The less we trust, the more we try to control. But what if your horse could teach you more about yourself than any self-help book ever could?

In the latest episode of Dear Horse World, Duey Freeman —therapist, educator, and equine expert — explains how horses mirror our emotions, reveal our blind spots, and help us grow in ways we never imagined. From relational horsemanship to Gestalt therapy, this conversation will change the way you see your horse—and yourself.

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

What’s happening on NF+ this week?

🎙️ Duey Freeman joins Dear Horse World to discuss equine-assisted therapy and the art of building trust with your horse on Tuesday, February 11th.

🖥️ Office Hours is back! Tik Maynard is answering your horsemanship and riding questions live on Tuesday, February 11th.

🥇 Peder Fredricson makes his NF+ debut with three episodes of A Day in the Life, giving you a rare behind-the-scenes look at his world-class approach to training and competition on Friday, February 14th.

What are you most excited to tune in for?

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+!

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

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 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!

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! 

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.

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!