The storms in May certainly added some excitement to our Spring Camp out! Although the storm warnings for May 15 caused quite a few folks to skip the first night, there were plenty of horse campers present for the initial storms. Luckily, although there were dozens of trees downed, the result in camp was only one communal shelter blown down and a couple of picnic tables flipped. Everyone else arrived on Friday and commenced clearing trails. That evening, strong winds blew over the other canopy. The weather was picture perfect otherwise, and Saturday's pot-luck was held under the sky. The planned Saturday pancake breakfast was moved to Sunday.
We are thrilled to report that hosting a MiCMO (Michigan Competitive Mounted Orienteering) ride was a resounding success. Everyone in that association was great, and the boosted attendance made the camp out so much more fun. Rest assured, this will be repeated in the fall. We hosted 30+ rigs, and there was still room for more, so make plans now to attend the Fall Camp Out September 18-21.
The Mid-May storms felled dozens (hundreds?) of trees at the park. The DNR was able to clear the roads by the next day, and the trails have been restored. FCHFA volunteers cleared the equestrian trails by early June. There were a couple of re-routs on the historic trail that have been made permanent. A few trees fell after the storms and also have been cleared. Please report downed trees and trails needing attention to us at http://www.fchfa.org or one of two Facebook pages, Fort Custer Horse Friends Association, or Fort Custer Horse friends and more friends. You may report to the park office, but clearing the equestrian trails is not their responsibility. FCHFA maintains all equestrian trails in the park, including the blue multi-use trail. Happy trails!
MAYBURY PARK TRAIL ASSN.
Greetings, trail riders! Happy Summer! So far, it has been a nice start to summer. Enjoy these days before the really hot weather shows up! We have had some issues with equestrian riders running into bikers on the trails. If this happens to you, please calmly let them know they are on equestrian trails. Also, notify the park. We will be getting a new non-motorized entrance on 7 Mile (date to be determined) so I can imagine that these instances could happen more frequently. This may allow newer bikers to come into the park that are not as familiar with the trails.
Our Halloween Trail Ride is tentatively scheduled for Sunday, October 19, 2025 at 11:00am. Please mark your calendars! Please remember that there is NO hunting at Maybury State Park, which makes it a great place to ride all times of the year. Continue to follow us on our website, www.mayburytrailriders.com or Facebook for updates on the trails, events and general news going on in the park. Feel free to post pictures from your rides. Happy Trails!
MI FOXTROTTING HORSE ASSN.
This recent good weather has allowed our members to take to the trails in state and out of state. Have you seen them gaiting, picking their way carefully up and down steep slopes, attending clinics, crossing streams or in camps all over? If you are not familiar with the breed, feel free to strike up a conversation with the rider. He or she will gladly fill you in on the attributes of the breed.
Lots of adorable MFT foals have been born in the past couple of months. They will be the future crop to choose from when you need to look for a new trail partner in a few years. Training your own may take a few years of effort but it will be worthwhile. Great horses come from lots
of time spent together developing basic ground skills forming a good rider/horse connection. Mounted experiences develop proper gait if the horse is young or out of condition. MFTs tend to mature later both skeletally and mentally so give them time to develop. It will help them stay sound longer. Or have you been shopping now? They are in short supply in Michigan but many are available from breeders in Missouri and other states. Michigan owners rightfully hang on to their great trail partners for a long time. When shopping, bring a knowledgeable friend with you to help you pick a good one. Reputable sellers will let you ride the horse or may even take you out on a trail ride to see if you are a good fit with each other. Always arrange for a pre-purchase exam too. Otherwise there are auctions to take your chances at. Following your purchase, transfer the registration papers into your name through the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association (mfthba.com).
Come ride with us! Our affiliate is hosting a National Trail ride August 22-24 at Silver Creek County Park,3900 34th Ave., Hamilton, MI 49419. Make your camping reservations at https://allegancounty.org/departments/par ks-recreation-and-touris m/campsitereservations. There are lots of shady sites to choose from. Go to michiganfoxtrottinghorse.com to print off the ride registration form to submit at the ride and to find out more information. All breeds are welcome. There is a $10 ride fee. You do not need to be a member of the MFHA or the MFTHBA to participate. There will be a potluck and a silent auction also. Bring your friends. We are looking forward to meeting you! We are the Michigan affiliate of the Missouri Fox Trotter Horse Breed Association (mfthba.com) based in Ava, MO. We have filed for 501c3 nonprofit status. Our mission is to promote Fox Trotters and to encourage the breeding and training of them, as well as to help their owners learn to enjoy their horses more through educational clinics, trail rides and discussion.
