KZ Equine Plus

11/11/2025

✨ Enzo’s Little-Big Victory ✨

Yesterday we hit another milestone for Enzo! Enzo has been with me for just over three weeks now, and Yesterday afternoon he took his very first walk outside of the 6 foot tall corral panel fence.

Since he came to me completely feral butnin captivity, I’m not sure what kind of fencing he was used to before, so I wasn’t positive how he’d react to the electric wire. He’s definitely not ready to free roam yet, but yesterday was all about taking that first steps.

When I opened the gate, he hesitated, unsure, a little nervous, but willing to try with some handy dandy grain snacks. We didn’t get very far before the sun dipped down, but we made a little loop just outside the fence and practiced walking in and out of the gate calmly. That alone felt like a win.

We’ve also started desensitizing him to the lead rope and stick, slowly introducing them beyond his head and neck. With my hands, I’ve only been able to pet down to his withers before he starts getting uncomfortable, so the rope and stick let me safely help him learn that touch doesn’t have to be scary.

He’s still quick to explode in fear if I move too fast, that instinct to kick and flee is strong. but he’s accepting something new daily. Every day he’s choosing trust over fear more and more, even if it’s just one tiny step at a time.

Right now we’re focusing on:
• Gently practicing with the rope to eventually take his halter on and off
• Desensitizing his whole body to the rope and stick
• Introducing him to the wire fence
• Building confidence for future turnout with the herd

His quarantine is almost over, and I’m hopeful that with a little more progress, he’ll be ready to join the other horses before winter settles in too deep.

Yay Enzo — keep going, brave boy! 🥰🐴💛

11/11/2025

🌟 Rosie’s Success Story: From “Stone Foot” to a Confident Partner 🌟

Why Training Your Horse and Yourself Matters

When I first met Rosie, her owners were at a loss. Simple tasks, walking through a gate, picking up her feet, even entering her stall was becoming a stressful, unsafe moment. Rosie had been rescued from the kill-lot pipeline, and although her new family loved her deeply, they quickly realized love alone wasn’t enough.

They hoped she would one day become a safe trail partner, but her behavior was telling a different story. She had earned the nickname “Stone Foot” because she simply would not move. But underneath that stubborn exterior lived an anxious, defensive, overwhelmed horse who had never been taught how to handle the world around her.

Rosie carried her head high, constantly shifting her feet, always waiting for the next thing to happen. When pressure was applied, she responded with explosive refusals like kicking, rearing, or shutting down entirely. Her owners admitted they didn’t feel comfortable going into her stall, and they were beginning to think she might never be safe to handle or ride.

Instead of giving up, they chose to learn.
They chose to help Rosie and help themselves.

🌱 The Start of Her New Journey
I recommended sending Rosie to training for the basics, and her owners jumped on the opportunity. They wanted not just a trained horse, but the education they needed to keep her progressing safely.

When Rosie arrived in the spring/summer, her anxiety showed immediately. She panicked during the 45 minute trailer ride, damaged the trailer, and arrived with a cut deep enough to require stitches.

That moment confirmed everything:
Rosie wasn’t just misbehaving she was uneducated, unsure, and terrified.

So we went back to square one:
✅ Ground manners
✅ Desensitizing
✅ Boundaries
✅ Consistent, fair communication

These weren’t just lessons; they were building blocks for trust.

Rosie had been failed by humans before. Her reactions were not purely attitude, they were also survival. Slowly, with consistency, she learned the world didn’t have to be scary. She learned pressure had meaning. And she learned she could trust the people around her.

🌟 Where Rosie Is Today
This cute little bay dun mare has made an incredible transformation at 12ish years old. Now, Rosie:

-Loads into a trailer with confidence (she had an uneventful ride home)
-Stands quietly for the farrier (im sure he appreciates this!)
-Ties without anxiety and consistent pawing
-Understands personal space
-and is even beginning the early stages of riding

And she isn’t the only one who’s changed—her owners have, too.

🙌 Credit Where It’s Due
Rosie’s owners have put in extraordinary work. They didn’t send her to training expecting a “push button” horse in return. They showed up. They learned. They asked questions. They took every opportunity to understand horsemanship, leadership, and safety.

They have even applied their new knowledge to their other horses and seen amazing results there too.

They deserve so much of the credit for Rosie’s success. Their willingness to grow alongside their horse is what made this transformation possible.

Today, Rosie’s owners say even the look in her eye has changed and they still can't believe the progress she has made.
A horse once deemed unsafe is now preparing for her riding future.

She still has work to do, but her progress is nothing short of inspiring.

💡 The Lesson Behind the Journey
Rosie’s story proves something important.

Training isn’t just for the horse. It’s for the human, too.
If your current approach isn’t working, something in the process has to change and that change often starts with the owner.

Be open to learning.
Know your limits.
Follow through with your trainer’s guidance.
And give your horse the education they need to feel safe and confident.

Rosie is living proof that with patience, consistency, and teamwork, transformation is possible.

Your horse can improve.
And so can you.

You just have to be willing to keep learning.💖

07/11/2025

Being able to pick out your horse's hooves does not mean he's ready to stand quietly for a farrier.

Learn the step-by-step way to teach your horse to stand calmly for the farrier ➡️ https://downunderhorsemanship.com/training-tip-teach-your-horse-to-be-confident-about-having-his-feet-handled/

06/11/2025

Do you guys remember Dude? He was my competition horse last year. He's doing fantastic, and I actually got to visit him over the weekend.

