Niki Clarke: A Dressage Virtuoso's Partnership with Horse Education Company
At the intersection of elite dressage and nuanced horsemanship, you’ll find Niki Clarke. Niki's horsemanship and dressage journey is marked by significant achievements, including being a bronze, silver, and gold USDF Dressage medalist. As a recipient of the 2023 Debbie McDonald Grant and a qualified contender in the 2023 National USEF Grand Prix Championship with Sir Amour, her story is one of relentless dedication and passion. In dressage, Niki finds her passion ignited by the precision and the nuanced communication required to create effortless elegance with her horses.
Early Beginnings
Niki's love for horses began in Dillon, Montana, on a cattle ranch. At eight, inspired by her father's suggestion, she embarked on a path that would lead to her becoming a revered figure in the world of dressage. This early exposure to horses planted the seeds for a lifelong pursuit of excellence in the arena.
One Step Forward Each Day
Niki’s approach to her riding practice is anchored in a philosophy of continuous improvement, driven by a deep-seated desire to forge a rewarding connection with her horses. This dedication to training is not just a pursuit of technical excellence - it's rooted in the desire to achieve a mutually beneficial relationship with each horse she trains.
At the heart of Niki's methodology is a focus on refining her riding technique, specifically her aids and timing. This attention to detail ensures that her communication with the horse is clear, subtle, and effective. It's a balancing act where every gesture, every cue, and every response plays a critical role in the interaction between horse and rider. For Niki, the precision of her aids is not merely a tool for directing the horse but a language through which she speaks to them, conveying her intentions in a way that is both respectful and comprehensible to her equine partners.
Niki's pursuit of continuous improvement is a reflection of her understanding that the relationship with a horse is a journey, not a destination. She recognizes that each horse is an individual with unique needs, preferences, and learning styles. This recognition drives her to constantly adapt and refine her approach, tailoring her training to meet the specific requirements of each horse. By doing so, she ensures that the training process is not only effective but also enriching for the horse, improving their confidence and willingness to engage.
In her quest for excellence, Niki also acknowledges the importance of timing in her interactions with her horses. Timing, in the context of horse training, is a critical factor that influences the effectiveness of communication. It's about understanding the precise moment to offer guidance, to reward, or to simply let the horse process and respond. This aspect of her training underscores her commitment to creating an environment where the horses feel understood and appreciated, fostering a sense of trust and cooperation.
Niki is committed to refinement and growth, both for herself and her horses. Her approach exemplifies a deep respect for the intelligence and sensitivity of horses, and her dedication to continuous improvement is a testament to her passion for creating a fulfilling partnership with her horses.
Special Bonds
Niki's relationship with her horses Nugget and Sir Amour embodies the essence of deep connection in horsemanship. Nugget, known for his sensitivity and spirited nature, requires a careful approach from Niki. Their bond is based on trust and positive reinforcement, with Niki's skillful timing playing a crucial role in responding to Nugget's independent character.
“Nugget fascinates me because he is incredibly sensitive, very forward-thinking, independent, and extremely talented. This is an interesting combination and requires a delicate combination of creating trust and confidence,” Niki shared.
Sir Amour, with his gentle and soulful demeanor, shares a bond with Niki that is built on mutual trust and understanding. Niki's work with Sir Amour focuses on helping him express his emotions more openly, contributing significantly to his confidence. This has strengthened their partnership, evident in their daily interactions and the trust Sir Amour places in Niki.
“Sir Amour is the sweetest horse we have in the barn. He looks right into your soul,” Niki said.
A Family Affair
A significant influence on Niki’s horsemanship has been her husband, Lyn Clarke, an exceptional horseman under the tutelage of Allen Clarke and Dennis Reis. His influence filled a crucial gap in her knowledge, enhancing her understanding of horsemanship. Niki highlights the pivotal role her husband plays in her pursuits. As an accomplished horseman and farrier, he supports her in all aspects of riding and groundwork.
