Welcome to our blog
True Grit Conversations is where I share my personal stories, experiences, and the lessons I've learned throughout my lifelong journey with horses. Along the way, I've experienced both challenges and triumphs that have shaped my philosophy of horsemanship. My hope is that these conversations will encourage, educate, and inspire you as you build a stronger partnership with your horse.
Here you'll find an ever-growing library of videos, audio conversations, educational articles, practical demonstrations, downloadable resources, and answers to common horsemanship questions. Each conversation is designed to provide practical knowledge, thoughtful insights, and proven guidance that you can apply in your everyday work with horses.
Whether you're just beginning your horsemanship journey or looking to refine your skills, my goal is to help you develop a willing, confident horse through communication, understanding, and education.
I encourage you to begin with Horsemanship Philosophy, then continue through Round Pen Methodology, In-Hand Communication, Confidence, Trust & a Solid Mind, Foundation Riding, and finally Performance Riding. Each conversation builds upon the last, creating a structured learning journey that strengthens your knowledge, develops your horsemanship, and deepens the connection between you and your horse.
Step Eight - Discover Horsemanship Philosophy & Methodology in the Round Pen
Step Eight - First Physical Touch with Hands on Both Sides up to Withers - Discover Horsemanship Philosophy and Methodology in the Round Pen
When a horse approaches you with curiosity but then quickly runs away as soon as you attempt to touch it, it clearly indicates a significant lack of trust between you and the animal. Consider the behavior of wild animals such as horses or deer; when you move towards them with the intention to touch or interact, they generally perceive you as a potential threat and will immediately flee because they do not have confidence in your intentions. Picture yourself in an open prairie, where a wild horse unexpectedly charges in your direction; your instinctive reaction would likely be to run away, driven by that same issue of trust that exists in the animal world.