This letter is written by Equestrian Masterclass instructor Tik Maynard with images by Impulsion Media.  Dear TomCatt, I have watched RTTH for a long time, and I believe the winner is often not the one that is the most experienced, or with the best timing, or feel, or skill. There are so many other variables: the preparation, the judging, knowing the rules, luck, and of course, picking the horse.  Most of all there is the ability to not be rattled. For whatever reason I was able to get into that Zone, that Sweet Spot, that Unthinking-Place, on the first day, and to more or less stay ..read more

This blog post was written by Liesl Ross, one of Elite Equine CO’s trainers, with photos provided by Wendy Collison with Spotlight Sports Photography and Gina Hluska. Gina Hluska grew up riding, competing, and training horses from a very young age. She started working at the racetrack as a veterinary assistant with a track veterinarian while also working as an assistant trainer exercising, ponying, treating, and training Thoroughbreds. She went on to become a veterinary technician in a prestigious performance horse practice working alongside some of the industry’s top veterinarians. While assi ..read more

When you picture adding “play” into your horse’s training, what comes to mind? Do you imagine your horse chasing around a large ball or nosing carrots out of a container? Or maybe you see your horse trotting joyfully behind you as you run? The fact is, play can look like a lot of different things, but it doesn’t have to be any of the above. Play’s purpose is to teach your horse how to “try”–and in the process, both horse and trainer achieve a cooperative partnership. Equestrian Masterclass instructor (immediately off his 2024 Road to the Horse Colt Starting competition win) Tik Maynard is a ..read more

This blog post is written by Jessica Abrahamse, and photos are also provided by her. Let me start this story with a bit of background. I am a rider in my 40’s with over 30 years of experience in the jumper, hunter, equitation and dressage rings. I bought an amazing imported Dutch Warmblood mare with FEI experience up to 1.45m in Canada as a 14 year old. She was my heart horse, exceptional and talented. I had a great trainer at the time who helped me find her through a situation that in normal circumstances would not have been in my budget. After several successful years of showing in ..read more

We’re hiring! NOËLLE FLOYD is looking for an enthusiastic, detail-oriented, organized, self-starting Media Content Specialist to join our team and help us with a special project. This position is full-time for two months, with the possibility of extension depending on how the project progresses. The Media Content Specialist will work closely with the team to optimize our content library and user experience. Duties include: Managing the project from start to finish within outlined timeframe and go-live dates. Working with the team to meet the needs of the project and our end users. Qualit ..read more

This blog post is written by Brendan Wise's student, Laurie Berglie, and photos are provided by Brendan Wise.  Brendan Wise began his bridleless work years ago while training with his mentors, John and Josh Lyons. Josh especially was an expert bridleless rider, and Brendan became fascinated by these principles. At that time, Brendan primarily focused on western horsemanship and reining, but as he moved into English disciplines, such as dressage and show jumping, he brought those same bridleless principles with him. Currently, Brendan is competing mostly bridleless ..read more

**Please note - this blog is written by Equestrian Masterclass instructor Peter Wylde** I believe you can really learn a lot about a rider based on how they approach flatwork.  Most people will know me as a rider who found career success in the jumping arena, and certainly the technicality and adrenaline of mastering a big course is an unparalleled experience. However, what I think sets successful riders apart is not only their competitive results, but the time they put in at home, when the jumps are put away.  This month on NÖELLE FLOYD Equestrian Masterclass, I’m releasing my ..read more

“More impulsion!” Most of us have heard our coaches cry – usually accompanied by a hearty clap or imitation of riding forward. But what does ‘impulsion’ actually mean to you, your trainer, or the judge scoring you? By listener request, we’re breaking down riding terms that have mystified riders for years. Caroline is joined by Rob Van Jacobs, a USEF “R” Rated judge for hunters and equitation. As a judge, trainer and rider, Rob interprets the differences between rhythm, tempo, pace, and speed not as semantics but as part of a show ring strategy. Understanding these terms can improve your commu ..read more

Josh Nichol has helped countless riders develop healthy partnerships with their horses through his method of Relational Horsemanship™. He joins Caroline Culbertson on Equestrian Voices for a thought-provoking conversation about how meeting your horse's needs can forge deeper connections, encourage softness, and reduce spooking. Here is a transcript of their conversation – listen to the full episode here. Caroline Culbertson: What do we need to understand about how the rider may be contributing to a horse’s frequent spooking?  Josh Nichol: You have to recognize horses are not just worrying ..read more

**Please note - this blog is written by Equestrian Masterclass instructor Chelsea Canedy and has been reposted here with her permission. The original first appeared on her own website. Photo courtesy, Brooke Hulford** I have been having an amazing time with Luna, my hopeful Mustang Classic mare. I have learned so much from her in these past three months, and we have made incredible strides together. I have pulled from every drawer of my toolbox to start her from scratch and have reached out to friends and fellow trainers along the way when I have had questions.   I thought I was ch ..read more