Cohesive Horsemanship

10/03/2026

That moment when you think it, and it happens.

A transition so smooth, so natural, it almost feels like magic.

I've learned after years of chasing those moments that they are not magic. They're the result of preparation.

In Episode 10 of The Balance Point, I break down a simple three part rhythm I use constantly, both in the saddle and out of it: release, rebalance, allow. I get into William Bridges' work on transitions, James Nestor's research on why the exhale actually changes what's possible in your body, and why I deliberately never call this a "half halt." (It's not a halt. It's not a hold. It starts in your own core, long before it reaches the horse.)

I also share four simple questions I ask myself anytime a transition isn't working, questions you can use on your horse, in a meeting, or in your own life.

This month's Monthly Journey work along session is built entirely around this theme. If you've ever wanted to actually practice this, breath by breath, transition by transition, this is the month to join us.

🎧 Episode 10: Collected Transitions: Balancing breath, clarity, and curiosity.
https://www.cohesivehorsemanship.com/podcasts/cohesive-horsemanship-balance-point

08/26/2026

This is the official entry form for Rim Rider Working Equitation Shows to be held on Sept 26th and 27th 2026 at the Patterson Training LLC Facility in Payson Arizona.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfwDgFyuWGqbjlpoUJF9hfgueBx6cpN-RR0A9bJhuebzwTcvg/viewform?usp=header

Our Honorable Judge is: Andre Ganc USAWE R Judge

Facility Address is: 272 S. Sprague Dr. Payson AZ 85541

07/22/2026

Gambel... Still running!

Gambel is a 3 month old Andalusian/Morgan c**t. Sire is RG Gus McC...

07/17/2026

We are now taking entires for the much anticipated Coconino Cool Off Working Equitation Shows on Aug 15th and 16th!

2 shows, 1 clinic, 1 awesome weekend in Flagstaff AZ!!!!


Coconino Cool Off WE entry form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd2S3c5NFZhqbnFCf8D2f7rNFIKHQSToP4xR58KrLknKTQjKg/viewform?usp=header


Above is the official entry form for the Coconino Cool off Working Equitation Shows to be held on Aug 15th and 16th at the Northern Arizona Riding Stables in Flagstaff Arizona.

Each show is limited to 24 entries.

Our Honorable Judge is: Sarah Pinney USAWE R Judge
Technical Delegate is: Jill Mahdessian
Show Manager is: Tessa Nicolet - Contact 928-951-4699 or [email protected]

Facility Address is: 3090 Old Munds Hwy, Flagstaff, AZ 86005
Overnight UNCOVERED pens are available for $30 a night
Overnight DRY camping is available for $30 a night
You will need to bring your own feed, water buckets, shavings etc... You will be responsible for cleaning your pens.

Show Fees are:
Level 1 entry - $200
Level 2 -7 entries - $250

Entries can be refunded minus a $75 office fee by Aug 1st after which no refunds will be made.

Clinic Registration on Friday Aug 14th with Tessa Nicolet is available here: https://www.cohesivehorsemanship.com/offers/ULFmEpAJ/checkout

All competitors must be current Members in good standing of AZWEC and USAWE.
All competing equines must be recorded with USAWE.
USAWE membership information is available here: https://usawe.org/become-a-member/
AZWEC membership information is available here: https://azwec.com/ -6b59-4251-9f98-d9d4c9b08479
USAWE Horse Recording information is available here: https://usawe.org/competitors/record-your-horse/

A Note on Entry Fees

Starting with the Coconino Cool Off Shows (Aug 15–16), entry fees are adjusting to $200 for Level 1 and $250 for upper levels. This reflects rising costs for judges and officials, travel, facility rental, and ongoing obstacle maintenance and repair. We compared fees across other regions and disciplines to make sure this stays fair and in line with the sport - while most importantly still keeping Working Equitation accessible for riders. We appreciate your understanding, and as always, these shows can only be successful because of your support!