31/10/2025

🎃👻🍂🍁🐴

28/10/2025

Jasper, learning all the fun things that 2-year-olds should know. Hes getting one of his first trims soon, and hes almost ready to start riding! 🥰

19/10/2025

"If you think you know patience, spend time earning the trust of an unhandled horse." 🐴

Enzo’s first day of work went really well. Today was all about time, patience and quiet encouragemen waiting for him to build the courage to come check out a snack. Thankfully, he already knows what grain is, and by the end of the session, he worked his way up to the bucket I was holding.

I was able to gently scratch his face for the first time. a small moment, but a big step in the right direction. 💛
Slow and steady progress… one step at a time. 🕊️

***He does have a cut on his head from bumping the trailer before he came to me, but it’s being treated.***

19/10/2025

A New Chapter Begins ✨🐴

Most of you know I’ve been transitioning from training as many client horses to focusing on training and rehoming my own projects. While I’ve always loved what I do, I’ll admit that over the past few years, I started to feel a little burnt out and overwhelmed. To find that spark again, I decided to shift gears and work with a few horses who just need a little guidance and a good start.

My goal is simple. I want to help sound, healthy horses who may be a bit less experienced gain the education and confidence they need to become someone’s “forever” horse. I’ll be working at my own pace, giving each horse the time they deserve to learn, grow, and shine.

I’m so thankful for the overwhelming response from those who have offered me projects or helped me find these opportunities. These two boys fit exactly where I wanted to begin this new chapter!

Meet Jasper and Enzo!

✨ Jasper might look familiar. he was here for 30 days as a yearling! His owner decided a young, green 2yr old wasn’t quite the right match for her at this time, so he’s back to continue his education.
Jasper is a 2yr old grade Appaloosa standing 15.1hh (hes huge!!). He has basic manners and will be starting under saddle soon.

🐴 Enzo was a bit of an unexpected find. Originally at an auction, likely after being dropped off due to being completely unhandled, he was purchased by a lady who had access to a squeeze chute. She haltered and assessed him then he made his way to me.
Enzo is a 3 yr old grade Quarter Horse gelding, standing about 14.2hh. With patience and consistency, I’m looking forward to earning his trust and helping him begin his journey into domestic life and eventually riding.

I’m excited to see how these two progress and can’t wait to share their transformations along the way! 💛

18/10/2025

Stay tuned..we have a few secrets to finally announce 😊

16/10/2025

Consistency is Key!

Consistency is one of the most powerful and most overlooked tools in developing a solid, dependable horse. For green or inexperienced horses, consistency provides the foundation that every future lesson is built upon.

Young or green horses don’t yet understand patterns, expectations, or what “a good day’s work” should look like. Their behavior is shaped by what we allow or reinforce whether intentionally or not. Every interaction, from haltering to feeding to saddling, teaches them something. When those interactions are clear and consistent, the horse learns to relax and trust the process. When they’re unpredictable or constantly changing, confusion sets in, which often shows up as resistance or fear.

For example:

When saddling always means stand still until you’re asked to move, the horse learns patience.

When groundwork ends once the horse tunes in and relaxes, they learn to seek that calm state.

When every cue is delivered the same way, with the same timing and release, the horse becomes responsive rather than reactive.

Green horses thrive on repetition and predictability. They don’t yet have the confidence or experience to adapt quickly to mixed signals or changing methods. That’s why consistency in your handling, your energy, your expectations, and your timing builds understanding faster than any exercise or gadget ever will.

Once a week is not enough to build on. Next time you wonder why your horse has the same negative reaction for "months" to something, ask yourself how much are you actually consistent with them??

16/10/2025

It’s common to hear people say they like to “get the buck out” of their horses before a ride. The idea is that if we let them move around on the lunge line or in the round pen long enough, they’ll get their energy out and settle down. But the truth is, a well-trained, mentally balanced horse shouldn’t need that kind of prep every time you ride.

A horse that must be worked down before every ride is usually telling us something. It could be discomfort, confusion about expectations, too much idle time between rides, or simply a learned routine WE reinforced. Over time, horses can associate being saddled with the chance to play or move freely, especially if we consistently allow them to buck or run right after tacking up.

This approach often backfires. For instance, trying to calm a “hot” horse by running it until it’s tired doesn’t teach relaxation. it teaches anticipation. The horse learns that every ride begins with intensity, not focus and calmness. The same applies when we repeatedly “lunge the buck out.” Instead of creating calmness and readiness, we create a horse that expects to move fast and play before work begins.

So what should we do instead? The answer lies in purposeful groundwork and clear communication. Here are some tips to help your horse develop the right mindset before every ride:

1. Rule Out Pain First
Before labeling behavior as attitude or energy, check for discomfort. Poor saddle fit, dental problems, or tightness in the back can all trigger negative reactions during tacking and early work.

2. Groundwork with Intention
Lunging isn’t bad but it should have a goal beyond “getting energy out.” Ask for transitions, changes of direction, and responsiveness to body language. The goal is to engage the brain, not exhaust the body.

3. Reward Relaxation
When your horse licks, chews, drops its head, or takes a deep breath — that’s your sign they’re relaxing and ready to focus. Reward that moment instead of driving for more movement.

4. Stay Consistent
Consistency builds confidence. A horse that knows what to expect from you will stay calmer and more willing. Keep your cues, your schedule, and your expectations steady. Once a week is not enough.

5. Balance Work and Rest
Every session doesn’t have to be long or physically demanding. Short, positive rides that end on a good note is still suitable work. But mix it up!

When we shift our mindset from “getting the buck out” to building understanding and respect. The ultimate goal is a horse you can pull out of the pasture, tack up, and ride with confidence because they understand their job and trust your leadership.

Just remember, if you let them shenan once, they’ll probably shenanigan.

15/10/2025