101 Resources to Train Your Own Horse
There are moments where even the best of us struggle to feel like we are communicating effectively with our horses or like we are doing our best for them. To help with some of that head (and heart!) ache I’ve compiled 101 of my all-time favorite resources to help YOU train YOUR horse. Are you ready to change your horsemanship? Let’s go!
Facebook Pages:
1- https://www.facebook.com/PKHorsemanship
Patrick King is a classically trained instructor based in the US who uses his various platforms to share his insights on training. He also offers in-person training and clinics.
2- https://www.facebook.com/cherokee87 Celeste Leilani Lazaris operates as a bodywork and horse rehab specialist. Her posts on biomechanics, proper functioning, and equine management are truly game-changing for all equestrians.
3- https://www.facebook.com/annie.dillon.92
Annie Dillon is an extremely knowledgeable horsewoman in her own right, with an in-depth understanding of how to help horses achieve their full potential. Her work with her Icelandic gelding, Gepir, is extremely inspiring and has really helped me to shape my own eye.
4- https://www.facebook.com/josephaguillaume
The author of “Dressage in Hand” Josepha Guillaume posts wonderfully educational posts referencing classical principles, as well as practical applications for modern horsepeople!
5- https://www.facebook.com/JecAristotleBallou
Known for her fantastic equine strengthening exercises, Jec is a wonderful resource for anyone looking to improve their horse’s physical fitness.
6- https://www.facebook.com/LisaKingEquine
An incredibly talented equestrian, with a great eye for training solutions. Lisa King (Patrick King’s wife) offers a lot of wonderfully educational posts, as well as a truly kind demeanor.
7- https://www.facebook.com/WillowGroveRanch
My own personal mentor, Linda Hollingsworth Jones is an exceptionally talented trainer who has found success in nearly every discipline. Her Facebook page and youtube channel ( https://www.youtube.com/user/lindakayesparky) provide an invaluable source of information for anyone interested in French classical dressage.
8- https://www.facebook.com/Warwickschillerfanpage
Recently Warwick Schiller has gained international attention, much deserved, for his relationship-based horsemanship principles. He offers a fantastic video library as well, and has a relatable, down-to-earth perspective on life.
9- https://www.facebook.com/millshorsemanshipandhoofcare
Andrea Mills might be one of my favorite Facebook pages. She does an excellent job breaking down the principles of positive reinforcement-based training while staying practical and applicable for the majority of riders.
10- https://www.facebook.com/emotional.horsemanship
Lockie Phillips offers wonderfully insightful information for anyone interested in learning theory, behavioral science, and how it applies to horses. His posts are easy to read and highly informative.
12- https://www.facebook.com/Ada-Draghici-Relationship-Based-Horsemanship-102680157747941
Ada Dragichi offers an impressive amount of skill in liberty horsemanship and relationship-based training. Her videos and posts are fun and engaging, and she is truly inspirational to watch!
14- https://www.facebook.com/AHorsemansPursuit
Josh Nichol’s provides excellent information about relational horsemanship (his phrasing) and how we can translate that to our own ground and ridden work. He does offer virtual coaching as well!
15- https://www.facebook.com/happyhorsehappylifelp
Linda Parelli has recently branched out and started her own training platform, encouraging horses and riders to find a happy, productive relationship together in a way that combines natural horsemanship and dressage- yay!
16- https://www.facebook.com/equimetric
An extremely technical page, but so worthwhile. This page specializes in healthy biometrics for both horse and rider. It is based in Europe, so fair warning, many of the posts will not be in English. However, there is a lot to learn from just the English posts, as well as the photos!
17- https://www.facebook.com/JenniNellistEquineBehaviour/
Jenni offers unique insight into what makes horses, horses. Her posts are easy to understand, and she also offers free 20-minute consultations!
18- https://www.facebook.com/enrichingequines/
This is a fantastic resource encouraging owners to increase the level of enrichment in their horse’s environment. They offer wonderful and simple ideas!
