ProHorse Training

08/01/2025

The 3 F’s Every Horse Needs - Food, Friends, and Freedom — and why missing even one affects your horse’s brain and body.

When we care for horses, it’s easy to think in human terms — what we would like, what seems cozy or convenient.
But horses aren't big, hairy humans. They have specific biological needs — and when those needs aren’t met, stress hormones like cortisol rise.

Let’s break it down:

1️⃣ Food (Constant Forage, Not Two Meals a Day)
Horses evolved to graze 16–18 hours a day. Their stomachs constantly produce acid — even if they're not eating.
🔬 When their stomach is empty for long periods, it can lead to ulcers, stress behaviours, and chronic cortisol release.

2️⃣ Friends (Real Social Interaction)
Horses are herd animals that communicate constantly — through movement, grooming, pushing, biting, or positioning their bodies.
Without social contact, horses experience social stress, which spikes cortisol and impacts their nervous system, heart rate, and overall regulation.

3️⃣ Freedom (The Need to Move)
The horse brain is wired for motion — especially the cerebellum, which plays a major role in processing movement and environmental feedback.
Confinement reduces this input and creates a mismatch between what their brain needs and what their environment provides.
🧠 This can lead to frustration, unpredictability, and chronic stress.

⚠️ Let’s Talk About Cortisol
Cortisol is the horse’s main stress hormone. A short-term spike (e.g., during learning or brief stress) is normal and healthy.
But if one or more of the 3 F’s is missing consistently, cortisol levels stay elevated.

💥 Chronic cortisol:

- Weakens the immune system

- Slows down healing

- Disrupts digestion

- Impairs learning

- Shrinks the hippocampus (memory center) over time

Can lead to learned helplessness and withdrawal

✅ What’s Best for the Horse — Not the Human
It’s not about what we think is nice.
A padded stall, solo turnout without any contact to other horses, or breakfast and dinner feeding might feel right to us, but it doesn’t match the biology of a horse.

If we want our horses to thrive, we need to stop humanizing them and start understanding them — biologically, neurologically, and behaviourally.

When we provide consistent Food, Friends, and Freedom, we’re not being idealistic — we’re giving horses what their systems are designed to function on.

Let’s build care around what they need, not what we imagine.

07/25/2025

Let’s talk Hancock horses.

They have a reputation—don’t they?
“You either get a really good one… or a really, really bad one.”
“They buck.”
“They’re difficult.”
“They’re just too much.”

But I don’t agree.
Not even a little.

In fact, the Hancock bloodline is one of my all-time favourites. My own horse Trapper is out of Alberta Blue Valentines —and he’s Hancock through and through. And I love everything about him.

So where does the bad reputation come from?

👉 Hancock horses are highly motivated.
They give 110%—every time.
But that means they’ll give 110% to the good things…
and 110% to the mistakes, the confusion, or the stuck moments if they don’t get clear guidance or a proper release.

If you reward resistance—because you didn’t notice the tension, or didn’t wait for softness—they’ll take that as the answer and give it right back to you next time.
But if you release at the right moment, when they offer softness, curiosity, or effort… they’ll come back tomorrow and offer you more.

Ask for a soft shoulder yield and reward the try, and they’ll be spinning beautifully for you within days.
They are thinkers. Problem-solvers. Doers.

That’s why they get labeled as difficult.
Because if the timing, feel, and clarity aren’t there—they don’t just tolerate it. They react to it.
And that’s not a flaw. That’s feedback.

So when I hear someone say,
“You either get a good one or a bad one…”
I say:

“No—they either had a good handler, or a bad one.”

Hancock horses will absolutely show you what kind of horseman you are.
And that’s why I like them so much.

They’re not difficult.
They’re not dangerous.
They’re not bad.

They’re motivated.

And they need someone who can meet them with the same effort, clarity, and commitment they bring to every ride.

💬 What’s your experience with Hancocks? I’d love to hear it👇

Photo: My 2-year-old Trapper (Hancocks Blonde Boy), (c) Nakita Kotze

07/21/2025

We’ve all heard of Learned Helplessness.
But do we really understand how common it is in horse training?
It’s not a modern problem. It’s something that’s been happening for decades—quiet horses being praised, when in reality, they’ve simply given up.

This topic matters to me deeply, because I see it so often. Horses that people describe as “so good” or “so calm”… but what I see is a horse that’s mentally shut down. A horse that stopped searching for answers a long time ago.

What is Learned Helplessness?
The term comes from psychologist Martin Seligman’s experiment in the 1960s. Dogs were repeatedly exposed to an unavoidable electric shock. Eventually, they stopped trying to escape—even when the chance to get away was offered later.
They had learned that their actions didn’t matter. Nothing they did changed the outcome. They gave up.

And that’s exactly what I see in so many horses today. Not because people are cruel—but because we’ve been taught to look for obedience over communication.

