Sport

Let Doubt Be Your Advocate | On Responsibility, Attention, and Choosing the Horse
Let Doubt Be Your Advocate | On Responsibility, Attention, and Choosing the Horse
Sometimes the most unsettling moments in the horse world aren’t loud. They’re calm. Controlled. Almost kind. In this reflection, Noëlle Floyd shares what it feels like when something looks composed... Read more...
Laura Graves on Staying Curious When Dressage Gets Hard
Laura Graves on Staying Curious When Dressage Gets Hard
When riding gets hard, frustration is often treated as something to push through. Laura Graves sees it differently. In a moment from her NF+ masterclass, the Olympic medalist explains why... Read more...
An Open Letter to the Horse World from Matt Brown and Cecily Clark
An Open Letter to the Horse World from Matt Brown and Cecily Clark
“If the only way to preserve this sport is to continue to excuse rough treatment of horses, then the sport should not be preserved. We get to work with horses... Read more...
Josh Nichol Reflects on the Heart of the Horse Judging
Josh Nichol Reflects on the Heart of the Horse Judging
For Josh Nichol Judging the Heart of the Horse competition offered a powerful reminder that true horsemanship is about more than ribbons. From patience through challenges to celebrating small wins,... Read more...
Letting Go of the Whip: Matt Brown on Redefining Strength in Horse Sport
Letting Go of the Whip: Matt Brown on Redefining Strength in Horse Sport
When five-star eventer Matt Brown rewatched one of his proudest competition rounds, he realized his horse was performing from pressure, not trust. That moment changed the way he thought about... Read more...
Confident Trailer Loading for Every Horse and Rider
Confident Trailer Loading for Every Horse and Rider
Loading a horse should not be a battle. In Tik Maynard’s NF+ Masterclass, learn proven groundwork and horse trailering tips to reduce stress, solve common loading problems, and travel with... Read more...
The Reflective Horse® with Cassandra Ogier – Building Connection Through Energy, Intention and Presence
The Reflective Horse® with Cassandra Ogier – Building Connection Through Energy, Intention and Presence
The Reflective Horse® with Cassandra Ogier brings energy awareness, intention, and presence into everyday horsemanship—creating lasting trust and connection. Read more...
Ride Smarter with Karl Cook Videos on NF+
Ride Smarter with Karl Cook Videos on NF+
The Karl Cook NF+ video bundle offers five in-depth courses that combine elite training, emotional honesty, and biomechanics to help riders progress with purpose. Read more...
Lessons from Martin Black: A Journey in Horsemanship (by Tik Maynard)
Lessons from Martin Black: A Journey in Horsemanship (by Tik Maynard)
From roping failures to saddle rigging nuances, Tik Maynard reflects on three days with Martin Black; co-author of Evidence-Based Horsemanship. With humor and honesty, Tik shares how one of the horse... Read more...
Tik Maynard's Four Building Blocks to Better Horsemanship: A Journey to Connection on NF+
Tik Maynard's Four Building Blocks to Better Horsemanship: A Journey to Connection on NF+
Struggling with frustration, resistance, or overwhelm in your horse training? Tik Maynard’s Four Building Blocks to Better Horsemanship — Observation, Communication, Motivation, and Play — offer a powerful mindset shift.... Read more...
Road To The Horse 2025 Is Here — Join Our Watch Parties!
Road To The Horse 2025 Is Here — Join Our Watch Parties!
Our very own Tik Maynard is back at Road to the Horse — and we’re throwing a weekend-long watch party to cheer him on! Fire up the livestream and join... Read more...
Calling All Equestrian Creatives: Join The NF+ Team!
Calling All Equestrian Creatives: Join The NF+ Team!
At NOËLLE FLOYD, we believe in fostering a deeper connection between riders and their horses through better training, ethical care, and educational resources. NF+ is a community-driven platform that elevates... Read more...
NOËLLE FLOYD's Women Of The Year
NOËLLE FLOYD's Women Of The Year
In honor of International Women's Day, we're highlighting a group of remarkable horsewomen (and mares) who've impacted the sport we love.  Read more...
4 Ways Virtual Learning is Helping Riders Step Up Their Game
4 Ways Virtual Learning is Helping Riders Step Up Their Game
Technology offers a world of opportunity to learn more about our horses and about riding, and has the advantage of being available anytime, anywhere. The explosion of tech tools and... Read more...
2024 Was A Year to Remember
2024 Was A Year to Remember
Take a look back at the year we've had and celebrate this diverse equestrian community! Read more...
Breaking Down Barriers in Equestrian Sport: An Exclusive Interview with Sydney Collier
Breaking Down Barriers in Equestrian Sport: An Exclusive Interview with Sydney Collier
Sydney Collier is a powerhouse in the world of Para-Dressage, a Paralympian, and one of the stars of the award-winning documentary ParaGold. Known for her determination, infectious positivity, and groundbreaking... Read more...
Come Home to NF+ This Holiday Season (and Save Big!)
