Harmony Horsemanship Center

08/10/2025

Please support Ryan Rose at
Road to the Horse 2026!

They don’t just fill my life—they define it. Ryan Rose

08/10/2025

Smiles, horses, and summertime fun—our August Pony Pals Camp had it all! 🐴✨

We love seeing our young riders become more confident through camps and make their own special memories! Thank you to our helpers, horse friends, and families for making it possible for them.

If you would like to register your camper for next year, we are accepting registrations for campers ages 5-12.

2026 Dates :

June 8-10 - Register here: https://forms.gle/JmCPprCbCdgWzwze6

July 13-15 - Register here: https://forms.gle/VcWQXhsQA9Z4kYmY8

August 10-12 - Register here: https://forms.gle/AJLVTiuRFCEk5keU9

08/10/2025

Our July Pony Pals Camp brought together an amazing group of kids, plenty of laughter, and dedicated helpers to guide the fun. A heartfelt thank-you to every camper, to the families whose support make it possible, and of course our wonderful equine friends who take such good care of our young learners.

If you would like to register your camper for next year, we are accepting registrations for campers ages 5-12.

2026 Dates :
June 8-10 - Register here: https://forms.gle/JmCPprCbCdgWzwze6

July 13-15 - Register here: https://forms.gle/VcWQXhsQA9Z4kYmY8

August 10-12 - Register here: https://forms.gle/AJLVTiuRFCEk5keU9

08/10/2025

Our June Pony Pals Camp was filled with lots of smiles, great campers, and wonderful helpers to give a great experience to these young horse lovers. Thank you to everyone who participated and families that make it possible!

If you would like to register your camper for next year, we are accepting registrations for campers ages 5-12.

2026 Dates :
June 8-10 - Register here: https://forms.gle/JmCPprCbCdgWzwze6

July 13-15 - Register here: https://forms.gle/VcWQXhsQA9Z4kYmY8

August 10-12 - Register here: https://forms.gle/AJLVTiuRFCEk5keU9

07/04/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1B5qLeBneB/?mibextid=wwXIfr

It was in 2009, in Florida, while working for David and Karen O’Connor, that I met Sinead. It was also at the O’Connors place that I was introduced to “natural horsemanship.” In 2014 David married us. (See photo)

In March 2023 David and I watched Road To The Horse together. The first time (live) for both of us. (Mike won, JR brought the crowd to tears.)

In June 2023 I was invited to compete. In 2024 I returned to Kentucky to compete. And then I wrote Starting In The Middle.

David was one of the first to read it. This is what he had to say:

“Tik Maynard’s new book explores the preparation, both mental and physical, in the
journey to a competition, this being Road to the Horse. It is very valuable to any
competitor in the horse world as it shines a light on what true preparation means. The
study, the learning, even the nerves are wide open for all to see. It is a great example of
someone who is present in the moment—LOOKS so he can see, and LISTENS so he
can hear. I recommend this read, illustrating how we can explore so we can learn.”

Thanks David!

06/09/2025

Good morning Pony Pals Campers! There is some road work happening in Sinking Valley this morning so it may be a good idea to leave a few extra minutes for your drive to us. We look forward to seeing you!

05/16/2025

The KDCTA Spring Horse Show has been rescheduled for June 7th here at HHC!
We would love to see more participants from our group so please let Julia know if you would like to register for the show!
Ps: yes , this stunning mare will be available for your consideration ❤️

04/17/2025

Tax day was a great day here with arrival of Lugars and Cricket’s little Buckskin Filly💖

04/17/2025

I was talking to my students that every horse and rider are unique, but the one thing that is consistent throughout every lesson is that learning cannot occur without relaxation. Without relaxation, there is no point in attempting to train. Horses are prey animals and are programmed to be concerned about their own safety. A tense horse is worried they are not safe. We have to understand this. The horse may be afraid of his surroundings, or separation from their herd, or maybe they are in pain and it isn’t obvious to their rider yet. Anything that makes the horse uncomfortable will make them concerned about their safety, and no learning can pe*****te that fear. A relaxed mind can learn. A tense one cannot.
In my book "Dressage in Harmony", on page 12, I write that muscles are found in extensor-flexor pairs. A tense horse tends to contract both extensor and flexor muscles at the same time, thereby tightening and stiffening the joints through the action of the opposing forces. A truly relaxed horse will have every muscle relaxed from the poll to the tail, moving in regular rhythm and responding easily to all the aids, and the hoofprints are light. The rider can take up the reins or give the reins, and the horse will maintain his rhythm without running away. This must be true of all three gaits. A relaxed horse is not stiff, nor tight or frightened. Only when relaxed will the horse show brilliance in the movement.
If a horse is tense, you may have to dedicate the entire ride to achieve a relaxation. Some horses are more prone to tension than others. If your horse has an extremely high sense of self preservation, it takes enormous patience by the rider. Horses are programmed to be concerned about their own safety, and are hoping you will show them the way to a more secure state of mind. With repetition, the horse begins to believe in their rider. They begin to learn there is a better feeling out there that the rider will help them get to. The time it takes to get to a relaxed state becomes shorter over time.
When the horse is spooking, do not get too close to the scary thing and "give" to help unwind the tension. This can take great courage on the rider's part, but holding a tense horse tight creates even more tension. The "give" helps the horse's neck to soften and lengthen, and relaxation eventually start to migrate through the horse’s body. The horse recognizes the rider will not "trap" him and will not force scary things upon him. That builds trust, and trust creates relaxation.