How to safely pass animals while hacking out
How to safely pass animals while hacking out Have you ever really taken the time to think about the route you ride with your horse? Before I get on, I like to know exactly what we might come across. That means I often walk, cycle, or even drive the route first. I want to know […]
How to teach your horse to respect your space
How to teach your horse to ”respect” your space Many riders are told that they need to get their horse out of their space so the horse learns to “respect” them. But the way you teach your horse about space is far more important than simply moving him back. In this video, I’ll share why […]
This is how to get ready for every ride
How to get ready for your ride A relaxed, connected ride starts before you even get in the saddle. In this video, I’ll show you my Pilot Check. It’s a simple routine I use to check in with my horse and understand how they’re feeling that day, in that moment. Just a few minutes that […]
How to turn your horse out safely
How to turn your horse out safely In this video, I’m working with Footloose, a big guy who’s always full of energy when it’s turnout time, especially in good weather. That energy can be dangerous if we’re not thinking about spatial awareness and basic control as we lead our horses out. So, what to do […]
5 tips to compete stress-free
5 tips to compete stress-free Are you going to a competition soon? Here are 5 tips to reduce stress at competitions and to get better results! 👇 Your Horse Relaxed and Stress-free in ALL Situations Tools to handle any stressful situations Ride stress-free in any environment Step-by-step guidance for a happier horse Get My #1 Training […]
How to safely introduce your horse to water
How to safely introduce your horse to water Getting your horse comfortable with water doesn’t have to be stressful for either of you. In fact, with the right approach, it can be a fun and rewarding experience. In this blog, I’ll share how I help horses build confidence around water, starting with the basics. We’ll […]
Passing a scary object on a hack
Passing a Spooky Object You’re out on a hack, when suddenly your horse sees something and refuses to pass it. How do you turn this in a positive and safe experience for you and your horse? I explained my steps in the video below 👇
How to catch a horse without stress
How to ‘catch’ your horse without stress and force. Catching a horse can be one of the most frustrating tasks for any rider. The common instinct is often to go after the horse, grab it, and lead it into the place you want to. But what if I told you that chasing a horse only […]
Space of Conversation
When I’m talking about the Leading Exercise, I often mention the space of conversation between you and your horse. But what do I mean with that? I’ll explain that in this video. This space is where your body language, thoughts, and voice align with your horse’s energy, creating better communication and understanding. A horse that […]
Reduce your horse’s tension with one simple exercise
How one simple exercise can release your horse’s tension As riders, we often see the signs: The stiffness in the neck. The hesitation to move forward. The tension that builds — quietly, until it overflows. But tension doesn’t start in the behavior. It starts in the body. In this blog, I walk you through a […]
The best way to prepare for competitions? Marten Luiten shows you how
The best way to prepare for competitions? Marten Luiten shows you how At our recent TRT Live Event, Marten joined me for a powerful demo on how to truly prepare your horse for competition — not just at home, but also during the warm-up, and even in the test itself. From the moment your horse […]
How to help a stiff horse move more freely
Tip video Stiff horse? Here’s why (and what to do about it!) If your horse feels stiff, resistant, or struggles with mobility, simply working him harder won’t fix the problem. Stiffness often comes from muscle tension, lack of awareness, and poor breathing patterns, not just a lack of flexibility. Before you can create suppleness, your […]
How to prepare for competitions
Tip video Competition without the stress—Here’s how Competitions can be stressful. From the moment you start packing, to loading the trailer, arriving at the show, and warming up in a high-energy environment, tension can build long before you even enter the arena. But what if you could approach competitions in a way that keeps both […]
When your horse freezes and won’t move – here’s what to do
Tip video How to help a horse that freezes without forcing him forward If your horse freezes, hesitates, or shuts down, it’s not just a training issue—it’s often a sign of tension, uncertainty, or a reflex response in their body. Many riders try to push their horse forward in these moments, but that often makes […]
Improve your horse’s flexibility
Tip video Improve your horse’s flexibility Helping your horse stretch doesn’t have to be complicated. In this video, I’ll show you how I use the stretching wall. A simple yet powerful way to improve flexibility, release tension, and help your horse move more freely. I allows your horse to stretch in a way that feels […]
Make bridling easier with this step-by-step approach
Tip video Bridling without stress—here’s how to do it right! Bridling should be simple, but for many horses, it’s a source of stress. And often, without realizing it, we approach it in a way that makes it even harder for them. But how do you fix that? I have recorded a video on that, which […]
How to make deworming easy for your horse
Tip video Struggling with Deworming? Watch This! Deworming can often feel like a battle. Your horse pulls away, you try to hold on, and before you know it, you’re both frustrated. But it doesn’t have to be that way. In this free tip video, I’ll show you a different approach—one that makes deworming stress-free for […]
My number 1 item to keep my horses happy
My favourite management tool The Hofmag Magnetic Therapy Machine I’ve been getting a lot of questions lately about what my management looks like outside of the groundwork. There’s one tool that’s made a huge difference: the Hofmag Magnetic Therapy Machine. This device has been a game-changer. Not only does it help me detect areas of […]
Is your horse afraid of mirrors?
