Elliston Equine Solutions, LLC

08/04/2025

Everybody Wants the View… But Few Want the Climb

Most folks get into the horse industry to look the part... especially with the influence of western movies and hit TV shows. They’ll dress the part, act like they know everything… and fade away as fast as the latest trend.

But for those of you who are truly committed, I salute you. Because becoming a horseman takes grit, heart, and a whole lot of willpower.

Horsemanship isn’t easy... it will test you. You’ll hit plateaus with your horse and yourself that bring out alligator tears and snot bubbles. But don’t give up. It takes blood, sweat, tears, time, and yes… money—for lessons, clinics, workshops, and mentorship... to truly hone your craft.

If horsemanship were easy, everyone would do it. But it takes courage and leadership to keep showing up... for your horse and for yourself. Because when your horse receives that leadership from you, it brings them peace. That’s when you get unity. That’s when it becomes enjoyment.

The climb is worth it.

Don’t go at it alone. Find a good mentor, coach, or teacher. As I often say, “Brilliance is in the basics.” A great mentor won’t just take your money... they want to see you and your equine partner succeed.

So don’t be the know-it-all or one who makes excuses: “The saddle doesn’t fit,” “the horse isn't feeling good,” “he’s just being stubborn.” In most cases, it’s not the horse...it’s us. And that’s okay. The worst thing you can do is get in your own way because of pride or embarrassment.

Just like Nike said: Just do it!

You owe it to your horse and your mentor to listen, stay humble, and follow through. When you're given homework, do the work... don’t get distracted by the next flashy thing on social media, I have a better way, or someone’s “quick fix” advice.

Because if you don’t stay committed, you won’t get past the plateau... and your trainer or instructor will move on to someone who will.

And in the end, when you’ve earned that unity with your horse... when they’re tuned into everything you need and trust you completely... there’s no better view from the top of the mountain.

Wishing you and your horse the best!

Cheers- Travis

4 August. Hereford, AZ

07/31/2025

Announcement from Elliston Equine Solutions

After a great couple of years offering mobile training services, I wanted to share an important update: Elliston Equine Solutions will no longer be providing traveling or mobile horse training services to the public.

All current clients already booked are grandfathered in, but moving forward, all training will take place at our new home base—the E Slash Nine Ranch in Hereford, Arizona. I’m currently in the middle of relocating equipment, horses, and household goods, so regular business will resume September 1st.

I'm incredibly thankful for all the support and connections made through mobile training, and I’m excited to be shifting into full-time training and horsemanship work right here at the ranch. There is currently a waitlist for training spots—so if you're interested in getting your horse on the schedule, be sure to reach out soon!

Thank you for your patience during this transition and for continuing to support Elliston Equine Solutions. Looking forward to this next chapter!

– Travis Elliston
Elliston Equine Solutions

07/04/2025

Happy Fourth of July from E/Nine Ranch & Elliston Equine Solutions! 🇺🇸🐎

Wishing a very Happy Fourth of July to our cherished family, dear friends, esteemed clients, and, of course, our wonderful horses. We hope your celebration is filled with joy, freedom, and memorable moments shared with those who matter most. Enjoy the festivities and have a safe, sparkling Independence Day!

Here's to the stars, the stripes, and the ones who ride beside us.
God bless America and all who call her home.

Cheers- Travis

07/02/2025

The phrase "success lies in the relentless ex*****on of the basics" fits perfectly with the heart of horsemanship. In this discipline, progress doesn’t come from flashy shortcuts or quick fixes—it comes from consistently showing up, mastering the fundamentals, and applying them with intention day after day. Things like timing, feel, pressure and release, soft hands, clear cues, and groundwork aren’t just for green horses or beginners—they’re the foundation for everything, from c**t starting to advanced maneuvers.
In horsemanship, when problems arise, the answer is almost always to go back to the basics, not away from them. Or as my students often hear me say, “brilliance is in the basics.” A well-executed hindquarter yield, a respectful back-up, or simply standing quietly tied can tell you more about the horse’s mindset—and your communication—than any fancy pattern or trick. Riders who succeed are the ones who don’t just practice the basics—they refine them, they live by them, and they hold themselves accountable to those standards every ride.
So whether you're teaching a green horse to pick up its feet or refining your flying lead changes, it all comes back to how well you execute the fundamentals. That’s where the real progress—and partnership—happens. "Now you have the knowledge to become the solution!" Cheers- Travis

06/26/2025

First Ride Update –

The Four Mustangs

Today marked the first ride for all four Mustangs. Each horse handled the session with a different level of confidence, but overall, it was a solid step forward for every one of them.

