Nicole Shoup Horsemanship

09/05/2025

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09/04/2025

This month will be a lot at one time but it's all good because I have an AMAZING support system.❤️

I was thinking tonight about how badly I wanted to "go on my own," a couple of years ago. I wanted to do it myself and honestly be alone in the barn. It was a time of transition and exploring what being a business owner means (still learning). This year is so different where I realize I want people on the boat with me and I guess I'm just steering (sort of). 🚣‍♀️

I really couldn't do it all without my assistant, Melinda. She reads my mind and I always tell her she is my extra brain cells when I need to cover everything. 🫣 She has been around for a couple of years now. She's a rare one and a darned good one.

I also have 2-3 other ladies that come and help and are learning how to be around horses or enjoying the peace of the barn. One even brings her baby. I just tear up thinking of what a special place we are creating with an atmosphere of peace, growth, learning, and enjoyment.

Tonight was a ton of fun getting the horses worked. Melinda did some chores and then we did a bandage change, rode 4, 2 groundwork sessions, and final chores.

It's a busy and crazy life but I love these animals and teaching young people. What a blessing it is to be exhausted from the challenge of my own choosing. And what a blessing it is to have a community of people that help and want to learn. I couldn't have asked for more.

09/03/2025

It's happening... people are finding out that I can help rehome horses. And it's all happening at once! Here's the next one I visited tonight. I like him a lot!

Name: Rio
Age: 10
Height: 14.2hh approx
Pinto Gaited gelding

Rio is the cutest gaited horse you've ever laid eyes on. He is broke to ride WTC and is good on the trails. He picks up his feet, stands for the farrier, cross ties and hard ties. He has been to Salt Fork State Park and rides well with other horses. His owner has mostly ridden him alone on the trails and he does good. He moves out on the trail and is easy to get along with. He does sometimes look at things on the side of the road or around the barn. He would do great for anyone who wants to ride a comfortable gait in the woods! Good home is a must!

Asking mid x,###

Call/text/PM 8-8pm Nicole 3305758193. I will fwd you owners contact if you're seriously interested.

09/01/2025

Enjoying these Sunday night evenings with my husband! Smoke is teaching him a lot and he's enjoying it. And I had a nice ride on little miss Harley on a coooool evening with no trouble lol. Now tomorrow will be more like tuesday/the second ride of the week! Lol.

08/30/2025

When I say Smoke is built like a concrete block, this is what I mean 🤩🌟

08/26/2025

Be nice and don't complain

08/25/2025

Relationships with a horse are not transferable. What one person can do with a horse isn't always the same with another. Even with a great foundation.

Horses are always reading the room, reading your energy, and reading what is happening around them. It's their nature and their instinct as prey animals. The really good ones forgive and tolerate as we learn.

This is why horses sometimes fall apart or come together with different riders. It's a part of the process! But how the horse responds to you has a lot to do with how you present yourself. It is your responsibility to be aware of what skills you have or don't have.

My husband is a beginner but he rides with a "trainer" mind and understands horses (from years of talking with me). He's low energy and soft in what he does. Some days he gets along better than most!

He can ride Smoke, who is very responsive to the leg, but can observe when he did too much or not enough. And then make adjustments. He knows just because Smoke is trained and has experience doesn't mean he will be the exact same for him as me.

The mindset of the rider will determine how a partnership grows with a new horse. The observational skills and manner in which a rider adjusts will grow confidence. A horse that is listened to and asked will begin to trust. A new beautiful partnership then forms.

08/21/2025

The fact is that sometimes you're just doing too much. Too many sessions, too much in one session, too many aids, too high of expectations.

And it irritates the horses.

There is a lightness that lives inside the horses that is apart of what makes riding so special. Like the moments that all you did was think it and the horse was there.

Our horses will never retain this lightness if we don't ride like they have it. Quieting the aids and doing less per session can create loads of progress because the horse feels better about what you're doing.

You see- it's more than just "getting them used to it" or "they just have to deal with it." It's working with them until they can handle more. It's slowing down then speeding up at the right time. It's making things more challenging but only after they have had the right prep.

It's not fair to ask for more and more without being considerate of what the horse thinks. Don't kill their try by doing too much. It's already there.. keep it

08/19/2025

Meet Smoke! 🦄⚡️

Name: Smoke
Age: 15
Breed: Grade QH
Height: 14.3 hh approximately

Now this one is shapey with his huge hind quarter and shoulder! Smoke is broke to ride walk, trot, and canter. He rides western, English, and ba****ck in a halter. He was a school horse for most of his life and recently has been introduced to the trail riding life. Turns out you CAN teach an old dog some new tricks! He is the most natural horse on the trails and seems to truly be happy there.

If you can ride walk, trot, and canter with balance you can get along with him. No need to pedal and kick him as he is responsive to the leg and seat. He rides in a halter, a snaffle, and a curb although he is new to the curb. He greets you in the pasture and wants to please!

Watch his video to learn more: https://youtu.be/tylDhILch7U?si=p3zZ0eN4JR69wZ8t

Asking mid x,###. We will miss him around the barn. If you’re looking for a trail horse and can deal with some quirks and some creaks (lol) send me a PM or text 3305758193.

If you feel inclined, please share.

Training and preparation by Nicole Shoup Horsemanship
All photos and video done by WayMaker Equine Media

08/16/2025

It's a beautiful morning with these goofballs! Smoke and Padreno ❤️