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!
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.
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+!
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!
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.
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!
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? 🥶