DhW Ep 020 - Part 1: Bridging Tradition and Modern Horsemanship with Martin Black

What if the true magic of horsemanship isn’t in perfecting techniques or equipment, but in forming a deeper, intuitive bond with your horse? In this episode, we explore how shifting from rigid methods to a relationship-driven approach can transform not only your training, but your entire partnership with your horse.

We’re joined by Martin Black, a master of traditional horsemanship who blends the time-honored Vaquero methods with modern, evidence-based practices. Martin has shaped countless horses, starting 500 colts a year and learning from legends like Ray Hunt—his former father-in-law—and Tom Dorrance, the godfather of natural horsemanship. Tom’s influence on the world of horsemanship is immense, and in this episode, Martin shares how his teachings have profoundly impacted the way we communicate with horses.

But this isn’t just about history—it’s about rethinking horsemanship itself. Martin reflects on a time when the lines between English and Western disciplines weren’t so clear, when instinct, intuition, and partnership mattered more than labels. What can the English world learn from the cowboys of the Idaho mountains? And what can the Western world take from the English approach? Martin’s insights will change the way you think about discipline and deepen your relationship with your horse.

If you've ever felt frustrated by rigid training methods or yearned for fluidity between disciplines, this episode is the wisdom you’ve been waiting for.

The book referenced at the start of this episode was Evidence-Based Horsemanship by Dr. Stephen Peters & Martin Black.

To learn more from Martin Black, and access a number of links & resources, visit his website:
🌍 https://martinblack.net/

Or follow him on socials at:
📱 instagram.com/y6martinblack/
📺 ‪@MartinBlackhorsemanship‬