The real test when training horses is to be flexible and able to change. Every horse is different, but we tend to be stuck in our ways, so being able to read horses is a real skill. Listen and watch, like it’s the first time you’ve worked with a horse. Imagine them as unknown (hard to do but imperative if we want to expand). As a trainer it’s easy for me as I work with new horses all the time and I have to listen to what each one needs, so if you only have one horse see if you can swap horses for a day and look at how you respond: Growth comes from thinking outside the square - and horses love for us to grow

Just because we dont cope well with something doesn’t mean we shouldn’t do it. Pressure for a horse is learning to cope. It’s new situations, new training, new gear. All of this essential for your horses improvement. Learning that pressure - and more importantly, the release of pressure isn’t a bad thing will take your relationship to the next level. It may be hard to start with, but before long it’ll be just another thing ticked off.

Many times when training we need to wait. Wait for the release, wait for the emotions to come down, wait for the learning. It’s more of a waiting game than most people have time for. Our busy lives have us always in a hurry and this can be very detrimental to your relationship with your horse. If we think about setting up and waiting more than making it happen the pressure comes off. The expectation drops, the patience increases. Try your hand at something different. Think it. Set it up. Wait. Release. Just hold, don’t fight, don’t force, just hold and release with the right answer. It’s a magic way to train. Your horse will thank you.

You’re not struggling, you have the strength, just not the right perspective.

Even if you never intend to work with cattle, training on the mechanical cow helps so many elements of your horsemanship and help the horse with purpose. You’ll be surprised how fun it can be. Always remember the elements of good horsemanship- they never go out the window! Straightness, lightness and responsiveness.