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 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!

Ready to take your riding to the next level? Join us for a 14-Day Rider Fitness Challenge, designed to help you build strength, balance, and mobility in just 15 minutes a day. No gym or fancy equipment needed; just simple, effective exercises that fit seamlessly into your barn life.

Each day, you’ll follow a targeted workout inspired by Ifa Simmonds’ Cross Training for Equestrians, focusing on the key muscles that support a stronger, more stable ride. Whether you’re looking to refine your seat, improve your core engagement, or just feel better in and out of the saddle, this challenge is for you.

Commit to the challenge, check in with the community, and see how just two weeks of small daily effort can transform the way you ride. 💪

Ready to ride stronger? Join us for the 14-Day Rider Fitness Challenge!

On February 24, we’re kicking off a challenge designed to help you build strength, balance, and mobility in just 15 minutes a day. No gym or fancy equipment involved — just simple, effective exercises that fit seamlessly into your life.

Each day, you’ll follow a targeted workout from Ifa Simmonds’ Cross Training for Equestrians, focusing on the key muscles that support a stable, effective ride. Whether you’re looking to refine your seat, improve core engagement, or simply feel stronger in and out of the saddle, this challenge is for you.

How it works:

📅 The challenge goes live Monday AM right here in the community

🏋️ Follow the daily 15-minute workouts

🤝 Check in, connect, and stay accountable with the community

✨ See how just two weeks of small, daily effort can transform the way you ride

Plus, we’re setting up an Office Hours session with Ifa so you can ask him your personal questions about fitness and strength!

🔥 Who’s in? Let us know in the comments if you’re joining us!

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!

We want to know your questions about bits & bitting! Have you ever wondered if your horse’s bit is truly the right fit? Confused about mouthpieces or materials?

Now’s your chance to ask an expert — Noëlle will be sitting down soon with Mette Larsen for a No Stupid Questions episode of Dear Horse World focused on bitting!

Mette is the NF+ instructor of Beyond the Bit, a full masterclass on bitting, and Dressage for All Disciplines; as well as a USDF Bronze and Silver Medalist, FEI dressage competitor, and president of Neue Schule USA. With decades of experience riding and training across disciplines, she’s built a career on understanding the nuances of bit fit, horse comfort, and effective communication.

Drop your questions in the comments below, and Mette will answer them in the upcoming episode. (And no question is too basic or simple — when we say no stupid questions, we mean it!)

Show jumping has a problem—one no one wants to talk about. Dangerous course design is putting horses and riders at risk, but speaking up can cost riders opportunities, sponsors, and even their horses.

Harry Charles isn’t staying quiet. After a bad fall at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) in January, the 25-year-old Olympian took to social media to call for change, sparking an urgent conversation about safety and accountability in the sport. Now, he’s pulling back the curtain on the risks riders face, the consequences of speaking out, and why the system needs to change.

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

The wait is over — brand-new episodes of A Day in the Life with Peder Fredricson are now streaming on NF+! Whether you're an aspiring rider or simply a fan of top-level horsemanship, these episodes are an intimate look at one of the sport’s greatest minds:

A Day in the Life – Spend a day with Peder as he trains, competes, and fine-tunes the little things that set him apart. From adjusting training routines to hacking out in nature, he shares what it really takes to be one of the best.

Inside My Stable – Step into Grevlundagården, the farm Peder has spent 23 years shaping. He shares how he built it from the ground up, the thoughtful details that keep his horses happy and healthy, and why this place is the heart of his success.

What’s in My Tack Room – Peder’s approach to tack is all about precision, comfort, and putting the horse first. He even designs his own bridles under his new brand, Bhoof, to ensure the perfect fit—because, in his world, the smallest details make the biggest difference.

Tune in to all three episodes on NF+ and let us know your thoughts on Peder's routines & philosophy!