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Martin Black is one of America's most celebrated horsemen, one who has spent his life ranching, riding, training horses, starting young horses, working cows, and roping in the Great Basin tradition. Martin tirelessly shares his knowledge and experience with folks serious about improving themselves and their horses. He has written extensively, authoring both books (the Western Horseman book on Cow Horse Confidence and co-authoring the ground-breaking Evidence-Based Horsemanship) and articles that share his thoughts and experiences on horsemanship. Now for the first time, all of Martin's major articles, most from Eclectic Horseman magazine, are being collected into three handy volumes titled: The Essential Martin Black. This book, "Volume No. 1, Horseback," includes 28 articles with photos relating to riding topics. Whether you're a long time student of Martin's or just beginning to explore the realm of horsemanship, Martin's articles will get you thinking and offer ideas for improving your horse relationships. -
Martin Black is one of America’s most celebrated horsemen, one who has spent his life ranching, riding, training horses, starting young horses, working cows, and roping in the Great Basin tradition. Martin tirelessly shares his knowledge and experience with folks serious about improving themselves and their horses. He has written extensively, authoring both books (the Western Horseman book on Cow Horse Confidence and co-authoring the ground-breaking Evidence-Based Horsemanship) and articles that share his thoughts and experiences on horsemanship. Now for the first time, all of Martin’s major articles, most from Eclectic Horseman magazine, are being collected into three handy volumes titled: The Essential Martin Black. This book, Volume No. 2, Philosophy, includes 24 articles with photos relating to riding topics. Whether you’re a long time student of Martin’s or just beginning to explore the realm of horsemanship, Martin’s articles will get you thinking and offer ideas for improving your horse relationships. Softcover, 114 pages, black and white photos by Kim Stone. -
During the 1800's and early 1900's large herds of cattle roamed the mountains and valleys of California. This was a time when vaqueros and buckaroos rode horses every day looking after cattle. The vaquero traditions and techniques were closely guarded secrets that were shared with few people. Ed Connell was one of these men. Ed's teachers were men who practiced the vaquero traditions and rode top-notch hackamore and bridle horses. While working with Ed Connell in the production of Reinsman of the West, it was a pleasure to watch him work a horse, and listening to his many stories about horses he started in the hackamore and finished in the bridle. Through his books, Hackamore Reinsman and Reinsman of the West, Ed Connell has made a wonderful contribution to the western style of horsemanship. These books provide a snapshot of the California vaquero training style and traditions. With Vaquero artist Ernest Morris -
Martin Black's understanding of the horse’s mind and knowledge of how to achieve confident performance with minimum stress are seldom matched. Likewise, the depth of the stockman’s savvy is such that he can teach a cow—or a herd—to load in a trailer in open country. In Cow-Horse Confidence, Black uses what a horse knows about rating herd mates, for example, to teach the horse to rate cattle, just as he recognizes that a horse speaks the language of flight zone and balance point, the two components required to move and direct cattle. Martin Black could be called “the pro’s pro,” the horseman other trainers seek to help resolve a problem or get a young horse off to a good start. Cow-Horse Confidence gives an inside look at Black’s time-honored techniques for working horses and cattle. -
It’s not uncommon to see certain behaviors in our horses that raise questions. Or, we’ve all heard certain myths being propagated as truths throughout the horse community. Evidence-Based Horsemanship is working to dispel those myths and answer the “whys” behind horse behavior. Dr. Stephen Peters, a neuropsychologist who specializes in brain functioning, teamed up with fifth-generation horseman and internationally known clinician Martin Black to write and collaborate on Evidence-Based Horsemanship. EBH, as it’s commonly called, combines Peters’ understanding of brain function with Black’s keen observation of subtle horse behavior to create “best practices” in all areas of horse training and care. In this DVD, you will hear from them both on the exciting new scientific discoveries that can directly benefit all horses and horse owners. Running Time: 1 Hour -
It’s not uncommon to see certain behaviors in our horses that raise questions. Or, we’ve all heard certain myths being propagated as truths throughout the horse community. Evidence-Based Horsemanship is working to dispel those myths and answer the “whys” behind horse behavior. Dr. Stephen Peters, a neuropsychologist who specializes in brain functioning, teamed up with fifth-generation horseman and internationally known clinician Martin Black to write and collaborate on Evidence-Based Horsemanship. EBH, as it’s commonly called, combines Peters’ understanding of brain function with Black’s keen observation of subtle horse behavior to create “best practices” in all areas of horse training and care. In this video, you will hear from them both on the exciting new scientific discoveries that can directly benefit all horses and horse owners. Running Time: 1 Hour
