Why would you use a rawhide nose band to achieve results with a lighter touch? Why not just do the training to have the horse understand the lighter pressure with a softer nose band? Rawhide is tough and rough and hurts. A: Just like with a bit in the mouth, it is only rough and […]
Julie Goodnight and Dale Myler talk about collection and bits for advanced Western Shows.
Have you ever had a horse stand over you in protection? If you’ve fallen or become injured on the trail? I have a photo of my horses where 7 are laying down and one is standing sentry. The boss is in the very middle– laid out and snoring. The horses around her are laying down […]
The Trail Rider ~ January/February 2015 RIDE RIGHT WITH JULIE GOODNIGHT Winter Workouts Hone your horse’s manners and your leadership skills now for a better ride in the spring with these tips from top trainer/clinician Julie Goodnight. By Heidi Melocco with Julie Goodnight ~ Photos by Heidi Melocco Unless you’re in the sunbelt, […]
If a horse is sticking out his tongue only when bridled, it’s most likely because the bit is bothering his mouth, explains top trainer/clinician Julie Goodnight. http://trailridermag.com/article/bit-14763
Teaching your horse to go backward with body cues http://myhorse.com/redirects/reverse-please/
Make clear communication with your horse a priority with the best equipment for ground work and riding. http://americashorsedaily.com/equipment/#.VGaJ1E10xet
Getting your horse to drop his head gives him a serene, quiet place to be. http://americashorsedaily.com/your-horses-quiet-place/#.VGaFJU10xet
Is your trail horse cinchy? That is, does he act up when you saddle him, even before you reach for the cinch or girth? (Generally the term “cinch” is used for a Western saddle and the term “girth” is used for an English one; these terms can be used interchangeably when discussing this behavioral issue.) […]
Horse Tip Daily #59 – Julie Goodnight on the Hard to Catch Horse http://horsetipdaily.horseradionetwork.com/horse-tip-daily-59-julie-goodnight-on-the-hard-to-catch-horse/
Q Recently, while trail riding, a friend’s horse stuck his tongue out to the side as soon as she asked him to canter. Another friend said, “Oh look, her horse is licking and chewing. That means he’s thinking.” However, the horse didn’t look relaxed, and it wasn’t an “aha” moment. What do you think of […]
Dear Julie, I have had my horse for 10 months. I am scared to ride her outside because every time I ask her for a canter, or if another horse canters off ahead of her, she does her best imitation of a bucking bronco then takes off like her tail is on fire. So far […]
Question: Dear Julie, I am currently schooling and riding in a D-ring snaffle bit. I want to start training for Western Pleasure. What kind of shank bit do you recommend for the transition? Thanks, Kim Answer: In most rule books, horses six years old and up are required to show Western in a curb bit. […]
Question: Hi Julie: I just recently purchased a horse in October this is my first horse and boy I am not starting off very well. This horse was 200lbs underweight when I got him so to say the least I baby him (oops). He has successfully gained 100lbs and I am very excited. He is […]
Using The Goodnight Bitting System The self-correcting bitting system I use is often called an elbow pull and it is a long harness leather cord with snaps on each end. To use the bitting tool, you place the middle of the cord over the horse’s poll and then run each end through the rings of […]
Ask Julie Goodnight: What to Know About Rope Halters Question: I have what’s probably a silly question…. My mare is 15 years old and I’ve never used a rope halter with her. What do I need to know to help me better understand how a rope halter works? Answer: I wish more people would ask […]
Changing Direction/Changing Speed Many “forward” horses come to trainers because they are challenging to train. Here, I’ll share some of the techniques that I use to get the horses slowed down a little and to get them steady in their gaits. First let me tell you what definitely will not work. It will not work […]
Dear Julie, My pony keeps her head up when I’m attempting to ride her in a collected frame. When I first got her she was so nervous about the bit in her mouth and what the rider might do. We outfitted her in a loose-ring snaffle, which has helped her put her head down somewhat. […]
I have a question regarding using one rein, versus two, while riding and stopping your horse. When I ride with two hands or use the one-rein stop on my horses, it seems to calm them and refocus their attention. Can you help explain why direct rein pressure seems to be so effective? Thanks, Two-handed Dear […]
Correction Bit? Question: We purchased a 6 year old mare approx. 6 months ago. She was previously bridled with a D Ring Snaffle. We have tried transitioning her with other Snaffles and a Touch Plus. She seems to really fight the bit (tossing her head, etc.). I feel part of this is a maturity and […]
Common Complaints My horse is fussy with his head. Help keep your horse from shaking his mane with these anti-head tossing tips from Julie Goodnight. When you ride, does your horse fuss with his head, throwing his nose up in the air and tossing his mane? Does he root down on the reins, jerking you […]
Caption: help your horse achieve a low headset and look calm and collected. Riding Right with Julie Goodnight Star Gazer: Teach your horse to lower his head Dear Julie, Do you have any suggestions for helping me set my horse’s head? She’s not too bad at home but at shows she raises her head and […]
Question Category: Issues from the Saddle Question: Julie, I have seen you several times at the Equine Affaire in Columbus over the past few years and respect your training skills. I have a particular problem with one of my horses with “not wanting to go forward” & I sure could use your help. Just to […]