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 […]
Episode 805 – Pleasure Perfect – Behind The Scenes
Q&A On Horse Behavior; Protecting the Alpha; Aggression over Feed Time; Ground Tying; Catch a Horse; Pawing (Rick Lamb with Julie Goodnight)
Winter Workouts – Ride Right With Julie Goodnight
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, […]
Is It The Bit?
Reverse, Please
Equipment
Your Horse’s Quiet Place
How To Settle Your Cinchy Horse
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 – On The Hard To Catch Horse
Tongue Trouble
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 […]
Canter Control
What Bit Should I Use?
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. […]
New Horse Issues
Bitting System
How Do Rope Halters Work?
Changing The Speed
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 […]
High Headed Pony
Two-Handed Reining
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 Needed?
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 […]
My Horse Is Tossing And Shaking His Head
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 […]
Teach Your Horse To Lower His Head
Quick Tip: When To Use A Clucking Cue
Issues From The Saddle: Not Wanting To Go Forward
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 […]