Come Home to NF+ This Holiday Season (and Save Big!)
This is NF+’s only sale of the year, so don’t miss your chance to join the movement and save big! Read more...
Equine Affaire Wrap-Up: Reflecting on an Unforgettable Experience
Equine Affaire Wrap-Up: Reflecting on an Unforgettable Experience
Our team at NOËLLE FLOYD just returned from Equine Affaire, and I’m writing this on the plane, my mind still buzzing with all the conversations, ideas, and energy from the... Read more...
The Right Horse: How to figure out if you and your horse are a good match
The Right Horse: How to figure out if you and your horse are a good match
Struggling to work harmoniously with your horse can be an frustrating experience. It is also true that the challenges with our horses can present a path towards tremendous growth and learning.... Read more...
Developing Confidence as a Skill in Equestrian Sport
Developing Confidence as a Skill in Equestrian Sport
Developing confidence is not about waiting for a magical moment when everything just clicks—it's about actively working on it, day in and day out. By using tools like self-talk, visualization,... Read more...
Kicking Off Indoor Season with Missy Clark & Blake Rowan
Kicking Off Indoor Season with Missy Clark & Blake Rowan
Kick off indoor season with Missy Clark and student Blake Rowan just before USEF Talent Search Finals. Missy is the head trainer and owner at the prestigious North Run Stables (Warren, VT and Wellington,... Read more...
“Understanding Your Horse’s Needs”: 5 Things I Learned from Josh Nichol’s Course on NF+
“Understanding Your Horse’s Needs”: 5 Things I Learned from Josh Nichol’s Course on NF+
I know how it feels when my horse Joey, a 20-years-young warmblood gelding, gives me what I need: He is quiet in the crossties and accepts the bit without complaint.... Read more...
3 Ways to Ensure Perfectionism Isn't Sabotaging Your Riding
3 Ways to Ensure Perfectionism Isn't Sabotaging Your Riding
If you, like many riders, have been over relying on perfectionism for a long time, it could be time to think about diversifying your strengths. Keep the good parts and... Read more...
A Letter from Tik Maynard: Why I joined NF+, and Why You Should Too
A Letter from Tik Maynard: Why I joined NF+, and Why You Should Too
For the last six years, my relationship with NOËLLE FLOYD has grown quietly and steadily. In 2017, my first blog article went live, another one ran in 2018, then in 2019,... Read more...
We’re Raising the Bar: Equestrian Masterclass Becomes NF+
We’re Raising the Bar: Equestrian Masterclass Becomes NF+
We’re so excited to invite you to NOËLLE FLOYD+! NF+ is a vibrant community where equestrians like you can connect, learn, and grow together. Whether you’re at home, at the barn,... Read more...
Your Practical Guide to Understanding and Solving Barn Sour Behavior
Your Practical Guide to Understanding and Solving Barn Sour Behavior
Working with a barn sour horse can be a frustrating and unnerving experience. You're ready to embark on a ride away from your arena or property, and your horse balks,... Read more...
Photo credit: Alden Corrigan Media
Q&A with Mackenzie Drazan Cook & Karl Cook
Before the 2024 Paris Olympics, I had the opportunity to sit down (on Zoom) with Mackenzie Drazan Cook and Karl Cook to gain insights into their journey as riders and... Read more...
3 Beliefs that Fuel High-Performance in Equestrian Sport
3 Beliefs that Fuel High-Performance in Equestrian Sport
We'll break down several common beliefs that hold us back, and leave you with examples of high-performance beliefs that, if adopted, will positively impact your efforts for years to come.  Read more...
Riding During Pregnancy: Yay or Neigh?
Riding During Pregnancy: Yay or Neigh?
Whether you choose to ride, or wait it out on the ground, there can be many benefits of carrying on with your barn routine: bonding with your horse, maintaining your... Read more...
Being a Mom to Both Horse and Human
Being a Mom to Both Horse and Human
This blog is written by Equestrian Masterclass member Grace Wilkins Maxwell.  When I started back riding as an adult, I made a deal with myself: I was going to buy... Read more...
Mindset Makeover Spotlight: Returning from Injury
Mindset Makeover Spotlight: Returning from Injury
This month, we’re going to be taking a deeper look at stories that center around horses and mindset, be it dealing with injuries, juggling horses and life, or making difficult... Read more...
We're Looking for a Paid Media Specialist! 🌟
We're Looking for a Paid Media Specialist! 🌟
NOËLLE FLOYD is seeking a savvy Paid Media Specialist to join our dynamic team on a part-time basis! The Paid Media Specialist will play a crucial role in our overall... Read more...
Embracing the Journey over the Destination
Embracing the Journey over the Destination
When I bought Azul in the fall of 2021, I did so with the intention that she would be the horse that would make all of my dreams come true.... Read more...
Catching Up with Chelsea Canedy and Her Amazing Mustang Luna
Catching Up with Chelsea Canedy and Her Amazing Mustang Luna
This month, we've been diving into stories of where both patience and play mindset pay off big in the end. On that note, let us bring you the story of... Read more...