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Tom Dorrance Talks About Horses - True Unity - Willing Communication Between Horse and Human - Edited by Milly Hunt Porter. Tom Dorrance has been referred to as the "horse's lawyer." Tom gives the horse credit for his knowledge of a horse's feelings and problems. He says, "What I know about the horse I learned from the horse." Now, in True Unity, Tom shared some of these ideas to help achieve a true unity for human and horse. In talking about the horse Tom mentions often the horse's need for self preservation. The Self Tom approaches in the horse is a total entity. True Unity allows the reader to feel and see the horse in the way Tom sees and feels the horse. It allows the reader to approach the horse with Tom - to approach the horse with a feeling of acceptance for the value of the whole horse - physical, mental and innermost horse. A unique bonus feature of True Unity is a chapter presenting some of Tom's students as they share how Tom's help with their horses changed their horses and their lives. Paperback, 151 pages -
Book: Evidence-Based Horsemanship is based on the Scientist-Practitioner Model. It was developed out of a collaboration between Martin Black and Dr. Stephen Peters who felt that the public and their horses needed a source of accurate information. “Real information” gathered by observation, tested in the field and validated by science. Evidence-Based Horsemanship involves assessing and integrating scientific findings to inform decisions and to create “best practices ” in all areas of horse training and care based on empirical outcomes (i.e., what “works”). It allows us to ask the question, “What does our current scientific knowledge of the horse, when applied and empirically observed, show me about getting the best outcomes possible for me and the horse?” DVD: Exploring Evidence-Based Horsemanship is the perfect compliment to the book Evidence-Based Horsemanship. It touches on the EBH foundation while delving deeper into the principles presented in the book. Dr. Peters and Martin Black show examples, discuss neurochemicals not presented in the book, and introduce the Evidence-Based Horsemanship Pyramid. In this DVD, you will learn about new scientific discoveries that can directly benefit all horses and horse owners. About Evidence-Based Horsemanship It’s not uncommon to see certain behaviors in our horses that raise questions. Or, we’ve all heard certain myths being propagated as truths throughout the horse community. Evidence-Based Horsemanship is working to dispel those myths and answer the “whys” behind horse behavior. Dr. Stephen Peters, a neuropsychologist who specializes in brain functioning, teamed up with fifth-generation horseman and internationally known clinician Martin Black to write and collaborate on Evidence-Based Horsemanship. EBH, as it’s commonly called, combines Peters’ understanding of brain function with Black’s keen observation of subtle horse behavior to create “best practices” in all areas of horse training and care. -
A great supplement two his previously released roping DVDs. In this DVD Martin puts a lot of emphasis on safety and efficiency. He shares some things in this video that will help develop correct muscle memory to stay safe and develop good roping fundamentals. Martin demonstrates some procedures that can help the more experienced roper or beginner alike to become a more versatile roper such as: loop building, rope handling, developing a good swing, basic deliveries, and tips for running rope and dallying. Please enjoy a sneak preview of this DVD: -
In this latest DVD offering of vintage footage, Tom directs Bryan Neubert in the starting of two young horses at one of his clinics. Tom offers suggestions for Bryan and comments on what he sees is taking place. He mentions several times that the learning that will take place for people will be when they go home and spend time with their own horses; the clinic is an opportunity to be exposed to some new ideas. We hope that this footage will offer you some exposure to new ideas and that you can incorporate into your approach to horses a part of Tom’s unique ability to see what was taking place within horses and people together with some of his patience and humor. Next Harry Whitney rides a horse through obstacles: tires on the ground and a bridge. This will expose you to a way to approach obstacles and an idea of the learning that can take place when approaching something new. The DVD closes with a conversation between Tom and Harry about “approaches.” Listen and think about the situations they are visiting about. You will find some great gems in their exchanges. Enjoy this opportunity to spend some time with Tom. We are sure this exposure to his way of teaching and helping people and horses will give you some good ideas to blend into your life. Viewer Note: There are moments of sound and video that are less than perfect. For true students of horsemanship those moments can hardly distract from the learning taking place with the horses and students. Please enjoy these teachable moments with Tom. -
A great supplement two his previously released roping videos. In this video Martin puts a lot of emphasis on safety and efficiency. He shares some things in this video that will help develop correct muscle memory to stay safe and develop good roping fundamentals. Martin demonstrates some procedures that can help the more experienced roper or beginner alike to become a more versatile roper such as: loop building, rope handling, developing a good swing, basic deliveries, and tips for running rope and dallying. Please enjoy a sneak preview of this video:
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Tom Dorrance Talks About Horses True Unity Willing Communication Between Horse and Human Two Disc Set Disc One - 1. Getting it Together 2. Feel the Whole Horse 3.Responsive and Right On 4.Approach and Unity 5.Emphasizing Some Vital Concepts Disc Two - Learning To Do Less to Get More (Part 1) Learning To Do Less To Get More (Part 2) -
Ty Murray spent a week with Martin Black at Shoofly in Bruneau, Idaho, last Summer, along with Dr. Steve Peters. A lot of interesting topics covered!! Please enjoy a sneak preview of this video: -