Tip video Is your horse afraid of mirrors? Here’s what to do Does your horse get tense or nervous around arena mirrors? You’re not alone! Many horses see their reflection and get tense or afraid. The key to overcoming this isn’t about forcing your horse closer to the mirror but teaching him the right posture of confidence—what I call the […]
Does your horse get tense while saddling?
Tip video Does your horse get tense while saddling? Does your horse struggle to stand still while being saddled? It can be frustrating, and even unsafe, but with the right approach, you can turn this into a relaxed and stress-free experience. In this video, I’ll share practical tips to help your horse stay relaxed during […]
Improve your horse’s mobility
Tip video Improve your horse’s mobility Is your horse a bit clumsy, and struggles to find his feet in the exercises? Or is he maybe holding a lot of tension in his muscles and are you looking for ways to encourage him to relax? That’s when I introduce my horses to the pallet. Check out […]
Is your horse not respecting your space?
Tip video Do you have a pushy horse that’s not respecting your space? In this blog, I explain how to handle horses that push into your space or lack spatial awareness.👇 Creating spatial awareness By focusing on clear body language, you can guide your horse to understand where he shouldn’t be, allowing him to make […]
Cold weather making your horse spookier?
Tip video Cold weather making your horse spookier? Try these groundwork exercises to build confidence and focus. 👇 Rubbing your horse’s skin When the weather gets colder, your horse’s skin can sometimes feel tighter, making him a bit more sensitive and itchy. Before you ride, instead of trying to calm your horse down, try stimulating his […]
This is why your horse won’t accept leg pressure
Tip video This is why your horse won’t accept leg pressure Does your horse tense up, ignore, or even resist your leg aid? If so, you’re not alone! In this video, I break down why horses react differently to leg pressure, and what you can do to help your horse find a relaxed and connected response […]
Overcome anxiety in tight spaces
Tip video Overcome anxiety in tight spaces For many horses, tight spaces such as gateways, stable entrances, or narrow aisles can trigger anxiety and the urge to rush. Rather than simply pushing your horse through, it’s important to help him feel relaxed and in control. 👇 In this video, we’ll look at how taking things […]
How to deal with a horse on box rest
Tip video How to deal with a horse on box rest Does your horse have an injury and need to stay on box rest? In this video, I’ll share tips on how to keep your horse mentally stimulated and prevent him from becoming too energetic or reactive when he can leave the box. 👇
Working with distractions
Tip video Working with distractions Is your horse distracted often? And do you not know how to effectively get his attention back to you? When they are distracted, a common mistake is to add energy to the wrong side of the horse, leading to explosions. Instead, when there’s an external distraction, I guide my horse […]
Impatient horses in cross ties
Tip video Impatience in cross ties Is your horse impatient in the cross ties? Often, it’s because the ties are giving your horse the feeling of restraint. But how do you fix that? I have recorded a video on that, which you can watch for free here! 👇
5 basic things to remember while working with horses
5 basic things to remember while working with your horse 👇🐴 When working with your horse, it’s important to keep a few fundamental principles in mind. In this video, I’ll walk you through the five basic things you should always remember while handling and training your horse. These tips will help you understand your horse […]
Finding the perfect pony
Finding the perfect pony It’s all about connection, not just experience Coming back from the Dublin Horse Show has been an eye-opening experience, especially when it comes to ponies and their relationship with children. A lot of parents are eager to get a pony for their child but aren’t sure where to start. The main […]
Do we continue with only pushing the negative images and messages?
