Mark Langley Horsemanship Solutions for Partnership
by Mark Langley
Mark Langley horse training tips with a unique psychological perspective. Answering REAL horse training questions with practical and compassionate solutions. Help and advice on how to overcome common horse problems in a way which doesn’t use dominating and damaging techniques but influences their mindset and sets you up for long term success and partnership.
Episodes
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Choosing the Right Horse & Rebuilding Confidence
Buying or taking on a new horse can bring exciting possibilities — but also challenges that may not be obvious at first. In this episode, Mark answers member questions about what to look for when choosing a young horse, temperament and the horse’s ability to think and process new situations. He...
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Reactive horses: Understanding Anxiety, Pressure and Flight
Horseman Mark Langley uncovers the reasons behind different reactive behaviours in this episode, giving training strategies to help over come them. Specifically answering questions on horses that paw when tied up; a horse that can cow kick and buck before breaking free from the lead rope; an…
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Steps in Preparing an 8yr old horse to be Ridden
What should you check before putting a horse under saddle — especially when you don’t know everything about its previous training? In this episode, Mark answers questions about taking an eight-year-old mare through the early stages of starting, helping a horse become comfortable with girth...
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Improving Responsiveness in horses: Reins and Trail Riding in Groups
Trail riding can reveal a lot about how well a horse handles change, pressure and the presence of other horses. In this episode, Mark answers member questions about preparing horses for unfamiliar trail situations, riding safely in groups, and why some horses become unsettled when they are asked…
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A Quiet Head: Understanding Head Shyness, Head Tossing & Bit Chomping in horses
Mark answers member questions about head shyness, head tossing, bit chomping, nipping and cribbing, looking beyond the behaviour to understand what horses are actually thinking and feeling. “Memories can be changed and you can create new associations with things.” Listen to this podcast episode…
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Changing the Horse’s Mindset: Eye Brace, Resets & the Worry Cup
What does Mark mean when he talks about eye brace, resetting a horse, emptying the worry cup, shutting out and shutting down? In this special episode, Jenny asks Mark to explain some of the terminology he uses when assessing and working with horses — and, more importantly, what is actually...
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Is it okay if..? Understanding What Your Horse Is Telling You
This week Mark looks at some common horse behaviours and asks a simple question: is it okay if…? What if your horse looks around on a trail ride? Doesn’t want to work in a particular arena? Nips during rehabilitation exercises? Or becomes increasingly anxious the further you get from home? Rather...
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Why Horses Suddenly Stop Loading: what your horse is really telling you at the trailer
Some horses refuse to load. Others load perfectly for years before suddenly deciding they don't want to step into the trailer anymore. So what's really happening? And a look into why, if getting a horse on with something behind it is easier, why Mark doesn't advise it. Plus - ever been told to...
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When Should You Persist… and When Should You Stop?
This week, we're asking Mark for his opinion on three common questions horse owners often face. Should you keep riding a horse that's making you lose confidence? Is it harmless when a young horse constantly mouths everything, or is it a habit that needs changing? And when it comes to massage,...
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Helping Horses Feel Safe to Learn
This week, Mark answers three member questions about horses that appear very different—but all share the same underlying cause. Learn why an ex-harness horse becomes defensive during saddling and rugging, how to help an impatient young horse stand quietly, and why a horse that leads well can…
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Why Your Horse Doesn't Want to Go Forward
Why does one horse plant their feet while another refuses to trot? Although the behaviours look different, they often share the same underlying cause. In this episode, Mark answers questions from members about horses that stop, shut down or resist moving forward under saddle. He explains why…
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Are Biting, Spooking & Rushing Really the Same Problem? Understanding the Root Cause
Could a horse that bites during handling and another that rushes under saddle actually be struggling with the same underlying issue? In this episode, Mark explains why behaviours like biting, spooking, rushing and resistance are often connected—not by disobedience or dominance, but by anxiety,...
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When Leading Gets Sticky: Solving Common Groundwork Challenges
What do you do when your horse gets stuck, spooky, hyper-focused, nippy, or simply isn't responding the way you'd hoped? In this episode, Mark answers member questions about common groundwork and leading challenges, including young horses lacking confidence, horses becoming dull to pressure,...
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Advice for when your horse says "no"
What To Do When Your Horse Says "No" – Pressure, Persistence & Knowing When to Stop What should you do when your horse braces, freezes, pulls back, or simply refuses to go forward? In this episode, Mark explores one of the most common challenges horse owners face: what happens when a lesson isn't...
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Helping Anxious Horses Find Calm, Confidence & Self-Regulation
Why do some horses remain anxious, reactive, or constantly on high alert no matter how much experience they have? In this episode, Mark answers member questions about highly anxious horses, reactive off-the-track Thoroughbreds, hypervigilant horses that struggle to relax, and horses that lack...
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Imprinting: how early handling shapes a horse's mind - the fine line between familiarity and numbness
How much should we handle young horses—and when does familiarity start to become numbness? In this episode, Mark explores the fine line between creating a horse that is comfortable around people and creating one that has learned to switch off. He discusses why some horses become dull to pressure,...