Check out our active Facebook page which gets updated often. Just get a new Fox Trotter? Then you are encouraged to join. There's lots to learn. Print off the membership form found on michiganfoxtrottinghorse.com, send it in and meet new friends!
HORSE ASSOCIATION & TRAIL RIDERS NEWS
ORTONVILLE REC. EQ. ASSN.
OREA made the transition from May into June partnering with our DNR team for their Ride Into Camping event. This was an opportunity for new-to-horse-camping folks to camp with their horses at Ortonville / Hadley Hills in a supportive environment. We had new-to-campers from across the state join us for a free camping weekend. They had to get their horses there. Those who needed it were provided a tent by the DNR.
We had experienced equestrian campers to buddy with those new-to-camping so there was an instant support system provided. We had speakers that addressed topics including first aid for you and your horse, how to high-line your horse, how to find information for places to camp in Michigan, starting a fire (and fire safety), and preparing foil dinners. Presenters were from the DNR, Michigan Horse Trails Association, Michigan Horse Council, OREA, and elsewhere!
There was even an impromptu lesson on loading a horse into the trailer when departure time had arrived and one of the horses liked the event so much that they were reluctant to leave!
We toured the campsites, seeing all of the different ways that people had customized their horse camping environment. Setups included tenting, basic and customized setups of horse trailer dressing rooms, temporary repurposing of the horse area, truck-bed tents, and a few living quarters trailers. Horse accommodations included high-lining, provided corrals, and various temporary corrals (set up in the high-line area to prevent damage to the “people” area of the campsites). With 21 campsites in use, each had some unique aspect. Our experienced buddies also took those we were mentoring out on the trails, tailoring the rides to the experience and comfort levels of those riding with us. The group we were riding with was looking to improve their experience with water crossings. Fortunately, we were able to provide a successful experience for them to build on.
If you are curious about horse camping, come join us or your local trail organization. When you encounter issues, most other campers will answer questions.
Many will even lend you some of the stuff you didn’t even know you needed! (We loaned out a bunch of stuff!) If you are considering your first horse camping trip at the Ortonville Equestrian Campground, please reach out to us and we will try to work with you to make it an enjoyable time. I want to highlight that the Ride Into Camping was a DNR-initiated program. Ortonville’s DNR team came up with the initial concept and provided the free camping weekend. As a partner to our fantastic DNR team, OREA provided support wherever it was needed (whether requested or not). We also drew on our partnerships with the Michigan Horse Council and the Michigan Horse Trails Association. Our DNR team also drew upon their connections throughout the Michigan DNR. These partnerships and relationships coming together to improve your experiences of those using our State of Michigan parks, campgrounds, and trails is the key – not only for the Ride Into Camping event, but for everything we do in partnership with the DNR (and others)! Come camp with us!!! All 21 campsites are reservable at Michigan State Parks Reservation System (midnrreservations.com). If we don’t have enough trail mileage for the time you want to camp, consider combining your Ortonville / Hadley Hills adventure with other equestrian campgrounds and trails. Consult the Michigan Horse Trails Directory for ideas and insights on how to make the most of your vacation with your horse!!! You can link to it from the OREA website at hadleyhills.com We hope to see you out on the trails!
