Remote Horse Coach Blog | Alternative Horsemanship™ Horse Behavior, Training & Riding Tips
Alternative Horsemanship™ with Samantha Harvey

Alternative Horsemanship™ Blog & Articles

Learn Equine Behavior, Horse Training Tips, Owner Mindset Help with The Remote Horse Coach Blog

Welcome to the Alternative Horsemanship™ – The Remote Horse Coach blog, a leading educational resource offering virtual horse learning, professional horse advice, and in-depth guidance for solving common horse behavior problems. This horse learning blog provides riders and handlers with equine behavior insights, including human mindset analysis, practical horse skills help articles, and relevant horse training tips to develop safer and more effective horsemanship.

Each article is designed to increase your confidence, deepen your understanding of equine psychology, and help you develop a consistent, calm, and effective approach to working with your horse. With a focus on clarity, safety, and long-term skill development, the Remote Horse Coach blog supports riders at every level looking to refine their horsemanship through trustworthy, accessible, and high-quality information.

Horse Learning Tips with Time Limitations

If you have limited time with your horse, the goal isn’t to cram in everything at once, it’s to use your time intentionally, with clarity, and an emotional neutrality. Below are some reminders to make the most out of time with the horse.

 

Be mentally present, not just physically with the horse.

A person’s mindset strongly influences how the horse responds.

 

Before you approach your horse, pause, take a few deep breaths, notice how your body feels, notice any tension or distraction carried in from your day.

 

Choose breaking down one objective into smaller segments for the session (e.g., “grooming the horse”- hoping the horse will relax  or be calm versus checking in, addressing any tension or a brace, helping the horse work through it, then continuing to groom rather focusing solely on how it may make the human feel without considering what the horse is experiencing.

Quality > Quantity The typical “hurried human” interaction consists of a chaotic or passive interaction of many mixed cues, leading to unwanted equine behavior. Think of the interaction as an Opportunity for a Conversation with your horse. One clear request, assess the horse’s response, address the horse’s counteroffers, follow through until he can let “it” go and become available to your communication.

 

Mentally connect groundwork to riding- even if you’re not riding. The quality of the groundwork influences the future ride quality- whether it is tomorrow or, next week, or next month. Everything you would ask your horse to do when ridden can be asked from the ground.

 

Questions to consider assessing the quality and effectiveness of the communication:

  • Are you clear on how and what you ask of your horse?

  • Do you separate directing his thought from his movement?

  • Can you influence various energy levels in his gaits?

  • If he offers an unasked-for response, how easily can he “let it go?”

  • Do you get flustered, frustrated, or emotionally triggered if he doesn’t respond as you would like?

  • What do you do if he offers unwanted behavior?

  • How often do you follow through (without using escalating fear tactics) to help the horse work through his anticipation, fear, defensiveness, brace, tension, avoidance, etc.

  • End on a positive note- FOR the HORSE

  • Give yourself (and the horse) time to mentally process, let down, and “be” in the moment.

  • After the Session- Take a moment to reflect:

  • What did we do well today?

  • How can I help my horse be successful in what I ask of him?

The intention to observe, assess, and acknowledge helps raise self-awareness and develop the skills needed to build the partnership.

 

 

 

Begin Your Alternative Horsemanship™ Journey

Whether you're ready to deepen your understanding of equine behavior or want personalized guidance, Alternative Horsemanship™ offers professional support through on-demand educational videos and private coaching. Choose the option that best fits your learning goals and take the next step toward safer, clearer, and more mindful horsemanship.

Explore the Video Catalog Schedule an Intro Consult

Gain clarity in your communication with your horse, improve your training approach, and build a more trusting partnership through supportive guidance from the Remote Horse Coach. Start learning at your own pace or receive one-on-one coaching tailored to your unique needs.