When Horses “Shut Down”
A horse owner recently reached out to me asking for guidance with a 3-year-old colt that came to her completely shutdown. His eyes glaze over and he statues-up in response to [any cues] … as
Resources for training
Horse Goals or Bust Part 7: It’s Go Time!
We are now 7 months into Horse Goals or Bust—setting goals, planning, training, practicing, and preparing. It’s prime riding season in most areas, so now is the time to put into action all the activities
What Does it Mean to Have “Realistic” Training Expectations?
Whether your young horse is ready for saddle training, or your adult horse needs to be restarted, has developed undesirable behaviors, or is ready for a higher level of training, there may come a time
Artificial Aids: Training Tool or Crutch?
Horses are amazingly adaptable creatures, and over thousands of years they have partnered with us and found ways to make themselves invaluable to human society. Since before horses were even ridden, humans have attempted to
August 2020 Horse Report
Here we are at the peak of riding season and I’m happy to report that our horses are all healthy and sound, even our foster horse, Doc Gunner. For the last 90 days, Gunner has
June 2020 Horse Report
All the excitement around my barn in the last month was about Doc Gunner, my new “foster horse.” He arrived at our place on June 18th after a long haul from Oklahoma City. Doc Gunner
Slower is Faster with Horses
Let’s face it, we’ve become a society of instant gratification. From fast food, to fake nails, we like immediate results. This quest for instant results carries over to horsemanship, too—from flying lead changes, to
Mastering the Canter
Everywhere I go—whether it’s to clinics, expos, conferences or just riding with friends—there are riders working on mastering the canter. Whether it is a novice rider just figuring out how to cue the horse and
Note from Julie: October 2015
Dear friends, We’ve just returned from an incredible 4-day ranch-riding clinic at the C Lazy U Ranch and soon I am headed to Spanaway, Washington, for my last 2-day horsemanship clinic of the year, then
Teach The Stand-Still
It’s crucial to teach your horse to stand still when you first mount, according to trainer/clinician Julie Goodnight. The lesson will help your horse know you’re always in charge. http://trailridermag.com/article/teach-stand-still
Horses That Kick
Expert advice to quell a kicking horse’s bad habits. http://americashorsedaily.com/horses-that-kick/#.VGaGnU10xet
Left Brain, Right Brain
Knowing how horses operate can help your training efforts. http://americashorsedaily.com/left-brain-right-brain/#.VGaFhk10xet
Riding Skills: Making Smooth Gait Transitions
Clinician Julie Goodnight tells you how to use pre-signals and breathing techniques to improve your horse’s transitions between gaits. Are your horse’s transitions between gaits as smooth as glass? Or do you hold your breath
Become A Professional Riding Instructor
Become a Professional Riding Instructor If you’re looking for a riding instructor, you’d want to work with someone who has lots of horsemanship knowledge and experience. http://www.equisearch.com/article/horse-professional-get-certified
Horse Tip Daily #59 – On The Hard To Catch Horse
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/
Quick Tip: Western Shopping
Western Shopping with Julie Goodnight http://www.pinterest.com/pin/506232814334548497/
Shut Down
Dear Julie, I’ve been thinking a lot about this problem, since I didn’t find that our instructor found the right thing to do. Instead of finding an answer, he did what a program told him
Jealous Little Girl
Dear Julie, I have a two-year-old mare that’s an eager learner and wants to spend time with me. She readily approaches me and wants to be in on the action when I work with other
Raising A Breeding Stallion
Question: I am buying a 3 month old colt that I would like to remain/turn into a stallion. I would like to teach him to be well mannered and to give specific commands for breeding,
How Do Rope Halters Work?
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
The Different Types Of Bits
Horse Master How To “Get it Straight” Helping a frustrated rider find the right bit and cue her horse to move straight ahead By Julie Goodnight In the Horse Master episode we named “Get it
Issues From The Saddle: Rearing Horse
Question Category: Issues from the Saddle Question: Dear Julie Goodnight I am writing to you in regards to my horse’s problem with rearing, as someone that is experienced in horse behaviour I can not find
Issues From The Saddle: Horse Won’t Stand For Mounting
Question Category: Issues from the Saddle Question: I ran across your website while searching for an answer for a behavior problem with my daughter’s 7 year old quarter horse mare. We have owned this mare
Building A Better Relationship: My friend Is Making Bad Mistakes With Her Young Horse
Question Category: Building a Better Relationship Question: Dear Julie, I have a really good friend to whom I give horse advice, since she just purchased her first horse. This horse is a nice gelding, young–
Talk About Tack: Rope Halter — Do’s And Dont’s
Question: Dear Julie: I have a silly question…My mare is 15yo and I have NEVER used a rope halter. Do you have a basic do’s and don’ts for me….things I need to know to help
