Well my time with the 14 year old rescue mare is over. Last weekend I brought her down to the trainers challenge with about 40 rides on her. We took 5th overall! Had a youth rider win some ribbons on her the day before. This mare was a challenge- and to some way too old to be started under saddle. She taught me more about my horsemanship than any other horse I’ve had in my program to date!
Hello everyone!
I've been following B1 Horsemanship for a couple of years, but I recently switched my membership to the annual plan, so I thought it was a good time for a little introduction.
I live in Normandy, France, where I run a small ranch with horses and a few cattle — living their best life, since they're only here to help train horses and people. 😉
I have several horses that I ride, but I'm currently starting a new one: a nice little 4-year-old mare.
I've been slowly working with her on the ground — including with a rope — since last year, and we've now been working under saddle for a couple of weeks.
Since we're still learning about each other, we're currently working our way through the Snaffle Bit Series.
Oh, and of course... a picture. 😉
I watched some of the snaffle bit videos, which made me stop and ask this question. I have this Happy Mouth snaffle bit, but am questioning if it’s right for starting my young Gypsy, or if I should get a d ring, dog bone iron one. Which would you recommend?
I started my horse training business with my dad 7yrs ago I broke out on my own. Today is 1 yr since my dad passed so with some money he left me I spoiled myself a little. Fester black. Fungus Dunn/roan and ferg bay roan.
Never give up on yourself and always do your best. You never know what is gunna happen in life or workin with your horse. Put your mind to your goals and show up for you everyday
Hello everyone,
Just wanted to stop by and introduce myself and my boys. I’m Robbin from Oklahoma. I was on the fence in joining this program because I’ve participated in several that left me more confused than helped. This one makes sense to me, and more importantly, my horses. Here’s a pic of my boys. 🤠
I can highly relate to the series about the stiff Gypsy Vanner.
Hey richard, maybe i missed out a video sequence or information in your videos, but i didn't quite get how you 'let your ES20ties stand tied up for a couple of hours' exactly.
Again: i am from Germany where people really kill you with their eyes if you tie up your horse in a knot halter..not to mention tie up in a snaffle or with a rope around their neck for hours... but mainly i don't care about it if possible and avoid discussions.
But to get it right: You tie them up the way it looks in the videos at end of day2/3, right??: Snaffle on, neckrope around neck and through curb strap and then tie on whereever you tie your horses at your barn. Do you tie them there rather tight or loose? I am asking because my little gelding here still sometimes tries to make funny moves with his head when he's bored or still a bit fresh where i fear he could manage to get somehow tangled? And further question: do you tie them with snaffle only to get them used to it standing around still or because you tie them up like that usually like that in their future saddle horse life? would you also let them stand there tied on when there are no buddies around/seen? Hope my questions make sense? ;-*
ps apart from that: i am so in love with your content and just happy to have found you..as you'd say...suits me just fine!!! HAHA
Hey guys! Natalie here (Richard's better half🤣).
Just a reminder about tomorrow night's livestream. We would love to have you join if you're available.
It will be Wednesday, 8/5/2026 at 6 MT/8 EST.
I’m about 60 rides in on this 3 yr old roan. Pushed some pairs off grazing land yesterday by himself
Good morning all, I want to go ahead and apologize to all yall that I let down this week with the livestream. Believe me when I tell you that I would've rather been with yall than where I was😕! Anyhow, those days are behind us now and we will be back on track this next Wednesday so plan on being there if you can.
We have a whole new batch of B1 members to welcome so let's get to it, shall we?
Zac B., Jim C., Cole K., Brad L., Eli S., Sonja, James F., Luca C.Joe R., Justin M., Lydia J., Emma-Louise, Bradley C D., James L., Tell H., Krissy D. Glad to have you guys!
Hi Richard, as a kid from Colorado, I know that any unplanned trip to CSU with a horse is not a good trip to take. Hope all went well for you and the horse.