Patience Pays Off: A Q&A with Lily Chandler
Patience Pays Off: A Q&A with Lily Chandler
We've all seen them - the horses who just don't want to do the job. They rear, they spin, they plant their feet, they tell us in the clearest of... Read more...
Reflections on Road to the Horse: A Q&A with Tik Maynard
Reflections on Road to the Horse: A Q&A with Tik Maynard
All images by Impulsion Media.  The Road to the Horse competition is seen by many to be the "World Championships" of colt starting. For those unfamiliar with this type of... Read more...
A Letter to TomCatt, by Tik Maynard
A Letter to TomCatt, by Tik Maynard
This letter is written by Equestrian Masterclass instructor Tik Maynard with images by Impulsion Media.  Dear TomCatt, I have watched Road to the Horse for a long time, and I believe... Read more...
Making Comebacks Bigger than Setbacks: A Q&A Session with Elite Equine CO
Making Comebacks Bigger than Setbacks: A Q&A Session with Elite Equine CO
This blog post was written by Liesl Ross, one of Elite Equine CO’s trainers, with photos provided by Wendy Collison with Spotlight Sports Photography and Gina Hluska. Gina Hluska grew... Read more...
Goodbye, For Now, to Equestrian Voices
Goodbye, For Now, to Equestrian Voices
If you haven't yet heard, our latest episode of Equestrian Voices was also, at least for now, our last. This podcast has been a driving source of meaningful, and sometimes... Read more...
Why Play Is Key for Building “Try” in Your Horse, and How to Do It with Tik Maynard
Why Play Is Key for Building “Try” in Your Horse, and How to Do It with Tik Maynard
When you picture adding “play” into your horse’s training, what comes to mind? Do you imagine your horse chasing around a large ball or nosing carrots out of a container?... Read more...
Why I Went to Europe to Find a Horse Without a Trainer
Why I Went to Europe to Find a Horse Without a Trainer
This blog post is written by Jessica Abrahamse, and photos are also provided by her. Let me start this story with a bit of background. I am a rider in my 40’s... Read more...
What’s the Point of Riding Bridleless? A Q&A with Brendan Wise
What’s the Point of Riding Bridleless? A Q&A with Brendan Wise
This blog post is written by Brendan Wise's student, Laurie Berglie, and photos are provided by Brendan Wise.  Brendan Wise began his bridleless work years ago while training with his mentors,... Read more...
You Can't Skip Your Flatwork - Why It's Non-Negotiable
You Can't Skip Your Flatwork - Why It's Non-Negotiable
"I believe you can really learn a lot about a rider based on how they approach flatwork.  Most people will know me as a rider who found career success in... Read more...
Tempo, Pace, and Rhythm: It’s Not Just Semantics. With Hunter/Eq Judge Rob Van Jacobs
Tempo, Pace, and Rhythm: It’s Not Just Semantics. With Hunter/Eq Judge Rob Van Jacobs
“More impulsion!” Most of us have heard our coaches cry – usually accompanied by a hearty clap or imitation of riding forward. But what does ‘impulsion’ actually mean to you,... Read more...
How to Turn a Spooky Horse into a Thinking Horse; A Conversation with Josh Nichol
How to Turn a Spooky Horse into a Thinking Horse; A Conversation with Josh Nichol
Josh Nichol has helped countless riders develop healthy partnerships with their horses through his method of Relational Horsemanship™. He joins Caroline Culbertson on Equestrian Voices for a thought-provoking conversation about... Read more...
Call in the Reinforcements
Call in the Reinforcements
"I thought I was checking all of the right boxes, and the progress Luna and I were making seemed to indicate just that. I felt like I was reading her... Read more...
Flatwork Formation (or Why Every Rider Should Be Doing More Flatwork)
Flatwork Formation (or Why Every Rider Should Be Doing More Flatwork)
"When I use the words “flatwork” or “dressage”, they carry much of the same meaning, though I understand most people use them as separate concepts in many ways. And while... Read more...
I Gave My Horse a Spur Rub - and Other Musings on Mistakes
I Gave My Horse a Spur Rub - and Other Musings on Mistakes
Recently, after my third (amazingly fun and productive) riding lesson at a new barn, I dismounted, gave my horse an enthusiastic pat, and went to run up my stirrups only... Read more...
Weathering Winter as an Amateur Equestrian
Weathering Winter as an Amateur Equestrian
When I think about riding in the winter, some version of the following comes to mind: Close down my computer around 4:30 and head out to the barn, watching the... Read more...
Seeking A Talented Digital Content Creator to Join Our Team! 🌟
Seeking A Talented Digital Content Creator to Join Our Team! 🌟
NOËLLE FLOYD is seeking a talented and detail-oriented Digital Content Creator to join our dynamic team on a part-time basis. The Digital Content Creator will play a crucial role in... Read more...