I was inspired by Tik this weekend and decided to give clicker training a try with my horse! My timing wasn’t perfect, but overall he really enjoyed it and picked up target work super quickly. It even helped him work through a spook—over a hula hoop, of all things! By the end, he was confidently touching it and clearly proud of himself for earning a click and a treat. We’ll definitely be doing more of this!
in 🙌 share_a_win
March 30
I've had a very memorable moment this week, and I'd
Iove to tell you about it. I've had my new mare Skye for only 3 months. She usually trots over to the gate when she sees me--or at least she walks over-- but this week after I hadn't been to the barn for 3 days (my husband has cancer and was hospitalized, so my plate is very full), Skye full out galloped over to greet me at the gate! My heart just burst!
September 09, 2024
• Edited (Oct 26, 2024)
We want to hear from YOU! What have you learned on NF+ that has helped you and your horse improve? Have you had any break-throughs or memorable learning moments? Share your pictures, videos, and success stories here!
March 18
• Edited (Mar 18, 2025)
🔴 We’re LIVE with Josh Nichol – Tune in Now!
Josh is breaking down real rider videos right now and sharing his expert insights on everything from contact issues to jumping pace, ground handling, and herd-bound behaviors. Here’s a look at some of the challenges he’s may tackle today:
✅ How to encourage a "space horse" to respond to pressure without escalation
✅ Exercises to steady a strong, experienced jumper after fences
✅ Whether mares in heat could be affecting a young stallion’s behavior
✅ Supporting an ex-broodmare’s transition to dressage
✅ Helping an anxious Andalusian gelding feel more secure on the ground
✅ Finding the right balance between rhythm and impulsion over fences
✅ Managing a spooky horse with vision limitations and a barn mate who evades by running backward
Josh is sharing tailored strategies to help each rider—and you can learn alongside them! Jump in now and ask questions live.
Join the webinar:Â https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_tU1BmIVNTbueGr6ulf_LPQ
in 🙌 share_a_win
March 13
I have just finished following the Tik Masterclass for Anxious and Spooky horses. I have followed a couple of other online trainers' methods for this for a couple of years but both my mare and I just ended up getting frustrated and she even started to get dangerous when I asked her to do any sort of work - and that is only from the ground! This was the last chance saloon. Tik explains everything so clearly and precisely and the demos show it all with raw footage. Everything he said made sense to me (finally) and I was able to easily put it into practice with immediate results - small incremental improvements everyday. Bingo - my mare finally has the leader she has been desperately seeking and I feel like I am at last speaking her language. It has also worked for my young horse who was getting more and more anxious on the trails after a couple of incidents that sent him over the top e.g. loose galloping horses next to the trail. BTW I come from the old school of dominant horsemanship (I am ashamed to admit) and in the past I have been able to get some pretty difficult horses to do things but the mare I have now said a firm "NO" to my dominant approach. Thanks to this mare I have changed how I work with all my horses and thanks to Tik I have finally found the key to successfully working with my current horses without being dominant. (If only I could apologise to those of my horses that are no longer with me who put up with me in the past.) I can't thank Tik enough for putting this Masterclass together, and Noëlle for starting this platform and getting such great trainers on board and for all content. It is life changing. Even my non-horsey husband is enjoying the Ifa Simmonds' workout and the Yoga!
January 21
Hi members! Have you tried Ifa Simmond's Cross Training for Equestrians program? I’m collecting testimonials and would love to hear about your experience! 🤩 Your feedback could inspire others to take the leap and transform their riding and fitness journey.
in 🙌 share_a_win
March 02
I'd love to share a major breakthrough with my mare, Katie, yesterday. I've had her 3 years and while we've had some rocky moments, we've also had some good times. Last year I asked my friend to coach us and we made some marvelous improvements in my horsemanship. We went from trail riding and cattle driving to working equitation and arena work and had a blast. However, things went downhill this fall to the point of her not even wanting the saddle.
Things deteriorated over the winter and after I ruled out physical ailments, I just let her be (which is easy during a South Dakota winter). When I'd get near her she'd pin her ears and threaten to bite. This stumped me and my friend.
Then I found Josh Nichols. I studied all his content here on NF+ and it became clear to me that Katie and I had a relationship issue. And, she's clearly a strong space horse (think Lily x 2!). So I set out on a new path of intention, presence, and confidence. I tried everything but made no progress. In fact her responses got more violent.
Feeling like I had just about run out of options and had nothing more to lose, yesterday I approached Katie with the mindset of being big, bold, and full of myself. I put a halter on her, took her to the round pen, and had a conversation with her. I held my ground and with plenty of volume and confidence I told her that I was trying my best but I have boundaries too and that we need to find balance in our relationship. I said she's amazing and I'm amazing and I love her.
Can you believe that within seconds she yawned several times and then licked and chewed?? I just about cried. I removed her halter and she simply stood with me, oh so relaxed. I can't help but wonder if she was thinking, "It's about time..."
Thank-you, Josh. You're amazing too.
September 27, 2024
Hi! I wanted to share a victory of my own since watching Josh’s latest course. It’s given me so much more awareness of my horse’s needs. While my horse tends to be more of a Mind horse, I’ve definitely seen him experience all three needs. Over the past week, I’ve changed how I respond when I recognize he's seeking a need. For example, when he’s in a Pressure state, I used to think he was being disrespectful and would move him out of my space. I still don't let him walk over me, but now the energy is different—I've learned to use those moments to connect with him.
When I’m riding, I’ve been focusing on using my reins to help change his thoughts. The other day, we were in the ring, and his paddock buddy was getting ready to head out for a trail ride. I started feeling a bit anxious because usually, when his friend leaves without him, my horse gets upset, and I end up needing to get off and do groundwork. But this time, after just a few soft thought redirections, he stayed calm and relaxed, and we had an amazing ride. He didn’t look, lean towards the gate, or call out once. I was so happy! It felt amazing to have a better understanding of his needs so that we can have the best relationship and truly want to be together— even more than being on a fun trail ride with his best horse-friend!
February 21
Excited to finally share a win from a couple weekends ago! Our trainer graced us with her presence to host a mini-clinic for us winter warriors up north.
Honestly, I was a little nervous about how we would handle it, considering the weather and the crazy temperatures this winter, which has led to a lack of consistency. But I’m thrilled to say that Luke brought his A-game EVERY.SINGLE.DAY! I gave it my all too, and I couldn’t be prouder of us. We had a lot of fun!
So grateful for this incredible horse and can’t wait for the next session – hopefully with some warmer weather! 😅
Who else is a winter warrior? What’ve you been doing to keep yourself and your horse going? 🥶
October 17, 2024
I wanted to share a little clip from last night. Riding Lady with GG at liberty in Wyoming. After so much relational work with Josh - both online and in person- I feel so empowered in my trust and bond with both my horses. I felt like a million bucks riding around last night, in a completely new place, feeling the connection between me & Lady, me & GG and GG & Lady. Like invisible threads. Lady’s mind & body under saddle has improved 10x and she’s soft and balanced under saddle thanks to all the body mapping and balance work with Josh. Wow, I am over the moon 🌙