The focus was on multiple calm mount-ups, making sure they were comfortable with the weight and movement of a rider. We took our time to establish a relaxed rhythm before asking for anything more. Each Mustang was worked through basic lateral flexion and untracking of the hindquarters, which helped soften their bodies and minds.

We also introduced backing up under saddle, reinforcing softness in the halter, and communication through the reins. The repetition of these foundational moves gave them a chance to process and helped build trust with the rider.

There were some sticky spots—normal for first rides. All four Mustangs stayed thinking and willing, which made it a successful day in the saddle.

Cheers- Travis

06/21/2025

ARE YOU PREPARED FOR A SNAKE BITE?!

- Check out the case study on the first picture.
- What to do on the second picture and to have on hand.

Get educated if you're in snake country. As they say in the Scouting... "Be prepared!"

06/17/2025

One of my favorite techniques when working with Mustangs and starting horses, especially early in their training, is ground driving. This is an excellent way to expose them to the sensation of direction, pressure, and communication without a rider on their back. Ground driving lets many Mustangs think and move while step-by-step developing that trust since they are still learning to trust humans.

Usually I start in a round pen or small arena with two long lines connected to a halter, sidepull, or snaffle bit. The first few sessions help them get used to the feel of the lines and learn how to follow delicate instructions for turning, halting, and forward movement. Instructing them to steer from the ground before adding a rider later on is sort of akin to this.

I particularly value how ground driving helps the horse to become forward-thinking and independent. They begin to learn how to hold themselves, react to pressure, and keep their concentration even when the handler is behind them. Moreover, it's a perfect way to introduce obstructions, terrain changes, or even drag-pulling before moving into more complex work.

It is a good component of every horses to include these four Mustangs, training basis on the whole and prepares them for success when it's time to mount up.
16 June SV, AZ Cheers- Travis

06/11/2025

06/06/2025

These four Mustangs are doing well. All are saddled and bridled on the regular now. The owners and my intern are doing fantastically with these future saddle horses. Besides teaching the horses to be saddled, wear a headstall with bit, doing run ups, they have been doing body control and bridle control (what they are doing in the video). I couldn't be any happier with these folks and the horses progress. Good stuff! Cheers- Travis 6 June 2025, Sierra Vista Riding Club grounds, AZ

06/04/2025

Horsemanship Credit: I started learning horsemanship through Dennis Reis and his Universal Horsemanship Mentor Series. I first met him back in 2002 at a clinic in Missouri, and that experience really stuck with me. Over the years, I attended a number of his clinics and always walked away with something new to apply to my work with horses. The last time I saw him was in 2009 at a clinic in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. His approach helped shape the way I think about communication, timing, and leadership with horses. It was a solid foundation that’s still a big part of my horsemanship today. I believe it is essential to have teachers, coaches, mentors, and leaders in the horse industry shape who you are in horsemanship. You can learn from big names and folks you've never heard of when developing your own horsemanship style. The most important part is to work with as many mentors and horses as you can on your horsemanship journey. You won't regret it. Cheers- Travis

05/30/2025

As a horsemanship teacher, I believe that equine education must go hand-in-hand with safety and emergency preparedness. My Wilderness First Aid (WFA) certification allows me to respond confidently and effectively in the event of injuries—whether in the barn, on the trail, or in remote settings. I’ve used these skills in real-world situations, including assisting fallen riders in Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado. With my experience as a Merit Badge Counselor (Horsemanship), (Animal Science) for Scouting USA, I understand the importance of modeling preparedness and responsibility. First aid training is not just a credential—it’s a commitment to protecting students, horses, and the integrity of our equine environment. Cheers- Travis

05/24/2025

This Memorial Day weekend, I'm remembering and honoring the friends, family, and fellow service members who gave everything. Their sacrifice means more than words can say. Forever grateful. 🇺🇸