Admiration for Horse Education Company
Nik’s love for the Horse Education Company stems from a shared understanding of horsemanship and the exemplary quality of the products. She values the thoughtful design of the halters, blending leather and rope for comfort and control.
“My favorite thing about the Horse Education Company is Sara’s knowledge of horsemanship and the quality of her products. The halters have the right mix of leather and rope to provide comfort to the horse but also offer that little bit of control when you need it,” Niki said.
Niki’s achievements, grounded in a deep love for horses and a continuous quest for refinement, resonate with the very foundation of the Horse Education Company–a blend of tradition, innovation, and a deep respect for horses.
]]>The Partnership with Brittany Pozzi-Tonozzi
Brittany Pozzi-Tonozzi, a 17-time Wrangler National Finals Rodeo qualifier, has been using The Horse Education Company's halters for about six years, valuing their quality and design. The partnership evolved organically, born out of mutual respect and a shared commitment to excellence for our horses.
"I'm excited about partnering with Horse Education. These are my absolute favorite halters because they are classy but effective. I love having the rope nose—these barrel horses can get to be a little bit much sometimes. So, it's nice to have the extra control. But then you have the beautiful nameplate, the classy leather that makes it so eye-appealing," Brittany said. She continued, "My second favorite thing is the lead ropes. The lead ropes are amazing because they last forever and seem to be indestructible. I have been using these halters for about six years now. I had one on Katniss, and I’ve had one on many horses throughout the years. I’m excited to have all my horses outfitted in Horse Education."
Expanding Horizons
Beyond Brittany, The Horse Education Company has engaged with a diverse group of professionals, including dressage riders, showjumpers, and Western sports athletes. Each discipline brings its unique challenges and requirements, and these collaborations have allowed the company to consider these aspects while designing halters. Being able to connect with professionals across disciplines has allowed Horse Education Company to share products with new customers who turn into loyal Horse Education fans.
The Future of The Horse Education Company
Looking ahead, The Horse Education Company is excited about its partnership with Brittany and the potential to impact the equine industry positively. Horse Education Company is committed to producing gear that respects the individuality of each horse, aligning perfectly with Brittany's approach to horsemanship. This partnership is a testament to the belief that treating horses as partners and individuals can lead to extraordinary results.
]]>What is a halter safety breakaway?
Simply put, it is having some part of your halter that will break before your horse's body does. This helps prevent both minor and catastrophic injuries. Certain organizations like Pony Club will also have gear requirements for this safety feature.
But won't my horse get away if the safety breakaway is triggered?
A loose horse is better than a dead horse or one severely injured. Pull back injuries in particular can lead to lacerations and even injury to your horse's vertebrae.
A word about turnout...
I don't personally recommend ever turning a horse out in a halter, but in some stabling situations, this could be a requirement or necessity. It would be an ugly situation if your horse caught a shoe on his halter or his halter on a fence. You should NEVER turn out a horse to pasture with a halter on unless:
And a few words about rope halters...
NEVER, EVER, EVER turnout a horse in a rope halter.
NEVER, EVER, EVER cross tie a horse in a rope halter.
If a horse pulls back in a rope halter, it will tighten. Nothing will break. If you are not there to cut him out of it with a knife or release the rope he is secured to his body will be what breaks.
How do I know if my halter is a "breakaway"?
Any halter advertised as a breakaway will have this capability. So will leather halters with an all leather poll strap, because leather is a naturally breakable material when placed under enough pressure thanks to seams and natural fiber weaknesses. Synthetic materials like nylon are designed for strength and to hold pressure, so do not provide this breaking safety.
You can adapt any nylon or synthetic beta halter to be a safety breakaway halter with our Breakaway Fuse Kit.
Our HEC halters are built with a throat latch snap which provides another layer of protection in a pullback, this snap is designed to fail under enough strain but it takes A LOT of force. This is snap failure safety is not enough for pasture turnout and is a backup safety feature only.
