This week I was reminded of just how important it is to understand when and how to apply the knowledge and tools we have in our horsemanship journey. I was working a two-year-old filly—one of the best-minded and best-bodied young horses I’ve had in a while—but she was getting a little pushy in the bridle. It wasn’t anything major, but I could feel she was bracing against my hands more than I liked. Instead of pushing through it with the same routine, I changed things up and pulled out a set of draw reins I hadn’t used on her before.

Why the Right Equipment Matters

Draw reins, like any piece of equipment, can be a great tool—depending on how and when you use them. Years ago, I used to think of draw reins mainly as a leverage tool. Now, I understand that when used correctly, they can help a horse find that release point and encourage softness without excess pressure. With this filly, they gave me just enough contact to help her find the right answer without overwhelming her.

It’s Not the Tool—It’s How You Use It

Like I always say: knowledge without application is, in some ways, worthless. You can know everything there is to know about horsemanship, but if you don’t apply it at the right time, in the right way, it won’t get you very far. The same goes for your equipment. Every horse is different, and training is a constant transition. Some horses push through pressure. Some need more support. Some need more freedom. As trainers, it’s our job to adjust based on what that horse is telling us each day.

Staying Comfortable Helps Everyone

I’ve also learned—especially now that I’m riding a lot of horses solo every day—that my own comfort matters, too. If I don’t help my horses get softer in their stops, my back pays the price. So when I talk about getting a horse soft in the bridle or collected through their body, I’m not just talking about performance. I’m talking about long-term soundness—for both of us.

Be Open to Growth

We’re all building our programs differently, and that’s a good thing. Don’t be afraid to evolve. Whether you’re changing a bit, adjusting your training plan, or even reworking the way your facility is set up, all of it matters. I’m even planning to redo my arena—something I’ve thought about for years—not just because it’ll look nicer, but because I want it to last through the next generation. My granddaughter asked me if we could rope this week, and that was all the motivation I needed.

Keep Thinking, Keep Adjusting

At the end of the day, training horses is about communication, not perfection. It's about staying thoughtful, staying teachable, and using every resource at your disposal to help your horse find the right answer. The right piece of equipment, used at the right time, can make all the difference.