Cappel Blogs

Fear is something every horseman encounters, no matter how much experience they have. In my work, I often describe fear using the acronym F.E.A.R., false evidence appearing real. Fear feels very real in the moment, but it is not always an accurate picture of what is happening.

People often correct the reaction without understanding what the horse lost in the process – Confidence!

Horses are herd animals, and within every herd there is a natural order based on leadership, safety, and trust. Horses do not follow because of force or dominance alone. They follow those who provide clarity, consistency, and a sense of security.

Many equestrians spend years learning how to improve their horse’s performance, yet far fewer take time to truly understand how their horse feels.

I remember telling my dad that I wanted to take Goldie to town to show her at a horse show. My dad hesitated and said, “I don’t think that’s a very good idea. You don’t really know what to do, and she doesn’t know what to do either.” Looking back I see my dad was telling me that I didn't have a "Clear Mental Picture!!

Picture this- You feel you have followed doing what you have been instructed and giving it your best effort, but the results still are not showing up.

As we leave 2025 behind and step into 2026, it is the perfect time to look back not to dwell, but to springboard forward. This is your moment to feel inspired, encouraged, eager, and confident that this coming year can be better than the last.

As I reflect on 2025, one thing rises to the surface above everything else and that is, the importance of appreciating the moment.

Horses are naturally built to handle cold weather, and most healthy horses do extremely well in winter when they’re allowed to live naturally without heavy blanketing or artificial lights that interfere with their seasonal changes.

Winter is often one of the healthiest times of the year for a horse’s feet, especially when there’s snow on the ground.

This is the third element needed for your horsemanship success. The previous elements discussed were having a Clear Mental Picture and Recognizing the horse’s Slightest Try. Now we come to the final element: The Sweet Spot.

Many riders wait for the horse to complete the entire task before offering any release or softening. The problem is that a horse cannot complete something it does not yet understand. It must think about it first.

A successful ride does not start in the saddle it starts in your mind. Long before your horse ever feels your leg or reads your body language, he is already responding to the picture you hold inside yourself.

Have you ever been in a hurry  running late for a horse show, a sale, or a roping? You’ve got everything packed, the truck’s running, and you just need to catch your horse so you can hit the road.

There’s something about being around horses that grounds a person in gratitude. It doesn’t matter if I’m saddling up for a ride, trimming one’s feet, or just leaning on a fence watching them graze somewhere in that moment, peace shows up.

Groundwork teaches your horse how to think and move before you ever get in the saddle. The balance, engagement, and responsiveness they learn on the ground naturally transfers to their back, making riding smoother, safer, and more enjoyable for both of you.

Spurs can be a controversial topic, but I do not believe they should be. Like any tool, it is all in how they are used.

We all want progress, but horses don’t follow our calendar. Too often, we expect results in weeks or months and measure their learning against our deadlines. The truth is, every horse has its own pace, shaped by confidence, experience, and understanding.

Whenever I’m working with a horse, my goal is to make the right thing the comfortable thing. The right thing is always whatever my clear mental picture is in that moment.

You think I’m just standing here while you brush me down, but I hear it all your hopes, your worries, your dreams, and your doubts. Since I carry you on my back, I might as well carry a little wisdom too.