Four Essential Elements for Enhanced Equine Relationship through Connection, as detailed by Tik Maynard in his article on NF.

In the world of equestrianism, a shift is underway, and Tik Maynard's Four Building Blocks to Better Horsemanship is leading the charge. This groundbreaking approach, now streaming exclusively on NF+, is transforming the way riders and trainers interact with their horses.

The Four Building Blocks emphasise learning to see, hear, and understand horses, moving from command to conversation, and fostering trust through shared understanding. The four fundamental building blocks are Observation, Communication, Motivation, and Play.

Observation is about learning to see horses before asking for anything, recognising subtle signals, and meeting them where they are. Before riding, it is suggested to watch the horse, notice their breathing, ears, and weight shifts to understand their feelings.

Communication is about more than just commands. It's about creating shared understanding, using pressure and release to foster trust, and moving from command to conversation. The concept of "The Look" is important in building true communication, which is the moment a horse shifts from compliance to curiosity.

Motivation in training is about understanding what makes a horse want to engage, not just avoiding discomfort. Fear, curiosity, and reward shape a horse's responses, so using positive reinforcement and play can shift training from an obligation into a partnership.

Play lives in the space between structure and spontaneity. Horses play by nature, and bringing play into training invites lightness, curiosity, and connection. Stop overthinking and be present, listen, and respond for play to happen. Let play be personal and find what excites your horse.

The goal is to build trust with the horse by being heard before being asked, and to create a relationship where they want to work with the rider. A horse that feels safe is crucial for learning. Fear blocks understanding, safety unlocks motivation.

Tik Maynard's approach to better horsemanship focuses on understanding and choosing wholeness, embracing one’s shadow, and rewriting personal stories. This focus on personal growth and improved connection with horses has earned him widespread praise.

Join NF+ today to unlock the cinematic docuseries, expert-led courses, and a passionate equestrian community. The real transformation isn't just in the horse, it's in you. Recognize the difference between tolerance and true acceptance in a horse, and embrace the Four Building Blocks to Better Horsemanship to elevate your equestrian journey.

Four Essential Elements for Enhanced Equine Relationship through Connection, as detailed by Tik Maynard in his article on NF.