Instagram Pages:
19– https://www.instagram.com/unbridledgoddess/
Tara Davis has one of the most beautiful feeds, with stunning photos of her and her horses. But her true inspiration lies in her kind, science-based training methods which are strongly rooted in classical principles.
20- https://www.instagram.com/sdequus/
Shelby Dennis is one of the brightest up-and-coming trainers who highlight true science-based methodology through her various platforms. I personally really enjoy her Instagram stories, where she shares evidence-based answers to common horse questions.
21- https://www.instagram.com/peter_and_the_herd/
An equine behavior and trauma recovery specialist, Peter offers insightful and meaningful resources for those interested in the intersection between healing and horsemanship.
22- https://www.instagram.com/thehorsespromise/
Katie is providing a valuable resource in helping rescue slaughter-bound horses in the pacific northwest. Her page offers insight into horses’ lives, as well as wonderful resources for those interested in advocacy.
23- https://www.instagram.com/thewillingequine/
Adele Shaw is an incredible trainer, with an impressive understanding of behavior modification and learning theory. She specializes in positive reinforcement (R+) training and uses her Instagram primarily to answer questions and share inspiration. Her website is also worth visiting!
24- https://www.instagram.com/thecoreofhorses/
Based in the Netherlands, Romy offers a unique perspective, combining positive reinforcement, classical principles, as well as historical horsemanship in her fun and inspiring posts.
25- https://www.instagram.com/theherdinstitute/
The HERD Institute offers EFPL certifications, workshops, and retreats on Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy and Learning.
26- https://www.instagram.com/eagala/
EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association) is one of the leading organizations providing resources for people needing assistance in their healing journey.
27- https://www.instagram.com/lovehorsemanship/
Michaela Love offers a combination of natural horsemanship and dressage-based lessons in Northern California with a focus on wellness.
28- https://www.instagram.com/littlepistolannie/
Annie is one of the first people who gained attention for her beautiful liberty shots and force-free horsemanship. She now focuses on personal development and wild horse rescue.
29- https://www.instagram.com/horsebalance/?hl=en
Norah Kohl is a beautiful “blender” of liberty and academic dressage, who offers advice and practical consultations for horse training.
Podcasts:
30- https://dressagenaturally.net/podcast/
For anyone interested in horse training principles, business coaching, and personal development, Karen Rholf’s podcast provides an invaluable resource.
31 –https://www.warwickschiller.com/podcast/
Warwick Schiller is one that deserves another spot on here, for his wonderfully inspiring podcasts. Featuring a myriad of some of the best horse people in the world, it is engaging, entertaining, and a true treat.
32- https://www.horseradionetwork.com/shows/equine-clicker-101/
Shawna Karrasch walks listeners through the basics of positive reinforcement-based training. Her approach is relatable and easy to follow.
33- https://www.thewillingequine.com/podcast
Adele Shaw uses her podcast platform to go more in-depth into the problems and resources for positive reinforcement horsemanship, as well as general equine welfare.
34- https://open.spotify.com/show/3s8mJIS4vt2uAxzg8mXFGk
Making Milestones is an excellent podcast that tends to deal with the issues facing modern horses, such as stabling, the racing industry, and hoof care. Shelby is extremely well educated and does a great job of educating others.
35- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/feed-room-chemist-an-equine-nutrition-podcast/id1506330860
Feed room Chemist is a podcast run by Dr. Jyme Nichols that goes into the details of various aspects of equine nutrition. It makes for great listening and provides easy resources!
Blogs:
Maria Cooke is a personal friend of mine (you can find our interview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5hi7JGuK1o&ab_channel=EquineBlooming) who has studied with some of the top classical dressage trainers in Europe. Her blog walks through their training, as well as that of the ancient masters. A must-see resource for anyone interested in classical principles.
37- https://www.kipmistral.com/
I greatly admire Kip’s dedication to classical education. Her blog is a phenomenal resource for all avenues of classical education and is a joy to read.