A horse in Learned Helplessness doesn’t look upset. That’s the problem.
It stands quietly.
It doesn’t say no.
It doesn’t move unless asked.
It never questions pressure.
People call it “calm.” I call it shut down.

A horse that has stopped thinking isn’t relaxed. It’s surrendered.

I don’t want that for my horses. And I hope you don’t, either.

So how do we know the difference between a horse that’s genuinely relaxed and a horse that’s just mentally checked out?

Look for the little things:
✔️ Is your horse licking and chewing when processing?
✔️ Does your horse sometimes offer wrong answers? That’s a good thing—it’s searching.
✔️ Is your horse curious about the world around it?
✔️ Does your horse feel safe enough to express a “no” sometimes?

These are signs of a thinking horse. A learning horse. A horse that’s still alive inside.

I’m passionate about this because I believe we can do better.
We shouldn’t feel proud of a horse that just shuts down. We should aim for connection, understanding, and a relationship where both horse and human can communicate clearly and honestly.

Don’t settle for silence. Look for curiosity. Look for try. Look for a thinking partner—not just an obedient body.

06/22/2025

Ever heard of the 3-Second-Rule ?

When a horse does something—like stepping forward, backing up, or responding to a cue—their brain instantly begins processing whether that action was worth repeating. This is called associative learning: the brain links a behavior with what follows it (either a reward, release of pressure, or a correction).

But this link isn’t open forever. It has a short window—and that’s where the 3-second rule comes in.

The horse’s limbic system, especially the amygdala and hippocampus, plays a key role in memory and emotion.
When something happens, the brain decides if it’s important by how quickly the result (good or bad) follows. Neurotransmitters like dopamine (which drives reward-based learning) are released immediately after the stimulus.
If the reward or release happens within about 3 seconds, dopamine strengthens the memory link between the action and the outcome.
If you wait longer, the brain may no longer connect the two.

👉 Example: If you're asking your horse to back up, don’t wait until they’ve taken 10 steps before releasing the pressure. If they shift their weight back or take just one step—that’s your moment. Release right then. That first effort is what you want to mark and reinforce. Otherwise, they may not know what they're being rewarded for.

It also works the other way around: it helps to give horses space between cues to not connect one cue with the other.

👉 Example: If you ask your horse to come to the mounting block and immediately swing your leg over, they may learn that coming over always means being mounted—which could make them hesitant to come in the first place. Instead, pause for 3 seconds after they line up. Let them reset. Then get on.

These moments of pause and precise timing are small adjustments—but they make a big difference. You create clarity, reduce stress, and build confidence in your horse. The 3-second rule isn’t just a training technique—it’s a reflection of how your horse’s brain learns best.

Try it. Wait just a little longer. Reward just a little sooner. You might be surprised how much faster they understand when their brain has the chance to catch up.

Photo: Alicia Nicole Wopereis Photography

06/16/2025

🚨 Don't Miss This! 🚨
We are beyond excited to announce our very first Pro-Horse Clinic—and it's going to be an unforgettable weekend! 🎉🐴

📍 July 19–20 | 🕘 Starts 9 AM Saturday – Ends 4 PM Sunday
📌 Location: Rocky Six S Ranch and Stables, Madden, AB
This clinic brings together 5 powerful sessions with 4 passionate clinicians over two days, designed to help you truly understand your horse—body, mind, and soul. Whether you're new to horses or looking to go deeper and learn more, this weekend will transform the way you connect with your equine partner and we guarantee you we will blow your mind with facts you haven’t heard before 🙌🏼

✨ Here's what’s included:
🔹 Liberty Training with ProHorse Training – Learn how to use your horse’s body language to build a connection—no ropes, no force.
🔹 Nutrition Deep Dive with Na Lio Equine – Understand what your horse really needs to thrive and get all your feeding questions answered.
🔹 Equine Body Work with Positive Movement – Learn hands-on exercises to help your horse feel great and stay sound.
🔹 Rider Fitness with Katelyn, Certified Athletic Therapist – Discover exercises to strengthen your own body, ride better, and prevent injury.
🔹 Brain- & Instinct-Based Horsemanship with ProHorse Training – Understand how your horse’s mind works and how to work with it, not against it.

💡 Our mission?
To give you tools, knowledge, and inspiration to improve your daily life with your horse. We want you to walk away not just feeling more confident—but more connected.
This is for horse lovers who care deeply about doing better for their horse—and want to hang out with others who feel the same way. 💛
You can bring your own horse or rent one for the weekend!

🎟 Spots are limited—so don’t wait!
$450 for participants with a horse
$250 for participants with no horse

We can’t wait to welcome you to the very first Pro-Horse Clinic and spend a weekend learning, laughing, and growing—together.

Overnight Paddocks available for an extra fee.

Send us a message, email or text for questions or to book your spot!

