Stephanie Schmidt Performance Horses

03/03/2025

Often with horse training we like to say that less is more, slower is better⁠—and I believe it to be true.

As horseman, we have the great responsibility to really think, not just about what we are doing, but also about why we are doing it. The wrong course of action on our part will have serious consequences for the horse.

Understanding the intentions behind the horse’s action is essential in determining whether to support an action or correct it. It also determines to what degree you should support or correct. This will affect the confidence of the horse either positively or negatively.

One of the biggest misconceptions in the equestrian world is the idea that we train horses.
The reality?
We don’t—we prove to them that they can trust us more than their own instincts.

04/22/2024

First clinic in the books! I want to thank everyone that attended! Also Alexander Clark and Marian Weidow for all the help behind the scenes! Feeling Blessed💕

03/18/2024

02/07/2023

Did you know that a horse that hasn't been taught how to properly support and carry the weight of a rider will instinctually hollow their back away from the weight of the rider? Many riding horses spend their entire careers going around with hollow backs, even upper level competition horses.

Carrying weight with a hollow back is, at best, uncomfortable for the horse, and in many cases is actually quite painful. Many horses tolerate this discomfort because they don't know any alternative. Other horses develop behavioral problems and become labeled as bad horses.

For a horse to remain healthy and comfortable in his work he must be taught how to support the weight of a rider with first a neutral back and then later on with a lifted back. This is a process that takes time, as you can't rush muscle development.

I've found that the best way to teach a horse to lift his back is on the ground first, through classical in hand work. Without the extra weight of the rider, it is easier for the horse to learn how to lift his back and it is easier for him to develop the strength that he needs in order to maintain a lifted back for an extended amount of time.

Once the horse has an understanding of this healthier posture and has developed some strength, it will be much easier for him to accomplish the same thing with a rider on his back.

The horse will then feel more comfortable and have an easier time performing his job. He will be less prone to injuries and behavioral problems and he will be able to continue doing his job for much longer than if he never learned to move in a healthy way.

As stewards of our horses, we owe it to them to give them the best lives possible. That includes taking the time to teach them how to move in a way that is healthy and comfortable for them.

Want to learn more about the horse's back and how you can teach him a healthy posture? We invite you to join our Healthy Movement through In Hand Work course, available in our Virtual Classroom. You'll learn how you can help your horse to move in a healthier way through the use of In Hand Work.

This work is beneficial for horses of all ages, breeds, and disciplines and no previous experience is necessary.

Learn more and sign up here- https://tuskeydressage.com/register/virtual-classroom/

05/09/2022

Executing a flying lead change can take hard work and lots of practice. Follow these 10 horse-training tips that will put you and your horse on the road to success ➡️ www.aqha.com/-/master-the-flying-lead-change

05/05/2022

Headed to Eugene for the Western States Stock Horse show 2022

05/05/2022

02/21/2022