I recently acquired a new horse, a 4-year-old off-the-track thoroughbred mare named Paris. I have big expectations for this horse. I’m hoping she’ll be my next “super horse:” A horse that is connected, relaxed, responsive, agile, athletic, and ready for anything!   

My main squeeze, Boca, is turning 20 this year. She’s been with me since she was 3. She can do anything. She can chase cows, run barrels, jump 4-foot fences, and trail ride through any terrain. Not only is she incredibly athletic, but she’s truly my partner. I know every nuance of being in her presence, and I’m sure she’d say the same about me 🙂

It’s been a long time since I’ve started a relationship with a horse of my own. It has reminded me how intentional we should be with the little things. I strive to have every interaction with my new horse be meaningful, and build toward my end goal of having a “super horse.”

It’s the little things that build to the big things!

When you go to your horse’s pasture do they meet you at the gate, turn their tail, or run off? Do you have a plan to build more connection if they don’t come to you?

Does your horse help you put the halter on? Do you offer a nice feel to your horse as you’re adjusting and tying the halter?

Does your horse lean on the halter to eat grass while you fasten the gate? Or, can they stand there patiently keeping slack in the lead?

When you lead your horse to the tack room do they stay with you, speeding up and slowing down when you do? If you stop, does your horse stop? If you back, does your horse back?

Does your horse tolerate or accept the saddle? Do you know the difference?

When you do groundwork, do you have a plan and a goal?  Does your horse know the goal?

Is your horse soft on the end of the rope? Or, are you getting pulled on and dragged across the arena?

Does your horse come to pick you up at the mounting block? Can they stand relaxed while you mount?

Do you have a plan for your ride? Are you practicing or progressing?

What does your cool down look like? Is it something your horse enjoys?

When you bring your horse back to the pasture, does he/she stay with you after the halter comes off? Or do they race off back to their herd? 

Do you have a way to communicate with your horse that the session is over? If you expect connection, even after the halter comes off, it’s helpful to let your horse know when the session is over and they can return to their herd.

I hope these questions give you some food for thought and help you to be more intentional with the little things so that you can do big things with a happy horse!

Ashley Forlie has been an avid student of Natural Horsemanship since her early teens. Ashley not only has a passion for horses but also for teaching.  She has been training horses and teaching lessons full time for the past sixteen years. She has coupled her hands-on experience with horse psychology theory to provide her students with the knowledge and understanding they need to build a relationship with their horses, based on connection, relaxation, and responsiveness so that they may further develop their horses in whatever discipline they choose. Ashley also teaches English and Western riding lessons to all levels and ages of riders that are based on the principles of Natural Horsemanship. She has taught hundreds of students and horses through lessons, clinics, and demonstrations at expos, with amazing results. Ashley is most recently excited to partner with Linda Parelli and Happy Horse Happy Life as one of their instructors. Ashley Forlie lives in Lake Luzerne, NY with her husband and two young boys. Her horses and business, Ashley Horse Training, are nearby, just outside of Saratoga Springs, NY. 

Ashley Forlie

Ashley Horse Training

www.ashleyhorsetraining.com

518-222-6490