Do we continue only pushing the negativity? Last week I shared my take on the Olympic Games and I expressed that we shouldn’t forget to look at the positive things that happened at the Olympics. It led to quite some comments, both positive ánd negative. I agree with a lot of things that are being […]
Problems when riding? This is why
Problems when riding? This is why 👇 I often hear the following: ”The groundwork is going really well, but when I get on, that’s when we’re having problems”. We can then often think ”Okay, then maybe the groundwork isn’t good.” Changing the ‘language’ in the saddle But what it can sometimes simply be, is that […]
My take on the Olympic Games
My take on the Olympic Games We’ve just witnessed an incredible week of dressage sport at the Olympics. Some of you may have seen the live stream, some of you may have even been there. But I was incredibly excited, one, about the level of competition. It was an extremely high level. Many riders having […]
Where does your horse’s tension come from?
Becoming aware of blockages in the body Where does your horse’s tension come from? Jane came to me with headshaking problems. We often tend to think that therefore the tension must lie in the neck and poll area, however, this isn’t the only source. Watch the video below to find out more! 👇
Are you the Mommy, the Dictator, or the Mentor?
Are you being the best mentor for your horse? When it comes to our horses, we can have many different relationships. But in broad lines, we can narrow them down to three types: 1. The Mommy;2. The Dictator;and 3. The Mentor. However, only one of those will actually give our horses the room to grow […]
Haltering a difficult horse
How to halter a ”difficult” horse Do you have a horse that puts his head up when trying to put the halter or bridle on? Here’s how you can turn it around and teach your horse to lean into the halter. Step #1: Lower the tension First, start by making your horse aware where he’s […]
Training with distractions
Training with distractions How do you approach the groundwork when you don’t have a quiet, enclosed indoor arena? Or when the only space where you can train is a small patch of grass? In actuality, you might actually make more progress than someone training in an indoor. I explain why in the video below 👇
Ground shyness
Solving ground shyness It’s not about the spooky thing Tire tracks. A scary corner. A ray of sunlight, or even a speck of straw: it can be enough to spook our horses. It’s natural to think that these things are the cause of our horse’s tension, so removing the object will remove the tension, right? […]
Don’t ride when you can’t touch
Don’t ride when you can’t touch When I met Nina, her owners told me she was tense under saddle. The traditional fixes didn’t seem to work. We took a step back and approached the training without a saddle. https://vimeo.com/930313535/987804e358?share=copy The tension wasn’t just under saddle. If you can’t touch all the areas where the saddle […]
Handling grumpy faces
How to deal with grumpy faces What do you do when a horse comes at you with their ears pinned and their teeth bared? And how can you safely change the behavior? It might just be a habit your horse has picked up from another horse. It doesn’t mean anything to them. But if we […]
Starting young horses the right way
VIDEO The first steps of starting a young horse When you start training your young horse, it might seem like the goal is just to get the saddle on and start riding. But rushing into it can lead to your horse not really understanding what’s going on. This misunderstanding can cause problems later, like running […]
Trailer loading: Going into the trailer is not the end goal
Going into the trailer is not the end goal Often, with trailer loading, people focus on just getting the horse in the trailer. And once he’s in, they will quickly close the bar and ramp, preventing the horse from running off. But it’s not about just getting the horse in the trailer. It’s about making […]
Entertainment at horse shows
Loud Music and Applause Entertainment or Needless Anxiety? Last year, I was at the Dutch stallion show where they had added quite a remarkable element to the judging of the test. At the end of each test, the audience got the opportunity to rate it by applauding. The organization recorded the decibels and the rider […]
Leading your horse safely
VIDEO How to lead any horse safely Leading a horse with high energy can be challenging, and I think it’s something many of us have experienced. Most of the time it looks like the horse is leading the handler, instead of the handler is leading the horse. The main issue with this is that a […]
