Tom Dorrance and Ray Hunt shaped modern horsemanship not through rigid techniques, but through their ability to read a horse. Their influence runs deep, and their lessons on feel, timing, and intuition still shape the way we train and ride today.

In Part 2 of our conversation with Martin Black, we take a closer look at their philosophies, the impact they had on generations of horsemen, and how their wisdom continues to resonate in today’s horse world.

🎧 Listen now on NF+, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube!

The final episodes of Tik Maynard's Four Building Blocks to Better Horsemanship are now live on NF+!

In Episode 3: Motivation, Tik meets Sienna, a skeptical pony with a history of avoiding contact. With the help of animal behavior scientist Amelia McCray, he unpacks what truly motivates horses—and how understanding fear, curiosity, and reward can build trust instead of resistance. Through a thoughtful mix of pressure and release, clicker training, and food rewards, Tik shifts Sienna’s experience from one of fear to curiosity.

In Episode 4: Play, Tik explores the essential yet often-overlooked role of play in training. With liberty expert Michelle Young, he breaks down how play fosters connection, transforms the way horses feel about learning, and turns training into an invitation rather than an obligation.

Have you been tuning in? Let us know your thoughts!

This is one of my five year olds, Labyrinth IHF.

Although he is a little too short to be my dream horse, he is so well connected and conformed naturally that he wants to perform more challenging movements already.

My win is that he gave me a clean change yesterday (when trying a counter canter pattern, of course).

I am working hard to show the Five Year Old test with him this year and hoping to gain more opportunities as a young horse rider.

Fun Fact: I broke my wrist starting him! We grew through fear and connect now more than ever, using many techniques trainers at NF+ have taught me. Now, he really has decided his job is fun, has found his balance without ducking behind vertical, and I know he will make an amateur so happy once he has more miles under his belt.

His enthusiasm and talent is a fun new challenge for me!

The latest episode of Dear Horse World is here, featuring the fascinating Martin Black, who grew up learning from legends like Ray Hunt and Tom Dorrance and has spent a lifetime blending traditional Vaquero techniques with modern, evidence-based methods.

Join Martin and Noelle as they dig into the balance between tradition and innovation, the lessons English and Western riders can learn from each other, and why intuition should always come before labels.

🎧 Listen now on NF+, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube!

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!