Author Archives: Jillian

Flying changes take many steps before actually achieving the end result. First, to work on the simple change, then the interrupted change, the counter canter, add in a ground pole to help him get under himself enough to successfully execute the change. The time it takes to get these steps done depends on the horse.Continue reading “Leonard had his first day working towards flying lead changes!”

Jordan was transitioned into the more advanced, short shank snaffle bit and now being ridden one handed! It took her just a 10 minute schooling session so she understands the different pressure and she realized what I was asking. She got into the groove right away and traveled out perfectly!

We have been working on neck reining slowly for years. We worked on softening for years, so the transition to neck reining wasn’t anything to “write home about” to mister Leonard. He accepted the new bit and the different pressure didn’t phase him at all! That’s how it’s supposed to go when you do yourContinue reading “Leonard graduated to “one handed” riding! Big boy is now in the shank snaffle!”

Somedays it’s not all “blood sweat and tears”… Somedays it all comes together and you can sit back and enjoy the ride!

The transition into the “big boy bit” takes time, years to do it right. But today all the pieces came together. He’s soft, listens to the pressure like he’s done it forever! That’s how it’s supposed to be! New things aren’t supposed to feel new to the horse if you set them up to succeed!Continue reading “Leonard’s first day officially neck reining!”

Groundwork is key! But making it fun helps the horse soak it in to where, no matter how long it’s been since practiced, they pick it up right away! Good, quality groundwork is obvious when just watching a horse move. If you take the time on the ground it’ll save you time in frustration whileContinue reading “Low n slow x2!”

In the winter we blanket our horses to keep them cleaner, and dry. But it’s also very important, especially here where the winter is 6-8 months of wet, cold, muddy… Oregon. I blanket typically from November to May. It’s important to get their blankets off a few times a week to brush them but alsoContinue reading “Embrace the fluff!”

Softness is sometime commonly referred to as a “head set”. Which is like comparing oil to water. A “head set” is forced, uncomfortable to the horse and achieved quickly. and incorrectly by forcing the horses head “down” which isn’t down at all it’s a stiff neck and hollow back and pinched throatlatch. Softness is firstContinue reading “It’s not a “head set” it’s so much more!”

I raised this baby as a weanling to yearling. I sold her to a young friend of mine. She did a great job training her and giving her a phenomenal foundation! Jordan’s story is a rehabilitation story. She fractured her sesmoid bone in her right rear ankle. Bless her heart her mom went in withContinue reading “Welcom home Jordan!”

Showing my Gypsy Vanner Zena at county fair, one of her first shows under saddle, she surpassed all expectations and won so much all week! Including trail, English, western and reserve grand in halter! She was a mare I bought at 12 days old, raised, trained and sold when she was 6 years old toContinue reading “A look back at 2017”