WESTERN DRESSAGE ASSN OF MI
Summer in Michigan always brings many opportunities to enjoy our beautiful state. Those who have horses know this is the time to plan trail rides and camping opportunities. There is nothing like enjoying a vista while on the back of a horse!! In addition, you can qualify for our Hours Participation Year End Award. Learn
more about that at our website: www.wdami.org and click on the Hours Participation Award Program. In addition to trail rides and camping, many schooling shows are offering Western Dressage classes. WDAMI has scheduled three virtual shows. Entries for the second show, The Sunflower Horse Show, are open June 6 through June 29. Entries for the third virtual show, The BOSS, open July 11 and continue until August 3. You can register for our shows at https://www.spotlighthorseshows.com. If you are considering submitting scores for our Year End Award Program, please review the rules on our website. Rules for both virtual and live shows are explained under the subtitle Prizes and Awards. We award many different types of accomplishments. Join the fun!!!! It is already the middle of June as I type this. Summer will go by so fast. Please look over the arrangements for the WDAA World Show at the national website: www.westerndressageassociation.org. The show is being held at the Lazy E Arena in Guthrie, OK, September 16-20, 2025. This is a great opportunity to ride and compete with riders across the country. If competing is not what you want to do, it is a great experience to go and watch riders from many different states and countries.
Please don’t forget to renew your memberships. You can renew your state membership at our website under the subtitle Contact/Join. PayPal is available for our state dues. You will need to contact WDAA to pay your national dues or you can write WDAMI a check for both dues and send it to WDAMI, 9075 Brudy Rd. Wolverine, MI 49799. (National dues are $55 and state dues are still $25). Once received, our Treasurer will follow up with the WDAA to pay your national dues. WDAMI works to make this as easy as possible.
Thank you for your support. Be safe, have fun, enjoy your equine partner and exercise
SeniorCitizens:Thurs-FREE Kids:Ages(2-14)Tues$10‘til6pm ALLTicketsSaturday$12 (SponsoredByCONSUMERSENERGY) ALL EVENTS INCLUDED!
August 2025 Issue August 2025 Issue Deadline: July 16th Deadline: July 16th
We produce two issues of Saddle Up! Magazine each month; one printed and one in digital format for online. Non-profit equine groups can now receive one full page, full color ad in our online edition FREE of charge.
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share the issue link that your ad appears in to your social media page(s). All ads must be online ready (7 13” W x 9 43” H) Limit one ad per month, per nonprofit group. Ad format: PDF or jpg.
July 20-26, 2025 | Caro, MI
HARNESS RACING
July 18-20
Pre-Fair Fun, Games & Prizes! Post Time 4pm Programs will be available for $5 Parking and Admission is FREE!
$10.00 ‘TIL 6PM Carnival Opens at Noon Sponsored by Steiner Tractor Parts and Michigan Sugar Company Kid’s Day: Free T-Shirts (limited qty ) Reduced Admission ages 2-14 Thumb Truck & Tractor Pull
BABY ANIMAL BARNYARD & MUXLOW EXOTICS
BABY ANIMAL BARNYARD
SUNDAY-SATURDAY NOON TO 9PM IN COMMERCIAL BUILDING II Sponsored By: DTE ENERGY
COMMERCIAL VENDORS
WEDNESDAY-THURSDAY JULY 23 THRU 24TH
Super Kicker Rodeo Sponsored By: Nextera Energy and Brentwood Graphics
FRIDAY, JULY 25
Thumb Truck and Tractor Pulling Returns with a new Semi Truck Class Sponsored by Farm Depot
TUSCOLA COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS
Caro, MI (Entrance on M-81, Next to Pizza Hut) https://tuscolacountyfair.org/
TUESDAY-SATURDAY JULY 22ND THRU 26TH Free Midway Show: Team Zoom Canine Entertainment Tuesday thru Saturday; 3 Shows Daily
THURSDAY, JULY 24
Senior Citizen Day Free Admission 62 & Older Senior Sponsored By: Aspire Rural Health System and Brentwood Graphics
SATURDAY, JULY 26
Unique Motorsports Bump & Run Off-Road Derby; Night of Destruction with Motorhome Class Sponsored by Invenergy
GRANDSTAND SHOWS: MONDAY START 6PM; TUES-SAT START AT 7PM
Senior Citizen Day Thursday, July 24
FreeAdmission62&Older Seniors- join us for the Euchre Tournament in Air-Conditioned Midway Hall at 5:30pm
The Tuscola County Fair Board appreciates the contributions from our local businesses: Thumb Cellular, Tri County Equipment & Wilkinson Corporation
PALM PARTNERSHIP TRAINING | BUILDING A PARTNERSHIP WITH YOUR HORSE
Western Dressage: Tips From a Judge’ s Perspective
Palm
In this series, Western Dressage from a Judge’s Perspective, I will give you tips from my point of view as a judge that may help your scores and learn to ride with more accuracy and precision. I find there are common challenges that everyone has learning the discipline, or common movements that riders have difficulty learning, which leads to horse and rider frustrations
This time around we will cover Level 1 This Level has plenty of new requirements so lots to cover. Let’s get started!