Other safety practices
Another safety policy I recommend is using a Blocker Tie Ring anywhere you tie your horses; cross ties, wash bay, trailer, etc. These are not "cheap as chips" but they are cheaper than a vet bill or injury and in my opinion, essential to your stable. What I like most about them is they will protect you and your horse from projectile injuries from whatever you are tying the horse to breaking. It allows the lead rope to slide, while keeping your horse safely secured. This greatly reduces the strain on rings or bolts that we tie horses to - many of which have not been maintained in years and are just waiting for extraordinary force to break. Some metals are also prone to breakages in frigid temperatures, so the tie ring also reduces that potential risk.
Knowing knots can be very helpful and a great horsemanship skill, however not all of us are 'knotty' kind of people which is okay. The right tack and safety devices can bridge that gap in ability or knowledge while keeping you and your horse safe.
When it comes to tying horses, I believe in having several safety redundancies - its like having your young kids around live electricity or guns - safety, safety, safety.
]]>Skills that we can practice away from the horse, build our understanding of ourselves and our use of our hands with the horse. Or said another way, how you do one thing is how you do everything.
Our Retractable Pocket Flag is one of the most popular items we carry. With over 10 years of testing we have long since dialed in the precise machining of the parts, the right coatings to use, the optimal fabric that will have eye-catching movement to it. It is also a tool that is a truth revealer.
You may be used to a tool that requires no skill to use - like a static flag or horsemanship stick, you may lean on tools you have now when you don't know you are, or whack things you don't know that you are because you aren't aware of where your hands are.
The Pocket Flag is a wonderfully handy tool that will reward patience, good hands and AWARENESS - all the same things that lead to success in a training outcome. Here are some helpful tips as you make friends with your new tool.
The solution to eliminating that bulk is to create your own mini plastic flag that can fit inside the Pocket Flag Handle.
You'll Need:
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The collapsible reimagining of the classic horsemanship flag is a 4' fiberglass telescoping stick which collapses down to just 9 inches long. It comes complete with a white flag which is easily visible to the horse.
The Pocket Flag also doubles as a light riding stick that fits in your pocket. Just remove the flag and you've got a telescoping stick that weighs just 1.8 ounces, perfect as an aid while riding. Whether you’re looking to put the functionality and convenience of a horsemanship flag in your back pocket, in your carry-on luggage, in your tack box or in your trail bags, the Retractable Pocket Flag has you covered. Priced at $29.99, it is a popular holiday gift choice for any horse lover on your Christmas list.
“The horsemanship flag has long been a stock and trade tool of master natural horsemen who have studied the techniques of such legends as Bill Dorrance and Ray Hunt. Horsemanship flags are a versatile tool thanks to the broad effect they have on the horse’s personal space, but generally made of stiff wire and not at all portable. We’re excited to have found a way to keep the tradition of this classic tool alive, while giving it the portability and convenience that modern at-home owner/trainers are looking for,“ says Horse Education Company President, Sara Johnson.For more or to buy the Pocket Horsemanship Flag visit www.horseeducation.com or call The Horse Education Company at 630-608-0804.
About The Horse Education Company
Founded in 2013, The Horse Education Company brings innovative, professional grade tools, educational products and gear into the hands of at-home trainers of all disciplines in the US, UK and Australia. Their “better mousetrap” designs focus on keeping the equine athlete and at-home trainer happy, healthy and wise. The company’s patented HYBRID Halter® gives the control of a stud chain with a horse friendly design that avid sport trainers and natural horsemen alike can agree upon, while the company’s line of lightweight ground and ergonomic training tools make it easier to get refined training results with less stress on the horse owner’s mind, time and body. Partnering with leading trainers, competitors and clinicians the company offers the at-home trainer a curated selection of educational titles that allow them to maintain their horse’s mind and body with out-of-the-box challenges that keep the training relationship between horse and rider fresh, willing and consistently expanding.
We also offer a 3/4" webbing Arabian size in black. This horse halter has the same rope diameter measurements as a small, but a longer cheek and is suitable for larger Arabians with longer heads.
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