05/27/2025

🧠💥 Ever wondered why your horse reacts the way they do?
It’s not just personality—it’s brain chemistry.

In today’s post, we’re diving into 3 powerful hormones that shape how your horse responds to pressure, rest, and alertness:

🔹 Norepinephrine – sharpens focus
🔹 Melatonin – regulates rest
🔹 Epinephrine – fuels quick reactions

Understanding these chemicals helps us make better training decisions—ones that respect the nervous system, not just the behavior. When we work with the brain, training becomes safer, calmer, and way more effective.

✨Want to build a responsive, relaxed horse?
Start with the science behind their behavior.

👇 Have you ever paid attention to the hormones in your horses brain? Let’s talk in the comments!

05/01/2025

Ready to unlock the next layer of your horse’s brain?
Let’s keep the hormone series going—with 3 more powerful chemicals that influence how your horse feels, moves, and learns:

4️⃣ Endorphins – natural pain relievers that make movement feel good
5️⃣ Cortisol – the stress responder that tells us when things are too much
6️⃣ Adrenaline – the fight-or-flight trigger that sparks big reactions fast

Understanding these helps you recognize when your horse is truly relaxed… or just coping. And that insight changes everything about how you train and connect.

We’re not done yet—more brain chemistry coming in the next post!

04/19/2025

Want to train smarter, not harder? Start with the brain.
Understanding your horse’s hormones can totally change the way you see behavior, learning, and connection!

Let’s kick off with the first three:
1️⃣ Dopamine – the reward signal that helps your horse learn
2️⃣ Oxytocin – the bonding chemical behind trust and connection
3️⃣ Serotonin – the stabilizer that supports calm, steady minds

These chemicals are working behind the scenes every time you interact with your horse—and learning how to work with them is a game-changer.

We’ll dive into more fascinating hormones in our next posts—so stay tuned!
Which one of these surprised you the most?

04/17/2025

✨ Liberty & Communication Clinic ✨

Experience Connection. Science. Freedom.

Discover a whole new way to be with your horse.

Learn how to interact with your horse at liberty—no ropes, no force. Just true, willing connection. Your horse will want to be with you.

This is more than a clinic—it’s a weekend of discovery, fun, learning and inspiration. Whether you’re brand new to liberty work or looking to go deeper, you’ll leave with real skills, new insights, and a stronger bond with your horse.

🧠 What You’ll Learn:

🔸Liberty work that builds trust—no halters, no ropes
🔸Brain-based and evidence-backed horsemanship strategies
🔸How horses really learn and how to work with that
🔸Problem solving

✅ What’s Included:

🔸One group theory session (deep dive into the science!)
🔸Three semi-private sessions with your horse
🔸Your own round pen—just you and your horse, no sharing

📍Rocky Six S Ranch and Stables, Carstairs, AB

📅 May 3+4 2025

🗓 Weekend Clinic | $450 per participant

🎟 Auditor Passes: $50 Saturday(including Sunday) | $20 Sunday only

🔗 Spots are limited!

📞 (587)436-5572 | 📧prohorsecanada@gmail.com | 🌐 www.prohorse.ca

04/12/2025

My favourite Ranch and Breeding Program ♥️

Introducing the "RHR Community Endorsement" series! Where we shout out a local equine business we love! ❤️

Our first business is Prohorse Training! Carola with Prohorse Training offers a means of training with a positive state of mind at all times, no force but a firm and consistent demeanor. She offers liberty training, lessons, and more!

Learn more about the wonderful Carola by visiting her website https://prohorse.ca or by following her on social media.

04/10/2025

Ever wonder why your horse reacts so differently than you would?

It’s not attitude—it’s their brain and instincts.

Here are 3 brain-based differences between horses and humans that explain so much:

1. Horses Push & Draw — Humans Catch & Chase

Horses are prey animals. They communicate through space—pushing pressure away or drawing in what feels safe.

Humans, as predators, naturally reach out, grab, and hold.
To a horse, that can feel intense or even threatening. Learning to invite instead of chase builds trust.

2. Prey Brain vs Predator Brain

Horses don’t analyze or plan. Their brain is built for reaction and awareness, not logic.

Humans think things through—horses notice and move.
Keep your communication simple, clear, and consistent to match how they process the world.

3. Comfort Looks Different

Humans often comfort through closeness—touch, eye contact, presence.

Horses feel safe with space and stillness.

Releasing pressure, stepping back, or softening your focus tells your horse: you’re safe.

Understanding the horse’s brain helps us become clearer, kinder, and more effective partners.

I love facts like these and they made me a better horse person! I hope you love them just as much! Let me know what you think!

04/07/2025

I've had a few people asking if we have an online school, and yes we are working on it! But we already have our Subscription option on Instagram that has tons of tutorials and training videos! I also accept requests for topics and we have a big group chat in which everyone can ask questions and talk to like minded horse people :) Make sure to follow us on Instagram! :)