1 In lengthening gaits I find riders show some attempt However, there is typically no definite transitions to start and especially ending the lengthening. Riders then just add speed and quickness when they lengthen. Allow the horse to lengthen his neck and keep connection to create lengthening of the stride When connection is kept, you can show lengthening of the gait and have more defined transitions
2.Be conservative with lengthening the lope on the circle The 20-meter circle is very easy for a horse to lose his balance on that small of a circle, which will change his tempo and correct self-carriage I would rather see a horse keep the correct body position, same tempo, and round circle with some lengthening of the lope, then quick running strides
3 With backing I find riders get in a hurry, lose straightness, and have uneven steps When backing the horse must be straight for highest score with EVEN STEPS Even steps over speed and uneven steps will always be more correct and receive higher scores.
4.Turn on The Forehand, like backing, should have even steps from the hind legs I do want to see the horse not pivot with the front legs He should keep them moving during the turn Too often I see horse making side to side or backward steps, coming from the rider using too much hands aids, thus blocking forward motion Use the diagonal aids to keep the horse straight and forward as he is making his first lateral steps with this movement
5.Yielding, I find too much that the riders cannot control the shoulders/front legs and they lead the yielding movement. When this happens, the rider is
using the inside rein to achieve the movement
Sometimes the hips may lead. When the rider keeps the horse straight in his body position as he is asked to move laterally, this will allow more lateral sideways steps from the horse, especially with the hind legs The rider’s diagonal aids keep the horse straight & forward so he can make fluid balanced lateral steps
6. Turn of Haunches or Pivot is one of the hardest movements to get correct! I also teach turn in the haunches first, in Level 1 to keep the inside hind legs moving forward and allowing the turn to have fluidity and freedom to turn tight. I find again riders trying to make the turn too much from the reins, losing the bend in the horse’s body, resulting in tight short or backward steps The key to this movement is using the outside leg aid as the most active aid to create the body to turn tight. During the pivot the horse’s inside hind leg stays stationary Here the rider keeps the inside leg aid still to keep the bend, encouraging the horse’s inside hind leg to stay stationary
7 Serpentine on the quarter line: I find that riders close the half circle with a diagonal line, thus making
the new half circle lose its roundness in the first quarter I like to see the rider complete the half circle of the serpentine and be parallel to the short side before starting the new half circle This way you can balance and create round half circles asked for in the serpentine Showing correct bend in the 3 half circles is essential!
8 10- and 15-meter circles are done well if a rider can balance the horse with bend and straightness to his body position Riders will always struggle here if they have not perfected 20-meter circles with the correct bend and straightness of the horse Walk your circle on foot knowing each of the 4 points of the circle This will give you confidence to ride your circle with accuracy When you lose accuracy, you lose your eye of where you are going and the horse’s body position and balance Improve your circle by improving your eye to find your 4 quarter spots and anticipate with your aids to improve each quarter of your circle
There are many tips here to keep you busy at Level 1 Be sure to master these before advancing to Level 2 which we will cover next month when I share tips from the
SHOW & EVENT DATES
Michigan EVENTS
July 5, August 2, 16, 29, & 30, 2025: TNT Arena 2025 Sorting Shows Open: $25/Rider, #8, #5, $25/Rider, #2 $15/Rider. All shows start at 10am. $50 Payback all class except #2 #2 class buckles to winning team each show TNT-Arena com 734-649-7973 5251 Lyons Rd , Lyons, MI 48851
July 12, 2025: WHAM Presents Gaited Horse Clinic with Suzy Wyckoff. Hardy Farms 7215 N Latson Road, Howell MI 48855 Suzy Wyckoff 734-323-2273 mmfwyckoff@gmail com Facebook: The Walking Horse Association of Michigan
August 29 - September 1, 2025: Labor Day Weekend Sleep Hollow Trail Riders Camp Over Saturday poker run, potluck campfire Call Marsha Putnam at 989-277-8544.