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From Float Loading to Clipper Fears: Solving Common Horse Training Challenges
In this episode, Mark answers a range of practical training questions, from rebuilding confidence after a frightening float-loading experience to helping horses overcome fear of clippers, drenches and handling around the head. He explains why softness under pressure is more important than simple...
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Bringing Horses Back Into Work: Rebuilding Confidence, Softness & Emotional Balance
What does it really mean to bring a horse “back into work”? In this episode of the Mark Langley Horsemanship Podcast, Mark explains why returning a horse to riding is often far more about emotional readiness than physical fitness. Using real member questions, he discusses off-the-track...
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Leading with Awareness: Why Horses Tune Out and How to Keep Them Thinking
Why do some horses become "stuck in the mud" when leading, while others seem to switch off and stop responding altogether? In this episode, Mark explores some of the most common leading challenges horse owners face and explains why the answer often lies in awareness rather than pressure. He...
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Preparing Horses for Shows Without Creating Anxiety: helping horses think clearly under pressure
In this episode, Jenny and I discuss how to prepare horses for shows, clinics and challenging environments without overwhelming them emotionally. We explore why exposure alone is not enough, and how horses need guidance, clarity and understanding to feel safe under pressure. I explain the...
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Managing Horses: Why Catching, Handling and Everyday Interactions Matter More Than You Think
Many horse owners focus heavily on training sessions, but some of the most important lessons horses learn happen in the quiet everyday moments — being caught, led, handled and managed around the paddock. In this episode, Mark explores how routine interactions shape a horse’s confidence, emotional...
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The reason some horses won’t lead into a trailer – and how to fix it
In this episode, Mark Langley reveals the core issue behind common behaviours like pulling back at the float or a reluctance to go forward. Calling out to their mates as you are trying to load them makes it harder. You'll discover why, without a solid foundation in leading, no amount of pressure…
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How Relaxed Jaws and Quiet Minds Unlock Better Horse Training Results: busting the myth of bit chewing
Addressing the potential training and developmental shortfalls of a side pull vs a bit. Many riders believe that encouraging horses to chew on bits is essential for their well-being. But what if a quiet mouth — rather than constant chewing — signals true comfort and softness? In this short…
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How Mastering Personal Space Can Reduce Nipping when being Led
Mark Langley—renowned for his emotive horse training—breaks down the steps to teach your horse personal space awareness, drastically reducing nipping when being led. In this episode, Mark shares practical strategies to help an eight-year-old off-the-track gelding who becomes nippy when asked to...
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Does your horse try to back out of the trailer prematurely?
Weekly horse training advice answering real questions with practical insights that offer a calm and considered approach to helping horses learn. This week: if your horse tries to back out of your trailer, perhaps when you go to do up the breaching bar, this episode with Mark Langley gives you…
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Empowering Riders: from basics to shows
Mark Langley horsemanship weekly podcast offering practical training tips for a variety of real situations. This week: Advice for under saddle: A new horse that refuses to go out of the gate; a mare that can get very high emotions and how to manage her at an event or show; and for a horse that is...
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Techniques that Build Trust: Helping a defensive Off the Track horse
Weekly podcast offering horse training advice with Mark Langley. Advice for an Off the Track mare who kicks and bites if asked to walk in a circle. She can also pin her ears back defensively with ground work. Listen to Mark's insights on why she is probably like this and how she can he helped…
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Why horses freeze or get worried on trail and how to fix it
In this episode, Mark tackles the common problem of horses that lock up, freeze or panic at the sight of distant horses, cows, unfamiliar environments or even just the same old trail despite repeated exposure— the key to resolving these isn’t necessarily what you think. Mark Langley reveals a...
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How to stop Mouthiness in horses & getting Forward
If you struggle to get your horses to move forward - whether undersaddle or in long reins - Mark has some great training tips for more confident movement. Plus, Mark explains how to adapt these techniques for carriage horses making the saddle transition, with insights into building feel,...
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Why Focusing on 'Awareness' Instead of Attention Rewrites Horse Training Rules
Most horse owners and trainers believe focusing on a horse’s attention is enough to create cooperation—until they realize true awareness is a game-changer. In this episode, Mark Langley explains the difference between a horse simply looking at you and one that is fully aware of everything around...
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Tips to get the breaching bar on
In this week's episode Mark answers a variety of horse related training questions: the difference between a rope halter and a webbing halter and why he uses a rope halter; tips for closing the breaching bar; are compression hoods supportive or masking?; and if a horse doesn't ever lie down to...
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Why Food Aggression Is More Common in Rescued Horses
Why Food Aggression Is More Common in Rescued Horses Most horses will test your boundaries—and for some, food aggression is just the tip of the iceberg. If you're struggling with a horse that’s overreactive, unruly, or unclear about boundaries, this episode reveals the foundational shifts you…
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Why Many Horses Fail as Beginners' Horses (And What You Can Do About It)
The critical qualities your horse needs before riding—beyond just standing still. Most horses become stiff and clunky because their bodies are tense and guarded — but what if the key to softness is more in the mind than the body? In this eye-opening episode, Mark and Jenny reveal how a horse’s…
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Tips with Cantering a Horse
Most standard bred or trotting horses are taught to be mechanical—paced, stiff, and resistant—until one trainer shares the transformative mindset shift that unlocks softness and how to get them to relax into a canter. If you've ever struggled to get a relaxed lope, a confident canter, or clear…
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Can you train a horse that runs back to the barn?