38- https://blog.dressagenaturally.net/
Karen Rohlf is a fantastic resource for anyone interested in dressage, natural horsemanship, or equine business. She has a video library full of great clips and ideas to troubleshoot problems. Her Facebook groups and other forms of media provide fantastic learning opportunities as well!
39- https://milestoneequestrian.ca/blog
Milestone equestrian, Shelby Dennis’ resource for education contains some of the best resources available to equestrians. Her blog posts and other sources are fantastic!
40- https://www.equitopiacenter.com/blog/
Equitopia does a fantastic job of collecting information from top equine professionals and bringing them to the public.
Anna is a clinician, trainer, author, and wonderful human being. I had the privilege of interviewing Anna about a year ago (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r1rjhbFPMEw&t=9s&ab_channel=EquineBlooming). She is a source of inspiration for many!
YouTube Channels:
42– https://www.youtube.com/user/shawnakarrasch
Shawna has gained international recognition for her fantastic approach to force-free horsemanship. She uses her YouTube channel to promote ethical, science-based training methods.
43- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCStLWsQPTJZ3pCB2RIL8jjg
Equitopia YouTube offers classes and courses in relevant equine subjects. Their videos are easy to digest and extremely useful.
44- https://www.youtube.com/c/LiveandBreatheHorsesSusanHarden
Susan Harden of I live and Breathe Horses creates videos promoting the “feeling” aspect of the horse-human relationship and also goes in-depth into many of Nuno Oliveria’s principles.
45- https://www.youtube.com/c/ZLEquestrian
Zoe Luna is an accomplished jumping trainer who shares fun barn vlogs and training content online. She does a lot with Thoroughbreds as well!
46- https://www.youtube.com/c/JETEquiTheory
Jill Treece uses her YoTube platform to share inspiration for equestrians interested in R+ training, species-appropriate horse care, and other fun topics. She does a lot with evening and the raising of foals as well.
47- https://www.youtube.com/user/JFHorsemanship/videos
Johnathon Fields is a true master of horsemanship, who provides wonderful educational videos on YouTube and also has great resources on his Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/JonathanFieldHorsemanship). He specializes in helping horses and humans find the “sweet spot” together.
Books:
48- https://www.gutenberg.org/files/29248/29248-h/29248-h.htm#LEAPING
This is more of a “fun” one, but the Young Lady’s Equestrian Manuel is a fun and easy-to-read manual for horse riding in the 19th century.
49- https://amzn.to/3IFrEMC Language Signs and Calming Signals of Horses
This book is perhaps one of the largest cornerstones of my equine education. It is an invaluable resource for understanding your horse and better communicating with them.
50- https://amzn.to/3L1mmwC Method of Equitation Based on New Principles: Francois Baucher: Craig Stevens Translation
If you are interested in classical French training, my personal favorite modality, this book is an essential place to start your journey. Baucher has brought many wonderful advancements to our understanding of training, and provides a great overview of these!
51- https://amzn.to/3odXAQc Twisted Truths of Modern Dressage by Philippe Karl is another book that has been hugely impactful in my own life. It contains the understandings and insights of one of the (still living!) greatest equestrians of all time, Philippe Karl. A former rider at the prestigious Cadre Noir in France he hits the nail on the head in this insightful and NECESSARY book.
52- https://amzn.to/3s6zat9 Don’t Shoot the Dog by Karen Pryor
Karen Pryor is one of, if not THE, original clicker training gurus. Her books have provided guidance for so many, and her online academy is also a great resource for anyone looking to further their education.
53- https://amzn.to/3gfCUmu Ecole de Cavalerie by François Robichon de la Guérinière
This book is one of my absolute favorite classical treatises. De la Guérinière is one of the pillars of French dressage, and his book is a great place to start learning and growing.
54- https://amzn.to/3HutDCY A Treastise on Horsemanship by François Robichon de la Guérinière
Another book by de la Guérinière, this book offers more in-depth and insightful introductions to classical horsemanship.
55- https://amzn.to/3s9buUS Academic Equitation: A Training System Based on the Methods of D’Aure, Baucher, and L’Hotte written by General Decarpentry
This is the book I am currently working my way through. It is a much more modern book (~ year). But pulls entirely from the classical system. It has great diagrams as well!