September 6, 2025: Pine Lake Stables September Dressage Show. Plainwell, Michigan Online entries available at pinelakestables com Entries deadline is August 28, 2025
September 27, 2025 Fall Horseshoe Hunt Trail Ride. Silver Creek Equestrian Campground 3900 134th Ave. Hamilton MI 49419. Questions Kaitlynn Tuckey 810-614-1468 kait tuckey@yahoo com Facebook: The Walking Horse Association of Michigan
October 4-5, 2025: Phil Haugen Horsemanship Tour. $750.00/Rider. Lyons, Michigan at TNT Arena Limited to 15 riders. More information and tickets available at philhaugenhorsemanship com/events
October 17 - 19, 2025: Explore the Hollow Sleepy Hollow Trail Riders Weekend Camp Over Extra trails Friday and Saturday Potluck on Saturday. Call Marsha Putnam at 989277-8455
MICHIGAN AUCTIONS
HORSE & TACK AUCTION: 2nd Saturday of each month 5:00pm start Lake Odessa Livestock Auction, 3675 Tupper Lake Rd , Lake Odessa, MI Call Roger Leech 231 730 0353 Facebook or lakeodessalivestock.com
HORSE/TACK AUCTION: First Saturday of each month (except July) Tack 2pm, Horses after 6pm Consignments welcome Northern Michigan Livestock, 1848 N Townline Rd. Gaylord, MI. Office 231.439.5679. Find us on Facebook northernmichiganlivestock.com
MONDAYS: HAY & STRAW: 3:30pm, Livestock 5pm (cattle, goats, sheep, hogs, etc ) Ravenna Auction, LLC 3265 S. Slocum Road, Ravenna, MI. Call 231 853- 5738 Facebook or visit us at ravennaauction.com
TACK AUCTION: 3rd Saturday of each month, 5pm start Longhorn Auction Service, 3265 S Slocum Rd , Ravenna, MI Call 231 730-0353 Facebook: Longhom Auction Service
July 6, August 3, September 13: River Road Jumper Show-Hinckley Ohio All rounds will be judged by optimum time, encouraging safe steady correct riding Stabling is available $30 a day Including initial bedding. Entries will close the Thursday before the show Schedule will be available Friday morning.
July 18, August 15, September 19, October 3, and October 17 (finals only): Friday Night Buckle Series, Starts at 6:30pm Unlimited Runs Includes Stakes, Flags, Down & Back, Cake Walk, Mystery, Poles, and Barrels Show Info from Leanne Louive at 330-844-4041. Hosted at 4200 Overton Rd , Wooster, OH
July 26, August 30, September 20 and October 18: Dusty Britches Farmer’s Tan Gymkhana 9AM Start Time Miami Co Fairgrounds 650 N County Rd 25-A Troy, Ohio 45373 Enter Online Via SaddleBrook Follow Dusty Britches Equestrian on Facebook
July 26 - 27: Mustached Horse Guild, Buckeye Summer Classic All Breed Open Show Contesting Show on Friday Night. Jackpot Classes. Shows hosted at Henderson’s Indoor Arena, Jackson, Ohio More Information Available on Facebook at Buckeye Spring Classic
August 12, September 6, October 4 and November 2: Breakaway From Cancer Breakaway Series. 70% Payback. Entry deadline is the Monday prior to each event Locations vary depending on the date. For more info: follow Breakaway From Cancer on Facebook
SHOW & EVENT DATES
OHIO AUCTIONS
ATHENS LIVESTOCK SALES: Sale every Saturday at 12:30pm Consignment welcome. Athens Livestock Sales, 3738 Enlow Road, Albany, OH Call 740 592 2322 Email: jdbrowning01@gmail.com or find us on Facebook
MT. HOPE AUCTION: Horse, rack, livestock auctions monthly. Mt. Hope Auction, 8076 SR 241 Millersburg, OH Call us at 330 674 6188, email: info@mthopeauction.com. Find us on Facebook or mthopeauction com
LARUE HORSE SALE, LLC: Hay, straw, tack, and horse auction on the first Saturday of every month. 1059 Richwood-Larue Rd , Larue, OH Call 419 889 9150, email laruehorsesales@hotmail.com. laruehorsesales com
Indiana EVENTS
August 10: Wabush Valley Horsemen’s Association Pleasure Show, Office Open at 8am and Show Starts at 9am $5/Youth Class $10/Open Class $5 Office Charge. Call Before you Haul. Lori at 812-243-3819 or LaRea at 812-2405377
INDIANA AUCTIONS
