Training

Groundwork, problem behaviors and the methods everyone is debating.

6 articles

How Much Rest Does a Racehorse Need? Bone Study Says Two 6-Week Breaks

A University of Melbourne computer model of the fetlock found that regular, real breaks gave bone time to fix tiny cracks. Here's what that means for racehorses, and for every horse in work.

Updated Oct 13, 20267 min read

Buddy Sour Horse? Why It Happens and How to Rebuild Confidence
Why herd bound and barn sour horses panic when they leave their friends, the warning signs to catch early, and a gradual separation plan that builds confidence instead of fear.
Sep 23, 20267 min read
Groundwork Exercises for Horses: Round Pen and Give-to-Pressure Basics
A round pen is round so a green horse can't hide in a corner. How pressure and release really works, the pen sizes trainers use, five foundation exercises and the ground-manners checklist to pass before anyone gets on.
Sep 23, 20268 min read
Clicker Training for Horses: R+, Targeting and Liberty Basics
The marker-and-reward idea in plain English, a safe first targeting session, treat manners that prevent mugging, and how targeting grows into mark work and liberty at home.
Sep 23, 20268 min read
Natural Horsemanship vs Traditional Horse Training: Doma vs Jineteada
Doma is the weeks-long job of making a colt rideable; jineteada is a contest of a few seconds, commonly 8 to 15, on a horse meant to buck. Here is what each word means, what natural horsemanship gets right, and where its marketing outruns the science.
Sep 23, 20268 min read
How to Desensitize a Horse: Calm Groundwork Steps for Spooky Horses
Pool-noodle and tarp clips keep turning up on X. Here's why horses spook, what the research says about approach and retreat versus flooding, and a safe, step-by-step plan you can start this week.
Sep 23, 20268 min read