The Pyramid of Okayness
Explore the "Pyramid of Okayness," a hierarchy describing how horses gain confidence. From environmental comfort to self-reliance, understanding this pyramid helps in setting realistic expectations an... ...more
advices
July 23, 2024•3 min read
Do Horses Feel Pain?
Recognizing and advocating for a horse in pain can often fall to you. Discover how personal vigilance and understanding can make a critical difference when horses "slip through the cracks" and aren't ... ...more
advices
July 23, 2024•5 min read
It Comes Down to You
Horses in pain often slip through the cracks. Learn how to recognize and advocate for a horse's well-being, and understand why your role as a horse owner or trainer can be crucial in identifying and a... ...more
advices
July 23, 2024•6 min read
The Heroes of the Horse World
Starting colts is the foundation of a horse’s future. This article highlights the crucial role of colt starters in shaping a horse's life and advocates for valuing and respecting their expertise. ...more
advices
July 23, 2024•4 min read
Comfortable or Uncomfortable?
Anthropomorphizing animals can cloud our understanding of their behavior. In horse work, simplifying responses to "comfortable" or "uncomfortable" helps avoid projecting human emotions onto horses and... ...more
advices
July 23, 2024•4 min read
10 Years? Or One Year 10 Times?
Struggling with stagnation in your horsemanship or career? Learn how to track and assess true progress versus repeating the same experiences, and discover strategies to ensure continuous growth and im... ...more
advices
July 23, 2024•4 min read
Are We Playing with Poison?
Kathleen Beckham critiques the harmful trend of needing others to be wrong for one to be right in the horse community, advocating for constructive, empathetic communication and focusing on real issues... ...more
advices
July 22, 2024•4 min read
Patience is Not a Superpower
Kathleen Beckham shares her journey from impatience to understanding in horse training. Through her experience with Ashcroft, she reveals how developing patience can transform both horse work and pers... ...more
advices
July 22, 2024•6 min read
Not Every Story Has a Happy Ending
Kathleen Beckham reflects on the poignant journey of Memphis, an off-the-track Thoroughbred. ...more
advices
July 22, 2024•8 min read
Can he Read You?
Understanding horses involves more than trust—it’s about their confidence in reading human intentions. Explore how a horse’s trust in itself shapes its behavior and what we can do to nurture it. ...more
advices
March 20, 2022•3 min read
Generalizing: It’s a Thing
Ever wonder why your horse acts differently away from home? Explore how travel can help them generalize their learning, build confidence, and ensure consistency across environments. ...more
advices
March 07, 2022•3 min read
Trailer Loading
Trailer loading can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be. Learn practical tips from my years of experience to make loading a safe and stress-free process for your horse. Let’s do better! ...more
advices
February 22, 2022•7 min read
We Need to do Better, (Horse) Peoplee!
Trailer loading horses has been an issue for nearly a century, even fueling jokes and cartoons. But why is it still a problem? Discover insights and solutions in my latest article, and learn how to ma... ...more
advices
February 13, 2022•2 min read
Disrespectful?
Explore the nuances of horse behavior: Disrespect vs. Disregard. Understand the difference and improve your training approach. ...more
advices
January 21, 2022•4 min read
Why is it so Hard?
Ever find yourself overwhelmed by unsolicited advice at horse shows or clinics? 🤔 Discover why watching others learn can be so challenging and how it mirrors our patience with horses. Let's explore e... ...more
advices
January 13, 2022•5 min read
Where are you Starting From?
Understanding your horse's "starting point" is crucial for effective training. 🐴✨ Whether you're dealing with a green horse or one with past issues, the basics of forage, freedom, and friends are key... ...more
advices
December 28, 2019•9 min read
This Explains a Lot
Horses mirror our skill level. 🐴💡 They adapt to us, for better or worse. Embrace self-improvement to truly elevate your horse’s performance and well-being. ...more
advices
October 01, 2019•6 min read
It’s Not About Desensitization
Teaching a horse when to respond vs. ignore is crucial. Instead of desensitizing, aim for clear communication to build understanding. Discover how this approach transforms training! ...more
advices
June 08, 2019•8 min read
Thoughts on “Problem Solving”
Reflecting on "problem-solving" with horses: We can either change how we feel about a problem or solve it. Solving it benefits both us and the horse, not just our feelings. ...more
advices
March 18, 2019•3 min read
Watch Your Mouth!
Our language shapes our interactions with horses. Common phrases like “lazy” or “stubborn” often mislead us. Let’s use accurate terms to improve understanding and training. ...more
advices
January 21, 2019•13 min read
Are You Blind?
Horses have blind spots that can cause behaviors like bucking or spooking. Understanding and addressing these can improve training and behavior. ...more
advices
December 11, 2018•8 min read
An Alternative to Learned Helplessness?
Alternatives to Learned Helplessness in horses: Use pressure-and-release, gradual skill building, and ensure a healthy, stimulating environment. Prioritize humane training methods for a better partner... ...more
advices
November 20, 2018•11 min read
Learned Helplessness
Exploring "learned helplessness" in horses: while effective, it leads to passive, unresponsive behavior. Alternatives focus on choice-based training for a more engaged partnership. ...more
advices
November 08, 2018•11 min read
The Worry Cup
Ever heard of the "Worry Cup"? It's a way to visualize how worries—big or small—fill up and overflow. Keeping the Worry Cup manageable helps both horses and humans stay calm and effective. ...more
advices
April 19, 2018•7 min read
Is Your Horse Bored?
In 2013, I took in Memphis, a promising OTTB, only to face heartbreaking news: severe joint damage. I chose to end his suffering, a tough decision that nearly made me quit horses. It's been 10 years, ... ...more
advices
April 17, 2018•8 min read
What is Your Horse Working On?
“What is your horse working on?” means understanding his focus. Is he distracted or aligned with your goals? Better connection and results come from syncing your efforts. ...more
advices
March 18, 2018•7 min read