HAMILTON COUNTY HORSE SALES: 1st & 3rd Saturday each month. New and used tack, hay, strawy, trailers, & horses. Consignors welcome. 22217 St Road 37 N , Noblesville, IN Call 317 946 4450 or 317 773 5590 or find us on Facebook for more information
IILLIANA LIVESTOCK, LLC: Tack, ponies, donkeys, and horse sales held at the Vermillion County Fairgrounds, 325 W. Maple St. Cayuga, IN. Call Clay Norris 574 780 8378 or Cobie Norris 217 260 5696 Facebook “Illiana Livestock LLC“
SHIPSHEANA TRADING PLACE: Horse Auction Fridays. 10:30am tack, 12:30pm horses 345 S Van Buren Shipshewana, IN. 260.768.4129, email: info@shipshewanatradingplace com, or visit shipshewanatradingplace com
TOPEKA LIVESTOCK AUCTION: Hay and livestock auction every Tuesday 601 E. Lake St., Topeka, IN. Call 260 593 2522 or email us at info@topekalivestock com Find us on Facebook or topekalivestock com
MSU Farrier School
There are currently approximately 155,000 horses in Michigan, based on the last Equine Survey (2007) While these numbers may have decreased somewhat based on the recession, the use of horses in the state has not decreased, and in fact may be increasing (personal observation). Each of these animals is in need of regular hoof care, with trimming required every 6-8 weeks and shoes (for those who are shod) required on a similar schedule
The old adage “no foot, no horse” holds, in that a horse without regular hoof care by a knowledgeable professional, is unlikely to be of use to its human caretakers Further, most horsemen and women would rather hire someone knowledgeable to do this work than to do it themselves. Finally, well-trained farriers have the potential to make a decent
living, as evidenced by “An American Farriers Journal survey in 2012 found that the average annual salary for full-time farriers in the U S was reported to be $92,623 per year and for part-timers, $21,153 This amount is an average and varies according to experience level, training, etc.” (TheFarriers Guide.com)
The problem currently facing the horse industry in the Midwest is that there is currently no reputable means by which to consistently produce well-trained farriers Michigan residents wishing to pursue this line of work, have needed to leave the state for extended periods of time. Until now.
Michigan State University offers the MSU Farrier School! This 12 or 24-week program will be housed on the MSU Horse Teaching and Research Center, and will be led by MSU alum, David Hallock, CJF, ASF Students in the program will receive both hands-on and classroom-based instruction in hoof and farrier science, equine anatomy and physiology, basic welding, and business. The class will run 8 hours per day, with the intention of producing individuals poised to be well trained, professional farriers to serve the equine industry.
For additional information, please contact: Karen L. Waite, Ph. D. kwaite@msu.edu 517-432-0383 David Hallock, CJF, ASF 3rforge@gmail.com
Online application and details available at: https://www.canr.msu.edu/farrierschool/
Photo credit: D Hallock, A Kampfer
Built, Not Broken
By Robert Eversole trailmeister.com
For generations, the goal of horse training was to get a horse “broke ” Broke to ride Broke to lead Broke to behave
But what if I told you I disagree with the whole premise? Historically, breaking a horse meant precisely what it sounds like: breaking its will, its spirit, and its sense of self. The goal was submission, and the process was often forceful. The same kind of breaking happens in unhealthy relationships between people: when one partner dominates the other until their voice, preferences, and independence are gradually erased
It doesn’t always look violent Often, it’s subtle It happens in a thousand small moments where someone learns it’s safer to stop speaking up They become technically present but emotionally gone.