56- https://amzn.to/32PMGZC Alexis-Francois L’Hotte: The Quest for Lightness in Equitation
This book was translated by Hilda Nelson, who is one of the most talented translators I know of. I love her editions because she includes biographies as well! L’Hotte is one of Baucher’s most accomplished students, and his book reflects the unique approach he was able to take to his training!
57- https://amzn.to/34nUQZw Tug of War by Gerd Heuschmann
This is a great book for anyone interested in the science behind correct training and movement. Dr. Heuschmann is a renowned veterinarian who does a great job of walking through the science behind training and why we do what we do- and how we can do it better!
58- https://amzn.to/3KYwINQ Dressage in Harmony: 25 Principles to Live by When Caring for and Working with Horses by Walter Zettl
Walter Zettl is one of the biggest names in dressage training to date. This book, though more “modern” in its execution, is a kind and approachable resource for those newer to the dressage world.
59- https://amzn.to/3Hhqk1T Horses Never Lie: The Heart of Passive Leadership by Mark Rashid
Mark Rashid is perhaps the most well-known living equestrian author. His books touch on the practical side of horsemanship, as well as the feeling, intuition, and experience he has gathered after a lifetime in the saddle. Entertaining and meaningful books, these are wonderful resources!
60- https://amzn.to/3ob2gpV Evidence-Based Horsemanship by Dr. Stephen Peters and Martin Black
This small book was written by two leading experts, both in horse behavior and biology. It is an impactful book, with wisdom and simple, practical steps anyone can take to better understand and train their horse.
61- https://amzn.to/3unW9m2 Being With Horses by Nashoon Cook
One of my personal heroes, Nashoon Cook practices according to classical principles, but in a way that is calm, trauma-informed, and intelligent. His book offers poetry, anecdotes, and practical ways of truly BEING with our horses.
62- https://amzn.to/34bCScS Reaching the Animal Mind: Clicker Training and What It Teaches Us About All Animals by Karen Pryor
Another book by Karen Pryor, this one takes a more overarching view of her work with animals. It is insightful and offers practical advice to help one better understand the science of behavior modification.
63- https://amzn.to/3ISwHsZ Know Better to Do Better: Mistakes I Made with Horses (So You Don’t Have To) by Denny Emmerson
Denny Emmerson is recognized internationally for his training, particularly in the world of eventing. His calm, practical approach to horsemanship is highly relatable, and his book provides inspiration for your horsemanship… and your daily life (hint… it’s time to start working out!).
64- https://amzn.to/3HlK9p8 The Tao of Equus by Linda Kohanov
This is one of the first books I read when I “reentered” the horse world. It is touching, inspiring, and mesmerizing. Linda offers a different way of looking at our equine companions and has changed horsemanship for so many, but also opened the door for equine-facilitated therapy practices.
65- https://amzn.to/3gaMcjI Paddock Paradise by Jamie Jackson
This book offers a deep dive into one of the areas of equine management so often overlooked, the physical environment. Full of practical advice as well as information of the research available, this is a must-read for any horse owner.
66- https://amzn.to/3rixVYQ Equine Behaviour: Principles and Practice by David Mills and Kathryn Nankervis
One of the fundamental equine textbooks this book offers an easy-to-understand overview of horse behavior.
67- https://amzn.to/3INt5s8 Equine Welfare by Marthe Kiley-Worthington
An examination of equine welfare, from its history to the conventional practices of horse management and training.
68- https://amzn.to/344DYHv Animal Training 101 by Dr. Jenifer Zelligs
This book changed so many things for me. For anyone interested in the WHY and the HOW behind animal training (behavior modification and ethology) this book absolutely can not be beaten.
69- https://amzn.to/35EC7JY The Horse’s Mind by Lucy Rees
This book also deals with the subject of equine management, how they think and operate, as well as what we as humans can change to encourage a species-appropriate lifestyle.
