Did you know MOST riding accidents happen at the mounting or dismounting!? It is SO important for your horse to be settled, and ready, at the mounting block. Making sure to teach a horse to not walk off, stand square at the block and be relaxed could prevent injuries and accidents. Make sure to watch this quick video on just one technique for teaching a horse to stand at a block with Jim.
In this video Jim Thomas demonstrates and discusses the purpose and effectiveness of a "3 foot lunge" with a beautiful Friesian stallion. The horse does not need to make you a "june bug on a string" and lunging should NEVER be for the intention to "wear a horse out". Instead, find out more about the HOW and WHY Jim uses a rope and does small three foot circles to gain the brain of the horse and start working.
In this video, Jim takes the time to demonstrate teaching a horse how to handle a task by learning to feel calm and confident. The important part of this video is the horse learning to RESPOND not to REACT! This transcends to trailer loading or ANY task! The methodology here is VERY important so please take a minute and watch this video and share with friends!
In this clinic clip Jim talks about something a little different; ENERGY! Okay, okay - as Jim says, he's not all out there with the Chakras and balancing BUT there is something to this whole thing about energy that we share with horses AND the power that horses have to shape our own energy! So, enjoy this little bonus clip and if you have a great story of the power of the energy and relationship with the horse please post below in the comments!
Many riders get stuck in the Walk/Trot because they are nervous to teach their horse to canter. This is a great video about the time it takes, and how to teach, a horse how to canter. In this video, you can see a portion of a lesson Jim was teaching with a great horse and rider and the important steps (and not important ones *hint - directions*) needed to get the horse to pick up a canter and feel good about it!
What can working cows teach your dressage horse? Or any horse for that matter? Confidence and softness! Many people want to know what exposure to cows or our two-day cow clinic can teach - they know it is a fun experience - but what can they learn?! The horse finds confidence in themselves, and you as their rider, as you work the cows together. You learn how to be even softer than ever because the cows will show if the cue was not whispered. Check out some progression clips and a wee glimpse at the kind of thoughtful work that
What does the first ride with a green horse look like? How does Jim Thomas use patience, softness, and understanding of the horse's brain to create a good experience for the horse in the very beginning? Find out in this video of the first ride with an untrained Morgan horse.
It's important to keep your horse out of your space and in his proper position when doing anything from the ground, even leading him around. Here's why.
Does your horse like to act like a slinky when riding with a group on the trail (dragging up the tail, falling behind, then trotting to catch up) or do you have a "I gotta get there first and the lead the pack" horse? Either way, it can be a bother when you want to have a nice, relaxing ride with a group of friends. In this clinic clip, Jim touches on what to do in either situation.
Have you ever considered the horse's brain? In this clinic clip, Jim very briefly touches on the tip of the iceberg of a horse's neurochemicals.