That’s exactly what I see at some hitching rails. Long lines of mules or horses, heads hanging low, eyes dull, disengaged from the world around them. They’ve been ridden hard, handled harder, and trained in a way that silenced their spirit. They do what they’re told, but there’s no curiosity left No spark They’ve been shut down in the name of being “broke ”
And that’s not what I want from my animals
I Don’t Want Obedience - I Want Engagement
I want my horses and mules to have life in them Opinions Expression. Even a little sass if that’s who they are. I like character in an animal I want a horse that thinks and responds, not one that performs without awareness. Strip all that away, and you’re left with a lifeless machine
A horse that says “yes” to everything because he’s learned that saying “no” isn’t allowed It’s the equine version of a partner who mutters “whatever you want” not because they agree but because their opinions have been ignored for so long they’ve stopped offering them
The Trouble with Desensitizing
One popular trend in horse training today is desensitization. Now, to be clear, done well, it has a place. A horse needs to feel safe when a tarp flaps in the wind or a plastic bag blows across the trail But we’ve lost the point Desensitizing isn’t supposed to mean “make the horse feel nothing ” Too often, it turns into flooding, overwhelming the horse with stimuli until he shuts down There’s no room for understanding, just compliance. A trainer waves a flag, rattles a bag, and pushes until there’s no reaction left And then they call that success.
But a horse that doesn’t react isn’t necessarily calm He might just be numb. Disconnected. Resigned. He’s not learning He’s coping
And that’s not partnership That’s captivity
The Thinking Horse Is the Safe Horse
If I’m riding in the backcountry, down a shale slope, across a log-jammed creek, I don’t want a horse that’s just waiting for the next command I want one that’s thinking. One that feels the terrain and adjusts. A horse that uses his brain, not just his training
That kind of thinking doesn’t come from fear or repetition It comes from confidence, built over time through trust, experience, and a training style that encourages independent thought It takes patience It takes relationship
Like a Good Marriage
Training a horse is not unlike a healthy human partnership. You don’t want a spouse who agrees with you just to avoid conflict You want someone who contributes. Who feels safe being themselves. Who challenges you when needed and listens when it counts That’s not obedience That’s trust And that’s what I want from the animals I trust with my life in the wilderness
Built Through Trust, Not Fear
True horsemanship isn’t about dominance. It’s not about forcing a horse into submission It’s about
communication, not control I want an animal who chooses to work with me, because he trusts what I’m asking and understands what’s expected
So, no I don’t want a “broke” horse
I want a horse that’s been built
Built through quiet consistency Through fair leadership
Through a relationship that rewards curiosity and builds confidence A horse that’s been allowed to remain himself and has learned to engage with the world instead of shutting it out
When someone asks if my mules are broke, I smile.
“No,” I say “They’re educated They’re alive They’re with me ”
And that’s exactly how I want it
Robert Eversole is the creator of TrailMeister com, the world’s largest guide to equine camps and horse trails.
He’s also the author of The ABCs of Trail Riding and Horse Camping, available on Amazon. For more articles on trail riding, camp cooking, and equine training, visit his website or follow him on social media.
By Kim Cardeccia | ConfidenceThroughConnection.com
When we’re building trust — with our horses or with ourselves — it’s easy to lean on what worked yesterday. We remember a moment of connection, a ride that felt effortless, a session where everything clicked. So naturally, we expect that if we just repeat the steps, we’ll get the same results.
But horses don’t live in yesterday. And neither do we. I was reminded of this truth recently with one of my own horses. We’ve saddled up many times before, always without issue. But on this particular day, something was off. The moment I went to tack up, she wouldn’t stand still. No big blow-up. Just a quiet, unmistakable “no.”
In that moment, I had a choice: to get frustrated or to get curious.
It was a gentle but powerful reminder that past experiences don’t guarantee today’s outcome. Horses meet us in the moment — and their capacity, willingness, and confidence can shift just like ours. When we assume they’ll be exactly where they were yesterday, we miss the opportunity to connect with who they are right now.
Instead of pushing forward, we can pause and take stock:
Where are they today?
Where are we?
