From the Ground Up Horsemanship

From the Ground Up Horsemanship Training programs in California & Montana
C**t starting • Ranch Versatility • Tune-ups
📍 MT: Sabrina Smith | 📍 CA: Tony Smith

Forward isn’t speed.One of the things I’ve been working on recently is helping a horse become more forward.A lot of peop...
06/12/2026

Forward isn’t speed.

One of the things I’ve been working on recently is helping a horse become more forward.

A lot of people hear “forward” and think faster. That’s not what I’m after.

To me, a forward horse is one that is willing to go when asked, stays mentally engaged, and carries themselves with purpose.

Whether it’s on the ground or under saddle, forward motion creates opportunities. You can’t shape a horse that doesn’t want to go somewhere.

Before I worry about collection, softness, or precision, I want a horse that is willing to move forward with confidence.

Everything else becomes easier after that. 🤠🐴

Worked with a client out on the trail today. Sometimes it’s crazy to think this is my office. SO BLESSED! 🙌🏔️🐴
06/08/2026

Worked with a client out on the trail today. Sometimes it’s crazy to think this is my office.
SO BLESSED! 🙌🏔️🐴

06/04/2026

Everything fades away as soon as you get in the arena.

The horse isn’t always the one that needs more training…Sometimes the horse is doing exactly what we’re asking!The quest...
06/04/2026

The horse isn’t always the one that needs more training…

Sometimes the horse is doing exactly what we’re asking!

The question is: are we being clear? 🤔💭

Good horsemanship isn’t just about teaching the horse. It’s about learning to communicate in a way they can understand.

The better we get at communicating, the better our horses become. 🤠🐴

⭐ Throwback Thursday 🤍🐴I’ve always looked up to my dad - Tony Smith as a horseman.I’m incredibly grateful to have grown ...
05/22/2026

⭐ Throwback Thursday 🤍🐴

I’ve always looked up to my dad - Tony Smith as a horseman.

I’m incredibly grateful to have grown up watching someone with so much feel, patience, and deep understanding of horses. The knowledge he’s shared with me came from years and years of experience, hard lessons learned, and countless horses along the way.

I’ve watched him work so many different kinds of horses over the years and it’s exciting to now find myself applying the same concepts and understanding the things I used to stand back and study him doing.

(When I’m working with horses I’m constantly thinking what would daddy do? Or… what would he say?) 🤔💭

A lot of what I know started right there walking beside him, watching, listening, and learning. 🤠🐴

PS: I have one of those ropes and I use it as my main lunge line, I take it everywhere with me. It even has vet wrap holding together its frayed ends. 😂

Gotcha Day for Ruby Jane ❤️🐴RJ Smooth Moves has been a blessing to our program, we absolutely adore this filly.
05/15/2026

Gotcha Day for Ruby Jane ❤️🐴
RJ Smooth Moves has been a blessing to our program, we absolutely adore this filly.

05/13/2026

A correct side pass is more than just crossing feet.

It takes softness, body control, and understanding.

The horse has to stay soft through the ribcage, move away from pressure, and stay balanced while the shoulders and hindquarters work together independently.

A soft horse isn’t created by pulling harder.Softness comes from clarity, timing, and a horse understanding how to respo...
05/09/2026

A soft horse isn’t created by pulling harder.

Softness comes from clarity, timing, and a horse understanding how to respond to pressure correctly.

If a horse braces, pushes through pressure, or becomes dull to cues, adding more force usually isn’t the answer. More often than not, it’s a sign the foundation needs to be revisited.

The goal should never be to overpower the horse—it should be to create understanding.

05/06/2026

Welcoming off the track thoroughbred Ara to the program!

Address

Old Julian Highway
Ramona, CA
92065

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when From the Ground Up Horsemanship posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category