Tuesday Trainers TIP

Tuesday March 10, 2026

Setting the bit. When I set a snaffle — especially a loose ring snaffle — I’m not looking for wrinkles in the horse’s mouth. You’ll hear people say “two wrinkles” or “three wrinkles.” That’s never been how I do it. I like the horse to carry the bit, not have it forced into their mouth. If the bit is cranked up tight, the horse can’t relax their jaw. They can’t softly take the contact. Instead, they brace against it. With a loose ring snaffle, I set it so the horse holds the bit comfortably.

Tuesday March 17, 2026

As soon as I feel that horse get tight or lose focus, I go to work: Get them moving, Get a bend, Make sure I can control the direction. A startled or unsure horse MUST be able to turn. If I can move the feet and control the direction, I can control the situation. It’s not about pulling on their face, It’s about getting them dialed back in and thinking again. Disconnection leads to reaction. Connection brings them back.

*SPOILER ALERT - No bucking in the video.

Tuesday March 24, 2026

March 2026

Tuesday March 03, 2026

When a horse has only ever walked under saddle, that first ask to move out can feel really big to them. So instead of making it a battle, I set it up for success. I used a middle person. I used a flag as an extension of pressure. I made sure she kept her pace for at least one full time around. The goal? Consistency. Not a few trot steps. Not breaking gait.