What’s true in this moment?
What small positive can we find here?
SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT OPPORTUNITIES
Approaching each session with a fresh lens opens space for deeper understanding. And that’s where trust begins to rebuild — not from a place of control, but from presence.
Most importantly, it’s a chance to release the idea that your horse’s reaction is a reflection of your worth, skill, or effort. It’s just information. When we let go of needing to prove something, we create a more compassionate space — for them and for ourselves.
That shift in perspective doesn’t just support the horse. It strengthens something within us, too.
So take a breath. Let go of yesterday. Look at what’s here today. Trust that showing up, exactly as you are, is more than enough.
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Webberville,MI(Ingham)
Email:bill@radiant-energy com (S-08/25)
HORSE BLANKET WASH
GOOD AS NEW BLANKETS – Horse blanket washandrepairservice 10yearsexperience
GOOD AS NEW BLANKETS –517 404 6336 2711E.GrandRiver,Howell,MI48843
Email:goodasnewblankets@gmail com Online:https://www goodasnewblankets com/
HORSE TRAILERS
SPARTA CHEVROLET & TRAILER SALES
We specialize in horse trailers: full living quarters with slideout, to smaller two horse bumper pulls Cimarron, Lakota, Sundowner and Trails West Great selection and even better prices! SPARTA CHEVROLET & TRAILER SALES
CallJimKelly–616 887 34568955
SpartaAve.NW,Sparta,MI(M-12/25) Email:jkelly@spartachevy comOnline: www spartachevytrailers com
Auto-top surrey for sale: seats 4, single horse, comes with snap on panels for privacy or weather protection. Very good condition, used for weddings and parades. $5000
Call or text: 574-850-0853 Plymouth, IN (M-9/25)
CLASSIFIED ADS
SADDLE/LEATHER REPAIR
SADDLE, LEATHER & TACK REPAIR: Used saddlesandtackboughtandsold Certifiedwith 40plusyearsofexperience
SADDLE REPAIR & LEATHER WORK: New and used saddles and tack bought and sold CompleteLeatherRepairavailable.Manyyears ofexperience M-F9am-6pm,Sat 9:30-5pm
JIM'S QUALITY SADDLE CO.
JimMoule–248.887.4829
Milford,MI(Oakland) (S-9/25)
TAX ACCOUNTANT
Sandalwood CPA, PLLC
Mid Michigan's QuickBooks expert here to assist you with your business accounting needs Sandalwood CPA specializes in equine and agricultural business taxation.
Tack Sale Special: DiscountedAdRatesOctoberthruAprilIssues
Tack Sale Special: DiscountedAdRatesOctoberthruAprilIssues
Tack Sale Special: DiscountedAdRatesOctoberthruAprilIssues
Camera Ready –HighResolutionPDF,CMYK(blacktextmustbe100%K)
Professional Ad Design –Youmaysubmitcamerareadyart,orwecan designyouradforyouatnoadditionalcharge.AlowresolutionPDFproof (jpguponrequest)willbeemailedtoyouforyourapprovalbeforeyour advertisementgoestoprint.
Medal Classes: Crossrails Equitation, Trail, Ranch Riding
Cohoctah Park –1000 Allen Rd., Howell, MI 48855
FENTON/HOLLY - HORSE FARM on 10.67 Gently Rolling Acres Beautiful Cape Cod home with 4 bedrooms and 2 full baths. Full finished basement Views out every window Lots of updates, newer windows and roof. 2 garages, dog grooming set up. Horse barn is 36X42 with 6 large boxstalls, 12X36 lean-to, 30X25 storage building, large concrete pad for parking a boat or RV. Fenced pastures/paddocks. Ride to Rose Oaks Park or take a short trailer ride to Pontiac Lake, Kensington, Highland Rec, Proud Lake and Elba county park riding trails. Gorgeous parcel of land. Offered at $569,900! Contact Kathie Crowley for a private showing MLS#20251007530 and located at 2025 W Rose Center Rd - Holly, MI.
WANTED/NEEDED: Horse Farms and Vacant Land of all sizes and price ranges! I have SOLD all of my inventory and have great, qualified buyers that are looking for property. Contact me today!
