In the Performance horse world, there is a lot of talk about horses with heart or try. It seems like some horses have that magical spark to them that makes them want to give it their all in the show pen or on the barrel pattern. There are many ways that a rider can either …
Continue reading "Training for Heart and Try"
Confidence, by definition, is the state of feeling certain about the truth of something. There is always a lot of talk about self confidence, and confidence in our horses or in our training. But I have to admit, most of the chatter about those things still leaves me feeling empty and like I'm grasping for …
Continue reading "Confidence and Glass Jars"
If I graduated high school and decided I wanted to be a neurosurgeon, wouldn't it be a little strange if I told you I didn't plan to go to college? I don't need to go to school and study. I'll just practice brain surgery on people until I gain enough experience. It's kind of morbid …
Continue reading "Do It Yourself"
Sometimes I teach horses, sometimes I give lessons, and sometimes life hands lessons to me. Lessons that can only be learned by stepping out there, taking risks and making mistakes. I crave the thrill of taking a risk and seeing what happens. Sometimes it works out in my favor, sometimes it's a failure I'll never forget, …
Continue reading "Comfort Zones and Risky Behavior"
Last summer I listed a horse for sale that I had trained from the ground up. He was one hundred percent a reflection of the training I did with him. I was proud of how broke he was and how well he listened to me. He was fun to ride and I really hoped to …
Continue reading "Deconstructed Horsemanship"
If you have been barrel racing for any length of time, chances are you have run into issues with your horse anticipating the turn too early or shouldering the barrel. It's a common problem with a million different solutions to try. I will just go over one drill that I've had some good luck with …
Continue reading "Barrel Horse Drills; Shouldering and Anticipation "
Emily Gernaat Performance Horses 