Horse and Human Projects No.1 Watch as Tom helps students of all levels and disciplines address their challenges in an intimate clinic setting. This extended DVD features over 2 hours and 45 minutes. Tom helps notable horsemanship clinicians Martin Black, Terry Church, Bryan Neubert and others with their horses in this classic footage from a clinic in Gustine, California in 1995. Enjoy seeing the changes the horses make and Tom’s unique way of teaching. “I hope you’ll feel as if you are looking through the corral fence along with Tom and enjoy spending time with him while he helps some people with their horses. Tom's comments and humor are both educational and fun to hear. He is always trying to point out what would make it better for both the horse and the human. Tom mentions that "It is the little things that make the difference" and in this footage you will watch as slight adjustments from the riders make a big difference to their horses. It is interesting to watch Tom's timing and to be able to understand his thinking.” - Best Wishes, Margaret Dorrance -
Nick Dowers joined me Tuesday night Nov 15, 2022 for an evening of understanding the why, how, and who influenced Nick to rise to the top of the game in an arena that wasn’t always about a willing horse at a high performance level, just as long as the horse went through the motions they could win. Personally this is what I’ve always wanted to see, the kind of horsemanship that didn’t resort to gimmicks and shortcuts to make a top horse. I’ve seen it done in the past watching Ray Hunt, Bill Van Norman, and a handful of others. It inspired me. I’ve experienced a taste of it enough to be convinced it can be done this way. Nick is proving it to everyone that there is a difference. ~ Martin Black This is a 2 hour session. Who and what helped Nick to get started? What does Nick credit for his success in such a short time? How does Nick’s 2yr old program help his show horses? How does the ranch work and open desert fit into Nick’s program? Watch a preview of this session: -
Bryan Neubert joined me on May 25, 2022 and we visited about the horseman who have shaped us into the horsemen we are today. This was a fun virtual session with 2 hours of stories! Watch a preview of this session: -
Please join Martin Black and his guest Bobby Ingersoll aired on May 17,2022Bobby Ingersoll is 82 years young and has been Judging Reined Cow Horse events for years. He has shown over 900 horses - read that again - 900 horses! Bobby is a walking encyclopedia of working reined cow horses and enjoys sharing his knowledge with anyone interested in listening and learning.Enjoy this 2 hour unedited virtual session with one of the greatest Reined Cow Horse Trainers of all time!Watch a preview of this session: -
Dan James joined Martin Black on August 30,2022Is it a TRICK or MANEUVER? They will be sharing and discussing the following: 1. Teaching, introducing the maneuver or trick 2.The mechanics of the process of teaching 3. The Refinement of a cue 4. Transferring the cue 5. Reinforcement of the cue Common Tricks/Maneuvers - Laying down, The Spin, The Stop, The Rear, A Spanish Walk How do horses learn these cues from other horses? Can they?Enjoy this 2 hour unedited virtual sessionWatch a preview of this session: -
Martin Black Tips and Tricks aired on June 28,2022Efficiency and safety. Those are the driving factors that separate a lot of the little things I want to share with people from what I see other people blunder through. When I see a practice that takes longer to get to the same place, or with more risk, I try to analyze if there could be a more efficient safer way of doing things. There’s a lot of things, to me that are elementary horsemanship that I was taught as a child and yet I see people that have been around livestock a lot that still don’t operate in the way I’m talking about. It’s not about being fast necessarily, efficiency is about not wasting time or effort while doing something. Being around livestock is risky, but it can be calculated risk. And I like to minimize the risk to me, the livestock, and the people around me, and these are the things I would like to share.Enjoy this 2 hour unedited virtual sessionWatch a preview of this session: -
Frank Barnett joined Martin Black on February 8, 2022When Martin first meet Frank he wasn’t impressed by his horses. Frank always had some tough horses that were for the most part really bothered. But Frank had that dry cowboy sense of humor that brought Martin back for more visits. It wasn’t long before Martin realized that these nasty horses Frank was working were getting better. Frank wasn’t training these horses, he was setting them up to figure out things for themselves. They were given bad information by previous riders before Frank got them in his program. He was doing things that Martin hadn’t seen done before and having success bringing these horses around that many of “professionals” had failed with. Frank is also a walking encyclopedia when it comes to biomechanics of the horse, and everything written by the military and dressage Masters, or any other worthwhile books written on horses. Join these two lifelong horse scientists as they share with each other, and you, on how it all comes together for the horse.They have been featured together in Western Horseman, December 2019 read more hereEnjoy this 2 hour unedited virtual sessionWatch a preview of this session: -
Pete Butler joined Martin Black on April 12, 2022Please join Martin Black and his guest Pete Butler as they bring us information regarding the importance of Horsemanship in Horseshoeing. Enjoy this 2 hour unedited virtual session -
Joe Wolter joined Martin Black on October 11, 2022Enjoy this 2 hour unedited virtual sessionWatch a preview of this session: -
Trevor Carter joined Martin Black on July 12, 2022A former student of Martin's and how Trevor went on to become successful with starting horses taking them all the way to the show pen.Enjoy this 2 hour unedited virtual sessionWatch a preview of this session: -
Richard Winters and Sarah Dawson joined Martin Black on March 15, 2022A fun visit with Richard Winters and his daughter, Sarah Dawson, as they share with Martin how they prepare horses for working daily on the ranch and how this helps their horses in the show pen. Sarah Dawson has earned her title as a "Million Dollar Rider"Enjoy this 2 hour unedited virtual sessionWatch a preview of this session:
