Monique Horsemanship

14/08/2025

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Changing the Framework of Horsemanship

I believe horsemanship has often been sold as a clinic, a one-time lesson, or something you do once a week or once a month. But in no other part of your riding is that enough. My goal is to shift the mindset horsemanship should be something we work on regularly.

One of my driving forces behind having performance goals is to bridge the gap between achieving success in the show ring and building strong, consistent horsemanship. Attending a few clinics a year with a top clinician is valuable, but it’s not enough. Not having regular “eyes on the ground” is not enough.

The clients who truly thrive are the ones in a steady, consistent program with me. Just as horses need consistency, so do riders. You wouldn’t practice new movements or exercises without feedback for weeks at a time in other parts of your riding why should horsemanship be any different?

Historically, horsemanship has been more accessible through clinics, but the real transformation happens in the day-to-day moments. That’s why I’m so excited to be at the Lazy Sum, with the facilities and resources to support long-term growth.

Here, I can help you make meaningful progress toward your goals—whether that’s in horsemanship, performance, or both. I can catch you walking your horse out of the stall and help you make small adjustments, spot a leaning or rude moment on the obstacle course, or offer quick feedback while you ride, even if I’m working on something else.

It’s these consistent, hands-on moments that build lasting results without sacrificing your other ambitions.

13/08/2025

Found Gold aka Finn

28/07/2025

When Things Feel Easy, Don’t Ditch Your Trainer

If your horse feels easy to ride, and you’re out showing and having a great time chances are your trainer is doing an amazing job. But here’s the thing: just because it’s going well and feels smooth doesn’t mean it’s time to go it alone.

I see it all the time not just with my own clients, but with trainer friends too. Riders start to feel confident, things are going great, and suddenly they believe they no longer need help. Ironically, the better the trainer does their job, the more invisible that work becomes. And it can feel like success is happening all on its own.

But it’s not.

Behind that “easy” ride is a ton of preparation, consistency, and thoughtful training. The structure your trainer provides whether it’s through rides, lessons, or just being part of your horse’s program is often the very reason things are going so well.

So before you assume you’ve got it from here, take a moment to recognize the invisible effort that made things feel so smooth. Trainers are often most needed right when they seem least necessary

23/07/2025

Dont forget to tune in TOMORROW to The Confident Rider with Joyridge podcast for my interview with Monique Potts of moniquehorsemanship

Find it wherever you get your podcasts, just search “The Confident Rider with Joyridge”, like and subscribe to the podcast for more equestrian tips, strategies, support and interviews.

Until next time, Ride tall.

20/07/2025

18/07/2025

Stop Arguing With Your Trainer

Seriously—stop arguing with your trainer. Just shut up and listen.

I can’t count how many times I’ve seen clients interrupt their session to argue mid-lesson. It’s wild. If you were playing a team sport, you wouldn’t constantly push back on your coach every time they gave you feedback. So why do it here?

If you’re confused, ask a question.
If something feels off, try what your trainer suggested first, then say:
“Hey, I’m feeling something different than what it looks like—can I explain it?”

That’s how you learn. That’s how you communicate.

But don’t argue. Your trainer probably knows what they’re doing. And if they don’t, well—that’s on you. Maybe it’s time to find a new one.

16/07/2025

📸 Pictured: Found Gold, 2023 Oldenburg C**t
✨ This c**t has the look, the brain, and the breeding to go all the way.

🌟 FOR SALE: Found Gold – Bred for FEI Dressage 🌟
📍 Berthoud, Colorado
📩 PM for video, pricing, and full details — serious inquiries only

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Found Gold
🗓 2023 Oldenburg C**t
🎨 Bay
📏 Tall, correct, uphill build
🧠 Sensitive yet sensible – confident, curious, and smart
💫 Movement + Mind = A serious dressage prospect

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🔹 Bred to Perform 🔹

Sire: Foundation (Grand Prix Hanoverian by Fidertanz)
• Renowned for powerful movement and rideability
• Produces elastic, correct, and focused offspring

Dam: Brianna (KWPN)
• By Contango (sire of Ravel) – known for FEI scope
• From Römer and TB lines – adding refinement and intelligence

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🏅 Dressage Rider Highlights
✔️ Naturally uphill and balanced with excellent rhythm
✔️ Powerful hind leg, free shoulder, and ground-covering walk
✔️ Responsive and calm in hand, handled daily
✔️ Stands, bathes, clips, trailers, and has been saddled
✔️ Great for the farrier – already has front shoes

📌 Showing all the traits of a top partner:
✨ Rideability, elegance, and athleticism

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🎓 Discounted training available if he stays in the program
🔥 Would love to start him under saddle next year for the right person

📩 Message for video and more info – don’t miss this world-class prospect!

16/07/2025

Just a little fun at the Lazy Sum B Bar Ranch

10/07/2025

Now Accepting a Few New Horses!
We have limited openings available after selling a few horses.

✔️ Pasture and stall spots available
✔️ Full or partial training
✔️ C**t starting, groundwork, and manners for youngsters
✔️ Western and dressage disciplines
✔️ Problem horses welcome – I work with both performance and challenging horses

At Monique Horsemanship at the Lazy Sumb, my program is about creating a lasting foundation — not just a 30- or 60-day quick fix. I focus on setting horses up for long-term success and keeping riders safe every step of the way.

Paperwork and details are available on the Lazy Sumb website. A $500 deposit is required to hold your spot.