Giving your foal the best introduction to handling sets them up for success for the rest of their life. The star of this video is Maverick, a surprise mule foal who arrived at my training centre in Spain as an extra freebie when we rescued his Mum, a PRE mare named Selena. Unlike his Dam, […]
Foal Handling Trained Positively – Standing, Grooming and Headcollar Training Read More »
Ever feel too rushed, stressed or tired for a training session? Everybody does sometimes, but what should you do on those days? CT Coach, Melissa Deal, suggests a ‘gratitude groom’ as a great way to connect with your horse on those difficult days. In this video, she talks you through what it is and then shows
Connect with Your Horse through a Gratitude Groom with Melissa Deal Read More »
With dark nights and wet days, I often find inspiration to get out and train tricky at this time of year. This pole exercise was just the thing I needed and we all had loads of fun with the endless variations of exercises you can do in it, both in the saddle and on the
Christmas Tree Pole Exercises – Positive Gymnastic Groundwork and Riding Read More »
Clicker training is certainly an effective training technique, but getting started the right way really sets you both up for making great progress and having a smooth journey with it. Our focus is always on relaxation, softness and connection. Your horse should be working with you and not just thinking only about the food or getting
How to Start Clicker Training Your Horse Part 1: Relaxation and the Marker Read More »
In this podcast interview, Hannah talks in-depth about Connection Training with host, Amy Frost. She discusses working on the trust between you and your horse using a range of connection training techniques. Hannah explains how target practice’ can help reduce your horse spooking when hacking, training advice for horses that push you around, why specific
Hannah explains Connection Training on HorseHour Read More »
9 Horses. 9 Pedestals. 9 letters in Merry Xmas… Lead to some festive liberty fun! We wish you a very merry Christmas from all of us at Connection Training! If you enjoyed this blog, please share it with your friends using the buttons below. Tell us your thoughts, questions and experiences in the comments section
Merry Christmas Horses on Pedestals! Read More »
Leonara is a spooky mare. And once she gets a fright, she is highly reluctant to try again at that place or with the thing that scared her. She does take a lot of comfort from people, though, and can be helped to work through her fears. Claire Waldron, Manager of the Connection Training Centre,
Empowering Your Horse Read More »
All of us at CT talk about relaxation a LOT, but what does that actually look like when you’re training a horse? This video shows exactly what we mean by relaxation, why it boosts the connection between you and why you’re always reinforcing emotions as well as behaviours. This emphasis on relaxation is one of
How To Get Relaxation In Training Read More »
There will be some behaviours that your horse finds more challenging than others. Perhaps this is overcoming fear of the tarp or the fly spray, perhaps it’s finding joy in forwards movement or maybe it’s slowing down and standing quietly. Whatever it is, the Challenge Sandwich concept will help! The temptation is often to work
Challenge Sandwich Read More »
Breathing slowly and deeply helps to calm your horse under saddle and improves your connection. On Selena’s first ride after re-backing, Rachel Bedingfield explains how to use your breath to create connection at the mounting block and calmness as you walk on. The three steps to success with this are Build connection on the ground
Breath Connection Under Saddle Read More »
Do you ever find that you lose connection with your horse during transitions? That his head comes up or he hollows his back? Or maybe that he rushes or blocks? Or perhaps you just feel tense and out of sync? These are all really common as transitions can be tricky! Here are my top 4
Staying Connected Through Transitions Read More »
If you’re anything like us, cantering on the beach with your horse is a big dream. If you’re anything like us, you will also have experienced at least some of the following at some point in your horsey life: > Fighting a horse who wants to gallop when you don’t > Struggling with a horse
Cantering on the Beach?? I Want to do That! Read More »