Create flexion in your horse’s body
Create flexion in your horse's body A distanced variation on the groundwork pattern Lately, I’ve received a couple of questions from riders with pushy horses, often young stallions. Their horse stepped into their space, pushing into the handler and often trying to bite as well. ”When you work at a distance, it’s not inviting for […]
Are you making or teaching the piaffe
Are you making or teaching piaffe? As a Grand-Prix rider and horse trainer, I’ve seen many horses do a piaffe. However, only a handful of them mastered it in a way that is sustainable for their bodies. A well-executed piaffe should look so easy that it seems like the horse could do it all day. The movement […]
Starting a pushy and curious 2 year old
Starting a young horse Roxy: A pushy and curious horse I had a first training session in our indoor arena with Roxy the other day. Roxy is a soft and curious 2-year-old. Because she’s young and I worked with her for the first time, she’s not really aware of where she is within the space […]
Sarah’s journey within TRT Method
Sarah’s journey within TRT Method Sarah’s horse, a brumby, had a rocky start. As she felt she needed something to help her horse, Sarah stumbled upon TRT Method during COVID, and it was a real game-changer. ”TRT delves into the human experience and the internal journey mirrored in our horses.” For Sarah, it meant stepping […]
TRT Rescue – The Frustrated Horse That Wants To Dominate
TRT Rescue #S1E2 The Frustrated Horse That Wants To Dominate In this episode of TRT Rescue, we meet a very frustrated horse who wants to dominate people. He is showing this behavior, particularly to people who are not quite certain what to do when working with him. Owner Britt was near desperation when her horse needed treatment […]
Free conversation
Free conversation When working in, what we call our free conversation within the TRT Method, keep in mind to let them join the conversation, too. It’s not about you doing all the talking and leaving no room for your horse’s voice. At the same time, don’t let the horse take the reins in the conversation, […]
Are our horses healthy?
REPLAY CLINIC @HORSE WELFARE WEEK Are our horses healthy? Last week, I gave a clinic at the Dutch KNHS about horse welfare. Are our horses healthy? And what makes them happy and fulfilled? Here’s my answer: 👇 No more Spooking and Tension under saddle Lifetime Access to the Groundwork Module Lifetime Access to the Tools […]
Starting young horses the right way
The horse that 'couldn't' be started under saddle Starting Young Horses The Right Way This is Ocamilla, a beautiful young mare that I met at the first session of TRT Summer Nights a couple of weeks ago. She had a traumatic experience when she was started under saddle. Her owner couldn’t ride her anymore. In […]
Overcoming trauma from being started under saddle
Overcoming trauma from being started under saddle Starting a young horse under saddle is not an easy feat, no matter how easy-going your horse is. It always takes time and a gentle approach. But what do you do if during that process something happens? What do you do if your horse has a traumatic experience? […]
How to safely put on fly spray
How to safely put on fly spray Summer heat, long days, and many flies and bugs. How do you protect your horse if they’re afraid of fly spray? It’s all about teaching your horse the elements that are involved. Step #1: Give your horse the right foundation Before you approach with the spray, it’s important […]
Three steps to prepare for a relaxed summer swim
Three steps to prepare for a relaxed summer swim We’ve all seen them: videos where horses leap into a body of water, hauling their rider with. But how do you teach your horse to step in confidently, without pressure? I’ll explain all the steps so you and your horse can cool down happily this summer. Step […]
The do’s and don’ts of entering a competition ring
The do’s and don’ts of entering the competition ring We’ve all seen the dressage disaster videos where a dressage rider enters the ring and the horse spooks and exits stage left. It’s a situation no one wants to be in. But how can you resolve it? What can you do to ensure that your horse […]
Working with a horse with only one eye
Blacky is an eight-year-old gelding. His eye had to be surgically removed due to moon blindness.
What used to be a very steady and easy horse, was turned into an insecure and sometimes really spooky horse ever since his eye was removed.
He is particularly sensitive to sounds when riding. The left side where he can still see is the most sensitive one.
