Circle M Horse Boarding And Training

09/02/2026

A Week at Williams Dressage

I recently had the privilege of spending a week at Williams Dressage, immersed in the principles and practice of classical horsemanship.

The week was a study in the foundations upon which true equitation is built: lightness of the aids, understanding the action of the hind legs, the influence of the seat, straightness, balance, shoulder-in, and above all, the accord of the aids.

Again and again, we returned to a principle that lies at the heart of classical riding: the refinement of the aid rather than the increase of it. To feel the correct moment, to influence without force, and to allow the seat, legs, and hand to act in harmony.

The exercises themselves are only a means toward something greater—the development of balance, suppleness, lightness, and eventually that harmony in which horse and rider appear to act as one.

I am deeply grateful for the instruction and time spent at Williams Dressage. It was a week devoted not simply to learning movements, but to a deeper study of the art of riding and the education of the horse.

Lightness through understanding. Balance through gymnastic development. Harmony through the accord of the aids.

08/20/2026

Crush is doing do good! Around 60 days under saddle and his gaits are coming along nicely! His Spanish walk party trick is a little added bonus we're developing as well!

08/18/2026

08/14/2026

Crush continues to surprise us. 🐴

Crush is one of the 2-year-old Saddlebreds we currently have in training and has only been under saddle for about 60 days.

Today, while working, he spontaneously offered a few steps of Spanish Walk. We acknowledged what he was offering, gave him the cue, and he proceeded to repeat it on command.

Of course, it still needs plenty of time and development—and at only two years old, there is absolutely no rush. But moments like this are a great reminder of just how intelligent, expressive, and willing young horses can be when they're given the opportunity to think and offer answers.

Sometimes training isn't about teaching the movement you had planned for that day. Sometimes it's about listening to what the horse is offering and saying, "Yes, that's the answer."

Very proud of this young horse and excited to see where his training takes him.

08/13/2026

Exciting news today!!

Major Mac V

08/13/2026

Groundwork is such an important part of developing balance, rhythm, and suppleness. This was one of Nemo’s first times working in a snaffle, and he did fantastic—staying soft, attentive, and willing throughout the session. Really pleased with how this young horse is progressing.

08/10/2026

Training the Young Horse

A few moments from recent rides with the young horses. At this stage, the goal isn’t perfection—it’s building confidence, understanding, and trust.

Every ride is a conversation: ask a question, give them time to find the answer, and reward the smallest try in the right direction. From standing quietly at the mounting block to carrying a rider forward with balance and relaxation, each small success becomes the foundation for everything that comes later.

Slow work today builds confident, willing horses tomorrow. 🐴

08/02/2026

Every "Bad Behavior" Is a Question

Many of what we call a horse's "tantrums" are not acts of defiance—they are questions.

"Must I really stand here?"
"Can I rush through this?"
"What happens if I pull away?"
"Is there another answer?"

The horse is constantly searching for the boundaries of the conversation. It is the horseman's responsibility to answer those questions the same way every time.

The reply should be calm, clear, and unwavering:

"This is the answer."

Not through anger or punishment, but through consistency. Every correct response from the horse is acknowledged with the release of pressure, a kind word, a scratch on the neck, or a quiet moment to rest. In that moment, the horse learns not only what is expected, but that choosing the correct answer brings comfort and confidence.

Over time, the questions become fewer because the answers never change. Trust grows when the horse knows exactly what the horseman means, and the horseman rewards every honest effort in the right direction.

Good horsemanship is not winning an argument with the horse. It is patiently answering the same questions until the horse no longer needs to ask.