Watch as Jim demonstrates proper rein management and the use of reins in a change of direction without causing the horse to lose forward momentum or become defensive on the bit. Through these exercises, your horse will seek out the ability to drive from the rear, round his back and lower his head and break at the pole.
How often do we get to a gate and then dismount? Watch this video to learn how Jim teaches a horse to open the gate and a few ways you can approach the gate.
As humans, we think that one thing is like the other so it must be the same. The horse doesn't think this way! Watch this video to learn how even something that looks like a horse, still isn't a "horse" in the mind of our equines.
Tackling obstacles can happen in the arena and on the trail so it is important to remember one thing that Jim always teaches: "It takes the time it takes". In this video, Jim talks about how to approach obstacles by giving appropriate direction to your horse and demonstrates how to encourage a horse to complete an obstacle by rewarding them for following the right direction through pressure and release. Watch the video below to learn more!
Jim works with a horse and rider to teach softness and feel in order to cure anxiety in the horse. In just one lesson both horse and rider begin to find their "happy place" and set themselves up for success. Watch below to see how softness can create calmness in an anxious horse.
Meet Jim Thomas and learn more about what it means when he says "Training Through Understanding".
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.
As I reach between my shoulder blades, I can still feel the results of a missed warning— “a shot across the bow”— from a few weeks ago in the Netherlands. I’ve replayed the video a few times for friends to show that the missed signal will always develop into something bigger! In my daily activities of working with horses both from the ground and under-saddle, I don’t know of a time the horse didn’t give me a clue of what might happen next if I didn’t take their concerns with some level of importance. Horses are no different than people
Here's a recent lesson in lunging. Enjoy! [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v08bTFopaSA&w=560&h=315]
