Natural Horsemanship - Larry Skinkle

05/14/2026

Ok that's it for today.

05/14/2026

Here's a little chuckle for you today. Sorry, couldn't resist sharing.

04/19/2026

TIME TO REGISTER!

04/19/2026

Whew!

04/14/2026

This article sums up horsemanship perfectly.

WHY HORSEMANSHIP?
I have learned that a person can be a good rider without being a good horse person. A person can be a successful horse breeder and not be a good horse person. A person can be a blue ribbon competitor in any discipline you wish to name and not be a good horse person. But a person can’t be good at horsemanship and not be a good horse person.

As an embryonic competitor and horse trainer, I used to think horsemanship was what I used when I needed to teach a horse to pick up its feet, stand tied up, or load into a trailer. At that stage of my education, it had nothing to do with jumping a clear round or performing collected movements in a dressage test. But now I see it differently.

As the term implies, horsemanship is the understanding of horses. But just those six words incorporate a lifetime of learning and understanding. Horsemanship is the art of feeling what a horse will feel and do before the horse knows. Horsemanship is the art of a horse and a human being able to finish each other's sentences.

Horsemanship is what props you up when you are training a horse to perform a lead change or wear a crupper. Horsemanship is the stuff that fills in the gaps between riding across a bridge and chasing a polo ball. Horsemanship teaches you how to walk up to your horse with feel at the start of a day and how to walk away from your horse with feel at the end of a day. Horsemanship is what makes it possible to salvage the relationship with your horse even after a bad experience.

Horsemanship is a serious study, irrespective of what discipline you ride or what level of skill you ride. That is why the study of horsemanship is a lifelong pursuit. That is why being skilled at horsemanship is its own reward.

04/11/2026

CLINIC SEASON IS COMING FAST.

Yes, the snow and ice will melt and mud will replace it. Horses and riders will need some refreshing after the winter layoff.

Are you interested in hosting a clinic? Do you have a specific area of horsemanship you would like work on? Or, do you need some work on preparation for the show season for you and your horse?

Let me know what you are interested in and we can develop a clinic that will set you and your horse up for success this show season, regardless of your chosen discipline. Send a DM or give me a call at 705 542 7993.

04/11/2026

Getting anxious to get back in the saddle

No hour of life is wasted that is spent in the saddle.

04/10/2026

If you own a horse you understand and probably agree

03/24/2026

A solid foundation is essential for your horse, regardless of the chosen discipline. A strong start with a young horse sets both the horse and rider up for success. If you have a young horse to start, a restart for a pasture pet, or require assistance to progress to the next level, please contact me. I currently have availability for a couple of horses this spring.