Teaching your horse to stand relaxed in cross ties
Teaching your horse to stand relaxed in the cross ties There are many horses that feel tense and uncomfortable in the cross ties, who don’t want to enter the space, who struggle, who protest. The anxiety can also be disguised – impatient pawing on the floor, weaving or even whinnying. For some horses, the cross […]
How to control your own level of tension
How to control your own level of tension when your horse spooks If you have a horse that’s a little bit nervous or that’s prone to spooking, your anticipation to that spook is creating tension in your body. It’s a natural reaction, but it will definitely create tension and anticipation in your horse’s body as […]
When your horse pushes into you and lacks balance [video]
When your horse pushes into you and lacks balance The first thing I do when I get a horse in for training is to take notice of the dynamic between the horse and the owner. What’s important here is to not just look at the horse alone. And to not only focus on solving the […]
Goal setting for the new year – what’s really important to you?
Setting Goals for the New Year What is really important to YOU? We are often led to believe we should be doing a certain thing with our horses. In a certain way, at a certain level, in a certain amount of time. These beliefs have been congregated over time from past experiences, memories and knowledge […]
Participate in your horse’s conversation
Something important to remember when working with horses that you should give them the chance to participate in the conversation, too. It shouldn’t be you talking all the time, giving the horse no chance to pitch in.
Replay TRT Live – Thursday 18th of March
Watch back the replay of TRT Live!
Dina: The horse that stops and shuts down
Watch back the clinic video of TRT Live Worldwide on Dina, a really tense mare.
Elevate your trot without tension and pressure
Any horse can learn how to trot expressively in a way that’s healthy and empowering to their body. The process in which I teach that is what I call the Moonwalk.
Training Misty: The steps to become a successful riding horse
At one point during TRT Live Worldwide, two horses came into the arena and the audience picked one of the horses for me to train right at that moment. The other horse, Misty, I trained this week at my place.
Interview with Adam Winrich – professional whip cracker and 23-time Guinness World Record holder
At TRT Live Worldwide, we had a special appearance of Adam Winrich: professional whip cracker and 23-time Guinness World Record holder. I also did an interview with Adam, which you can watch in the video below.
How double lunging can help your young sensitive horse
Double lunging young and sensitive horses is a great way to help them feel much more comfortable and confident in the connection to the bit.
What to do when your horse jumps off the trailer ramp
Does your horse jump off the ramp of the trailer and do you not know how to solve that problem? Follow me as I help a young horse overcome his fears of the ramp.
What to do on your first ride in the outdoor arena [video]
When starting young horses, there will come a time where you go out to ride in a big, open-air arena for the first time. Or maybe you’re entering a new and perhaps challenging environment with your older horse. What is the best way to handle that?
When your horse is pushy
What do you do when your horse is pushy and doesn’t respond to your cues? I recorded a little video with a young stallion to show you the dos and the donts.
Riding your young horse is not the end goal
When starting your young horse, it’s an excellent moment to give your horse the tools they need to be successful in our human environment, but also to show them how to manage themselves.
Motivate your horse!
A horse that is very laid-back and maybe extremely lazy, often struggles to get himself motivated. How do you get those horses to be in control of themselves, how do they learn to give themselves a feeling of having energy, of being athletic, of being something that is feeling good? That’s where my Groundwork Wednesday comes in!
Paddock anxiety: how to help your horse relax
Not all horses are able to enjoy their grass with peace of heart and mind. Being out in a paddock is stressful for them, especially when the pasture’s new or when horses leave around them. But how can you help your horse?
Going into the trailer isn’t the goal
Is your horse tense while being in the trailer? Getting her in the trailer isn’t the end goal. Make sure she is trailer loading in the right way.
Create a willing mindset in our horses
Create a willing mindset in our horses We all want our horses to enjoy their daily work. That each day they are enthusiastic and energetic in their attitude towards their training. We want to create a willing mindset in our horses, but how do we create this? It of course starts with the right mind […]
‘My horse explodes all of a sudden.’ Are you sure?
Your horse never explodes without reason. But how can you make sure that your horse does not feel the need to explode? Easy: you can teach them.
Training a young horse: when to start?
A horse’s learning begins the moment their feet hit the ground. The learning of how they should perceive the world they are born into, listening to their instincts and following the behavior of their mother. They are being shaped by their environment and their experiences.