70- https://amzn.to/3s4UnDF The Equid Ethogram: A Practical Field Guide to Horse Behavior
By Dr. Sue McDonnell
While expensive, this textbook covers invaluable research relating to HOW and WHY our horses do what they do. Better training comes from better understanding.
71- https://amzn.to/3KZaL15 Recognizing the Horse in Pain II: And What You Can Do About It! By Dr. Joanna Robson
Too often our horses are acting because of physical pain, not just emotional distress. This book provides excellent insight into the subtle signs we need to be looking out for in our horses and how to address them.
72- https://amzn.to/35FtCyg Equine Nutrition: From a Species Appropriate Perspective by Sarah Reagan
Feeding our horses correctly can help to alleviate and fix a huge variety of issues. This book will help to get you started on the correct path. Rather than feeding our horses the way we feed ourselves, it’s important to feed them like horses!
73- https://amzn.to/3g9I8jQ Beyond Horse Massage: A Breakthrough Interactive Method for Alleviating Soreness, Strain, and Tension By Jim Masterson
This book helps horse owners begin to incorporate massage to help their horses, at home. The methods are practical and relatively simple, yet extremely effective.
74- https://amzn.to/32QbBMG The Art of Horsemanship by Xenophon
The oldest treatise on classical horse training that we know of, The Art of Horsemanship is over 2300 years old. Xenophon was a student of Socrates who prioritized a kind and ethical approach to his horsemanship.
75- https://amzn.to/3ISARRL Dressage in the French Tradition by Dom Diogo de Bragança
This book is fantastic! It goes in-depth into the different parts of French equestrian history, touching on Baucher, de la Gueriniere, the FEI, etc. It provides excellent insight into what makes the French, French!
76- https://amzn.to/3odcvKo Gymnasium of the Horse by Gustav Steinbrecht
Another one of the pillars in the classical dressage community, this book is full of unique ideas, but it is a highly technical book, without any pictures or diagrams- just a heads up.
77- https://amzn.to/3ITFNpk Reflections On Equestrian Art bu Nuno Oliveria
While not strictly a training manual, this book contains many lovely ideas and memories from a lifetime spent working horses. It is a great place to start for inspiration and ideas!
78- https://amzn.to/3s9gFnM A General System of Horsemanship by William Newcastle
The Duke of Newcastle was educated and brought up in the French method before bringing it back to England. He presents many fascinating ideas for strengthening and training a dressage horse.
79- https://amzn.to/3s88E2E Wild Horse Country by David Phillips
This book goes over one of the most pressing issues facing the equestrian community- the mustangs of the West. It presents the history of these horses, previous “solutions”. And ideas for the future. A relevant read for sure.
80- https://amzn.to/3ugMJsH Feed Your Horse Like A Horse by Dr. Juliet Getty
The nutrition and feeding of our horses are so very important, and so rarely discussed. Dr. Getty provides extremely helpful insight and resources to modern horse owners in this book.
81- https://amzn.to/3g9MGXs Horse Brain, Human Brain: The Neuroscience of Horsemanship by Dr. Janet Jones
This book is a fantastic and easily readable book even for those of us without advanced science degrees! The information is so important to know and understand to better serve our horses, and also create more productive peaceful relationships.
82- https://amzn.to/32PX5EE Equine Lameness for the Layman by G. Robert Grisel
This book comes with so many fantastic diagrams, videos (via QR code), and illustrations. As the front says “Tools for prompt recognition, accurate assessment, and proactive management” which is absolutely invaluable to helping provide your horse with the best possible feet/foundation.
83- https://amzn.to/3LOBjTa Waking the Tiger by Peter A. Levine
Understanding what, how, and why trauma is caused is a huge part of better understanding ourselves and our horses. This book asks the question “Why don’t animals in the wild experience trauma (In the same way we see in domestic settings)?” and is a powerful tool to layer into your training.
Articles :
84- www.lusitanohorsefinder.com/the-history-of-dressage-through-the-riding-masters
I love learning more about the history of dressage, and I often return to this article to help establish a timeline. While certainly not a definitive list, it is a great place to get started!