Unlock the secrets to truly understanding your horse—and transform your training approach forever. Discover why some horses walk off after mounting and how simple, counterintuitive tactics can turn that behaviour around instantly. If you’ve ever struggled with nervous, anxious, or strong horses...
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Do horses have bad days? Or is it a hole in your training?
Discover how subtle signals from your horse reveal their mindset, and learn the simple shifts that turn dullness into curiosity and confidence. In this episode, Mark Langley unpacks the mysteries behind horses with appearing "robotic" or disconnected. Is it boredom, stress, fatigue, or a deeper...
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What to do if your horse is uncomfortable with something? Solutions for Uncomfortable Horses
In this episode of Mark Langley's Horsemanship Podcast, Mark and Jenny Langley tackle common challenges faced by horse owners. From dealing with horses that are uncomfortable with objects on both sides to helping nervous thoroughbreds gain confidence, Mark shares practical tips and insights. Tune...
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Mindsets: Why they need monitoring
In this episode of Mark Langley's Horsemanship Podcast, we delve into the intricate world of horse mindsets and how they can be transformed to solve common behavioural issues. Join Jenny as she discusses with Mark the challenges faced by horse owners, such as scrambling in floats, pulling back,...
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The rope detail in belly roping & long reining
Join Mark and Jenny Langley in this week's episode of the Horsemanship Podcast as they look into successful techniques for using ropes in horse training. Whether you're transitioning your horse to long reining or exploring the nuances of belly roping, this episode offers valuable insights and...
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Training tips for frozen or shutdown horses
In this episode of Mark Langley's Horsemanship Podcast, Mark and Jenny tackle the challenges of training reactive and shut-down horses. From a Shetland pony struggling with freezing behaviour to a standardbred mare overcoming hyper-focus, Mark shares insightful strategies to engage a horse's mind...
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The difference between lightness & softness
Join Mark and Jenny Langley as they delve into the art of finding softness in horses and why softness is different from lightness. Listen to understand why softness is the ultimate goal that riders seek; with specific tips to help a hard eyed horse become softer. To ask Mark your question join…
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Short Lessons for Winter
Horseman Mark Langley gives some short exercises for you to do with your horses over winter to help when you bring them back into work later in the year. Plus how you can create personal space with horses that you have spent a lot of time grooming and are very comfortable with you - particularly…
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How important is footfall to the timing of aids? How to stop Pawing.
In this episode of Mark Langley's Horsemanship Podcast, we explore key aspects of horse training, including the timing of aids in relation to footfall, strategies to stop a horse from pawing when tied, and techniques to help a shut-down horse become more responsive. Mark shares insights on...
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Insights to help your horse load and travel well
In this episode of Mark Langley's Horsemanship Podcast, we delve into the intricacies of float loading, exploring why horses may become hesitant to load and how to address these challenges. Mark shares insights on the importance of preparing horses for travel, not just loading, and discusses the...
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Young Horse Starts: avoiding common pitfalls
In this episode of Mark Langley's Horsemanship Podcast, we explore common challenges faced by young, newly started horses, focusing on those that get easily frightened and those sensitive to girth pressure. Mark shares insights from his extensive experience starting over a thousand horses. We…
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Training Tips: If riding out makes your horse anxious
Perhaps your connection with your horse is fine. Ground work is fine. But when it comes to riding out or riding in new places, your horse's anxiety levels rise. Listen to find out what you can do about it to curb the anxiety and build your skillset. Mark Langley takes us through understanding...
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Horsemanship Training Challenges: when should you increase or stop the program?
Horseman Mark Langley divulges his insights to help with horse training challenges: from whether you should complement your horse ("good horse!"); to knowing when to increase or stop the training program; to helping the sensitive horses and the shut down horses - how do you approach their…
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Tying Up a Horse: How to Educate them for this
There are many ways to teach a horse to tie up. Mark Langley takes us through how to educate your horse to understand rope pressure and tying up - reducing accidents and trauma associated with tying up. Listen for some great horse training tips. Also - the concept of lifting the wither: what it…
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Stopping the Buck in a Canter Transition
In this episode, Mark Langley tackles a variety of horse training challenges, from managing a horse that bucks during canter transitions to addressing anxiety in tight spaces. Discover practical tips for improving your horse's response to pressure, enhancing their comfort with floating, and...
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The Common Triggers for Stress
Join us as Mark Langley delves into the world of equine anxiety and connection. Discover how understanding a horse's natural instincts can transform training methods and build trust. Whether it's the subtle cues of anxiety or the art of guiding a horse's thoughts, this episode is packed with...
About this show
Mark Langley horse training tips with a unique psychological perspective. Answering REAL horse training questions with practical and compassionate solutions. Help and advice on how to overcome common horse problems in a way which doesn’t use dominating and damaging techniques but influences their mindset and sets you up for long term success and partnership.
Hosted by
Mark Langley