We Need You — Volunteers & Sponsors

Shows like this don't happen without help behind the scenes. If you can lend a hand as a Gate or Paddock steward or Scribe, we'd love to have you - no experience necessary, and it's a great way to learn from a new angle. And if you or a business you know would like to sponsor the Coconino Cool Off Shows, sponsorship helps offset the very costs mentioned above and keeps entry fees as low as possible for riders. Reach out by replying to this email if you're interested in either - every bit of support keeps Working Equitation strong!

06/24/2026

Something new just landed inside The Free 6 Basics Mini Course - and I'm pretty excited about it. 🐴

I added a free work-along audio session that you can listen to while you ride.

That's right. No desk, no video, no trying to remember what you watched later. Just pop in your earbuds, head out to the arena, and let me guide you through working on the basics in real time with your horse or mule.

Because understanding the 6 basics is one thing. Feeling them - in your body, in your horse's responses, in the rhythm between you - is something else entirely.

If you've already signed up for the course, it's waiting for you inside. If you haven't yet... it's completely free. 👇

https://www.cohesivehorsemanship.com/offers/9JsX6TEK/checkout

05/09/2026

Rim Rider show #1 and #2 May 30th and 31st - ENTRIES are OPEN!💫🤩🦄
Shows #3 and #4 are scheduled for Sept 26th and 27th

Please contact Tessa ([email protected]) if you are interested in Volunteering!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeLUhULanz1KzttxVlsW-j3Juo-m0V7XWjs93tnH3fyajK_2Q/viewform?usp=header

Our Honorable Judge is: Rebecca Algar USAWE Senior Judge
Technical Delegate is: Ashley Bowers
Show Managers are: Vicki Clayton and Tessa Nicolet

Facility Address is: Patterson Training LLC - 272 S. Sprague Dr, Star Valley AZ
Overnight UNCOVERED PANEL pens are available for $20 a night
Overnight DRY camping is available for $20 a night

Show Fees are:
Level 1 entry - $165
Level 2 -7 entries - $200
If you enter both shows with the same equine at the same level - fees for the second show are:
Level 1 entry - $150
Level 2 -7 entry - $185

04/18/2026

We don't build trust by offering help. We build trust by asking for it.

I'll be honest - when I first heard Simon Sinek say that, my reaction was "that can't be right." Everything I'd been taught pointed the other direction. Be capable. Be reliable. Don't burden people. Figure it out yourself.

And then Brene Brown said it too! - Crap, I better think about this!

But the more I sat with it - and the more I brought it into the barn - the more I realized how much my ‘be self reliant’ operating system was costing me. In my relationships. In my community. And in the saddle.

Episode 8 of The Balance Point is out now. And I think it might change how you look at some of your most frustrating moments in the barn.

"Don't Be Selfish: Stop Helping, Start Asking."
find The Balance Point wherever you listen to podcasts.
https://www.cohesivehorsemanship.com/podcasts/cohesive-horsemanship-balance-point

04/12/2026

I can't hide it... I'm super excited about this little dude!

C**t Born April 5th at 5:30am
Andalusian Dam - Mariposa PBH (thank you Amy Star!)
Morgan Sire - RG Gus McCrae

https://youtu.be/_jub2wku--A?si=vQhPU1sLbUdYo1nn

04/11/2026

Gambel turns 6 days old today!!!

Andalusian Dam - Mariposa PBH (thank you Amy Star!)
Morgan Sire - RG Gus McCrae

This one I plan to keep! :)

04/09/2026

Every time you ride, you are speaking a language.
Your seat, your leg, your hand, your breath - they are words. And like any language, they only make sense when they are consistent. When the grammar holds.
When we change the structure - when the same aid means something different on Tuesday than it did on Saturday - we are not speaking a language anymore. We are making noise. And our horses, as brilliant as they are, cannot learn from noise. They can only guess at it.

Episode 7 of The Balance Point is all about what it really takes to build clarity in your communication - with your horse and with the people in your life.
Come take a listen.
https://www.cohesivehorsemanship.com/podcasts/cohesive-horsemanship-balance-point

Does this resonate with you? Where do you find it hardest to stay consistent in your communication?