85- https://www.equinecraniosacral.com/articles/article2.html
Proper horse training and care will place a high priority on the functioning of the temporomandibular joint mechanism, commonly referred to as the TMJ. This article does a great job of explaining WHY we need to care about this!
86- https://eurodressage.com/index.php/2014/09/13/history-french-equitation-part-i-dressage-la-francaise This is one of my favorite blog posts that helps to establish some of the timelines behind French classical methods, which can be very helpful as we are working through the Master’s works.
87- https://ker.com/equinews/behavior-stabled-horses-affected-meal-feeding-frequency-and-roughage/
Another key part of proper equine training is feed management. This article helps to expand on why stalling and feeding routines can be so detrimental to our horse’s welfare.
88- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18569222/ Is there evidence of learned helplessness in horses? By Carol Hall, Deborah Goodwin, Camie Heleski, Hayley Randle, Natalie Waran
While scholarly, this article does a fantastic job of exploring the idea of learned helplessness (“Learned helplessness is a psychological condition whereby individuals learn that they have no control over unpleasant or harmful conditions, that their actions are futile, and that they are helpless”) in horses. It is a worthwhile read for any and all horse person interested in the welfare and emotional state of their companions.
89- https://stablemanagement.com/articles/hoof-help-3294
Hoof care is another absolutely instrumental part of caring for and training our horses. This article does a nice job of giving an overview of hoof care and what to look for in our farriers, and our horses.
Other Resources :
Mad Barn is a Canadian company that provides free diet analysis for horse owners. It’s a great resource, and while they are a private company with their own products the information they provide is extremely helpful and insightful.
This is something I HIGHLY recommend everyone familiarizes themselves with. Understanding what our horses are trying to tell us and when they are in pain is our responsibility as horse owners, and this is a great place to start.
While not strictly training-related, I highly recommend you take a look around the Equus Soma website. Sarah Schlote has done a fantastic job of creating resources for people who care about healing others and their horses, and her website (and business) is full of valuable information!
The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants offers courses and resources for those interested in animal behavior and ethical training. You can find licensed trainers through them, as well as many resources!
94- https://englishsaddle.com/
One key component of horse training that often falls to the wayside is proper equipment fit and use. Adrienne Hendricks is a Master Saddle Fitter operating out of the Western US who provides wonderful insight and information.
95- http://suziefletcher.co.uk/
Another fantastic place to learn about saddle fitting, Suzie Fletcher is a true master of her craft. You may recognize her from the TV show “The Repair Shop”!
96- https://naturallifemanship.com/
Another program specializing in Equine facilitated therapy models, Natural Lifemanship offers wonderful information about healing trauma, working in harmony with our horses, and building stronger relationships.
This is a professional resource for anyone who is interested in becoming involved or finding an equine-facilitated therapist.
FeedXL offers nutrition analysis and education for horse owners and barns. They are a pay-to-use service, that offers great insight into your individual horse’s situation and your goals.
99- https://www.hoofgeeks.ca/resources
This is a wonderful compilation of resources for helping us to better understand our horse’s hooves and care. You’ll notice some overlaps between this list 😉
100 – https://gettyequinenutrition.com/
Sorry folks, another equine nutrition one. This might be one of the most thorough resources out there. You can search by condition, life stage, etc.
101- https://www.davidlichman.com/about.php
David Lichman is one of my personal mentors and a true master horseman. He offers a variety of services but focuses primarily on liberty horsemanship. I highly recommend his free 5 part course, as well as his video coaching. He also offers a private Facebook group which is FULL of great resources.
*Please note that I do not necessarily condone everything each of these links references, however, I think there are benefits to their messages. As in everything in life, I encourage you to do your own research and form your own opinions. This list is by no means definitive, and I will do my best to continually update it as I come across new sources!*
**Some of these links are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission from them. This does not affect the cost to you but helps me to cover the costs of this blog. So thank you for your support!**
You May Also Like
