Every time I step into the arena, whether it’s with a young colt that’s barely been touched or a horse that’s farther along in its training, I’m reminded of just how many little things add up to make a big difference. It’s not just about putting in the time; it’s about understanding how everything works together.

Equipment: It’s Not Just What You Use, But How You Use It

One of the things we talked about recently during a little clinic session was equipment. There’s a reason there are so many different kinds of equipment out there—because not every tool is going to work the same on every horse. But at the end of the day, it’s not really about the tool itself. It’s about how you use it to send a signal.

Take something as simple as lateral softness. If I ask my horse to soften and bend, and they’re hanging on my rein the whole time, I haven’t really achieved what I’m after. Sure, they might be making the move, but if they’re not putting slack back in the rein, they’re just physically responding rather than mentally engaging. And that’s a problem, because when you add speed, that slight resistance turns into a whole lot of trouble.

When you ask for something, your horse should be the one to find the release. That’s when they truly learn.

Time: There Are No Shortcuts

One of the biggest factors in training is time. We live in a world where we want instant results, but horses don’t work that way. Training takes time, and more importantly, it takes consistent time.

This morning, I’m working with a colt that hasn’t had much handling. I already know the first thing I’ll have to do is help that horse work through its self-defense mechanisms. Anytime a horse is unsure or nervous, they go into fight-or-flight mode. My job is to help them realize they don’t need to defend themselves from me—that they can think through a situation instead of just reacting.

That doesn’t happen in one session. That happens over time, with consistent, positive experiences. If you step into a training session thinking you’re going to fix everything in one ride, you’re setting yourself and your horse up for frustration.

Ray Hunt used to say, “Sometimes it’s going to get worse before it gets better.” And that’s the truth. The key is staying with the process, helping the horse work through those tough moments, and rewarding every little bit of try.

Reading Your Horse: The Importance of Perspective

One thing I was reminded of yesterday during a video shoot with the Bluebonnet Feeds team was how different something can look depending on your perspective. They were filming in my old saddle barn—the oldest building on my place, built in the late 40s or early 50s. Now, that barn isn’t fancy. It’s been well-kept, but it was built on cowboy wages, one ride at a time.

When I saw the video shots, though, I couldn’t believe how good it looked. It made me step back and appreciate something I see every day in a new way.

That’s exactly how it works when reading your horse. If you only see things from one angle, you might miss what’s really going on. A horse that’s acting resistant isn’t necessarily being difficult—they might be unsure, confused, or afraid. If you look at them through a different lens, you start to realize how much of what they do is just a reflection of what they’re feeling.

The key is to notice the small things. A horse that even slightly softens deserves a release. A horse that puts in a little extra effort deserves acknowledgment. The more we recognize their try, the more they’ll start offering it.

Nutrition: The Foundation of Performance and Well-Being

Another major factor that often gets overlooked in training is nutrition. A horse can only perform as well as they feel, and their diet plays a huge role in both their physical and mental well-being. I’ve been feeding Bluebonnet Intensify Omega Force for a while now, and I can honestly say my horses have never looked or felt better. When they’re healthy from the inside out, they’re more willing, more focused, and recover faster from the work we ask of them.

Yesterday during the video shoot, I had the chance to talk with Dr. Jyme Nichols and the Bluebonnet team, and it’s clear how much thought and care goes into every product they make. Quality feed isn’t just about shine on the outside—it’s about fueling the muscles, joints, and mind so that horses can give their best every day. Training starts with how they feel, and how they feel starts with what they eat.

Building a Connection: The Factor That Ties It All Together

The last thing I want to talk about is something that came up in a Q&A session yesterday—how important is it to spend time with your horse and build a connection? My answer: It’s everything.

Being the one to catch, saddle, and unsaddle your horse, lead them to and from the stall—those are all little moments that add up to something bigger. If you’re the one unsaddling them at the end of the ride, that’s a reward. If you’re the one taking them back to the barn, that’s a reward. Every interaction you have with your horse either builds trust or takes away from it.

And I get it—life gets busy. We all have responsibilities pulling us in different directions. But if you’re struggling with your horse, ask yourself—are you really making the time to connect? Sometimes, it’s better to work one horse thoroughly than to spread yourself too thin trying to get a little done with three.

At the end of the day, horsemanship is about communication, and communication only works when there’s a relationship built on trust.