Keep an eye out for any red flags in trainers and instructors  Learn from others everyone has a...

In today's episode, we talked about horse maintenance. We went over if there is such thing as a maintenance-free horse, and what maintenance for performance and older horses looks like.  Key Takeaways Every horse will have some level of maintenance  A proper diet is key to helping them perform at their best Joint supplements and Ulcer supplements are the most common Work with an equine bodywo...

In this week's episode on The Horsemanship Helper, we discussed how to horse show with young horses. This is the 3rd and last part of our young horse mini-series.  Key Takeaways Start out in the lowest level such as the green horse division Be a strong and confident leader for them  Learn their strengths and weaknesses Play around to find what disciplines they will excel best at Its okay to t...

In today's episode, we talked about how to set a young horse up for success, what that means, and what it entails! Key Takeways Success for young horses includes softness, responsiveness, and  maneuverability  Groundwork and desensitizing play a big role in creating a successful horse Young horses need a consistent and confident leader  Getting your young horse out and exposed is important es...

This weeks episode we dive into a small little series which is on young horses! So the first topic is what age to start. We go over some tips on how to start horses as well as what age is most appropriate to start them at. Key Takeways Horses can be started around 2-4 years of age Everyone has a different opinion when it comes to starting Young horses should have lots of preparation before startin...

This week, we talked about groundwork! We discussed what it is, why we do it, and how to teach it. Groundwork is so important and an essential step for creating a good partnership with your horse.  Key Takeaways Anyone can do groundwork Groundwork is the key to creating a well-rounded and good horse Groundwork consists of lungeing, yielding hips and shoulders, desensitizing, and basic handling  Be...

This weeks episode we talked about the Interscholastic Equestrian Association also known as IEA. We went over how to get involved, what it has to offer, and some tips to keep in mind during the show season. I rode for both disciplines 2 years of Western and 1 year of Hunt Seat. Key Takeaways Grades 4-12 can join a middle school or high school team or 21 and over can be in the adult pilot program ...