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  in  🌟 community_updates
February 06
• Edited (Feb 06, 2025)

The first two episodes of Tik Maynard’s Building Blocks to Better Horsemanship are here! 🎉

This new docuseries isn’t about step-by-step training techniques — it’s about changing the way you see and think about working with horses. Tik takes you beyond mechanics and into the four building blocks at the heart of true horsemanship: Observation, Communication, Motivation, and Play.

In Episode 1: Observation, Tik sets out to observe wild horses in British Columbia, only to find the herd has already been rounded up — a reminder of how human intervention shapes a horse’s world. Shifting focus to a skeptical colt at Caleb Smith’s ranch, he demonstrates how horsemanship begins with seeing, listening, and understanding.

In Episode 2: Communication, Tik explores the art of clear, intentional communication with Andrea Taylor, a top dressage rider and Paralympic coach. Working with her young horse, Freddie, he unpacks the small, everyday moments that either build connection or break it — proving that real communication is more than cues, it’s a conversation.

We can't wait for you to watch —  tune in now on NF+!

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  in  🌟 community_updates
November 14, 2024

💪 Ready to level up your riding with our NEW Training Program?

In just 15 minutes a day, you can build the strength, stability, and confidence you need in the saddle—no gym, no hassle.

This course is tailor-made for equestrians, with quick, powerful workouts that target the exact muscles riders rely on. Fit it in before a ride, after, or even between barn chores. 

What you’ll gain:
✅ A stronger, more balanced seat
✅ Precise, effective leg aids
✅ Steady, elastic rein contact
✅ Relaxed, fluid movement with your horse 

🏇 Ride better. Feel stronger. Recover quicker. Commit just 15 minutes a day and transform your riding!

Check out Cross Training for Equestrians 

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  in  🌟 community_updates
February 05

Ocala area folks — does your horse struggle with trailering? Tik Maynard is here to help! 🫡

We’re looking for a few horses with trailering and loading challenges to work with Tik on camera later this month. If your horse has a tough time with loading, unloading, or staying calm & confident while hauling, we’d love to hear more about you, your horse, where you’re getting stuck, and how your barn is set up. (We’ll come to you!)

📍 Ocala, FL

📅 February 17 - 19, 2025

📩 Tell us about your horse

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  in  🌟 community_updates
February 05

The newest episode of Dear Horse World is here!

A saddle that looks fine might still be causing chronic pain, behavior issues, and even breaking the trust between horse and rider. Jochen Schleese has spent decades uncovering the hidden ways saddle fit affects both horse and rider. In this episode, he sits down with Noëlle to expose the realities of poor saddle fit, why so many saddles aren’t designed for women, and the small changes can make a big difference in comfort, confidence, and connection.

Tune in to Dear Horse World on NF+Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube!

  in  🙌 share_a_win
January 27

I have two wins from this weekend!

  1. I made it to the barn! As a mom of a toddler, just finding time to get to the barn is a challenge—add the mental hurdle of arranging childcare and battling guilt, and it’s a lot. But this weekend was sunny and beautiful, and even though part of me wanted to stay home, I reached out for support and made it happen. Win!

  2. I channeled Tik and Josh during groundwork. I’d planned to ride, but one look in my horse’s eye told me it was a groundwork day. Instead of feeling disappointed, I embraced it, inspired by Tik’s excitement for groundwork and play. While working at liberty, I challenged myself to move bigger, more open, and fluid with my arms and hands, like Josh does. Normally, I hold back and be a bit more rigid, but this time, I let go of all that self-consciousness—and it was incredible. My horse’s responses were so light and so in tune, it truly felt magical. We had so much fun.

What's your win? 😍

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  in  🌟 community_updates
January 30

In December, one of our Facebook posts sparked a big debate: does the American equitation system put too much pressure on riders to look the part?

We're joined this week by Nicki Shahinian-Simpson, who knows what it’s like to chase the perfect position — she’s won both Maclay and Medal Finals. But she’s also seen how that pressure can steal your confidence.

Tune in as Nicki and Noelle break down the realities of position: what actually matters, how it affects your riding, and why strength, individuality, and skill should take priority over fitting the mold.

You don't want to miss this one - listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube!

  in  🌟 community_updates
January 29

If you didn't get a chance to join our Review My Ride virtual clinic with Josh Nichol, the replay is now available to watch on NF+!  And we've made it free for anyone — not just NF+ members —  to stream for a limited time. 

One attendee shared with us, "This is the most brilliant thing I’ve seen in a long time (and I watch a lot of content and trainers). It’s the missing piece of the puzzle—absolutely life-changing." 🤯

Did you join us on Monday, or plan to tune into the replay? As always, we'd love to hear your thoughts and feedback! 

  in  🌟 community_updates
January 27

Caracole de la Roque, piloted by our own NF+ instructor Karl Cook at the Paris Olympics, was just named the USEF International Horse of the Year! Plus, Karl himself was awarded the William C. Steinkraus Trophy in recognition of his contributions to the Olympic team.

A big NF+ round of applause for Karl and Cara!  👏  And if you missed it, we caught up with the Cooks right after their return from Paris — you can read the full conversation on the blog.

  in  🙌 share_a_win
January 15

So I was doing some work with my mare on the lunge line today.. shebwas not happy, was reactive, and just saying "no". I thought "hmmm... she isn't typically like this during groundwork or lunge line stuff, maybe I should take it off ". ..
Now, part of me was struggling with this because she was being "naughty" (I rarely use that term... but there was a whole lot of "no ma'am " happening today), and if I took it off, was I allowing her to get away with this not-so-great behavior?? Well, I trusted my gut, and took her rope halter and line off. Initially she was just walking around sniffing, only paying attention to me about 10% of the time. I let her sniff then asked her to move forward.
To my very pleasant surprise, my mare did a lovely trot and canter circle around me, even kept it about a perfect 20m circle. She listened to my voice cues, my body language. It was awesome!!!! Maybe she was annoyed i wasnt "trusting" her and today needed to be the day I let her work at liberty!!! It was so lovely!!
I finished our time off by putting her back on the lead line and asking her to trot over some ground poles. This time, she was soft, nice and forward, stretching forward and down. I wanted her to finish on the lunge line in a positive light, and she totally did.
Today was a huge win for us. My mare is definitely showing me that I can trust her and ask her for more than I have realized!

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  in  🌟 community_updates
January 22

Join us on Monday, January 27th at 2 pm ET / 11 am PT for a "Review My Ride" virtual clinic with Josh Nichol

This is a great opportunity to get personalized advice from Josh on your training questions, and to learn from other riders' experiences and challenges. 

Register to join here — there will be a replay available if you can't make it live. Then, submit your video here for a chance to have Josh review it during the event.

Let us know if you have any questions & see you there! 

P.S. — this virtual clinic is free and open to all, not just NF+ members, so feel free to share with your barn friends & community!