Story by and photos courtesy of Jennifer Cocoma Hustis
“How can you sum up what you do in one sentence?” a friend asked after watching his sons, ages 9 and 15, participate in a horsemanship lesson at my farm. I paused, reflecting on four decades of riding, training, teaching and learning alongside horses. The answer came softly but clearly: “I raise kids through my herd of horses.”
That simple sentence holds the heart of my life’s work. My goal is to foster kind, confident leaders who understand stewardship, work ethic and the importance of putting the horse’s needs first while developing a creative connection to horses and the world around them.
At Art of Horsemanship LLC, you don’t need to own a horse — all you need is a love for animals, curiosity, kindness and a willingness to learn. Our family herd is composed of step-up ponies and all-around horses. This herd helped raise my daughter and now guides other children toward becoming responsible, compassionate leaders. Each horse in our program is a teacher, and each lesson, tailored to each student, is a chance to grow. Together, we explore the world of horses through fine art, science and hands-on care.
The First 30 Minutes: Understanding the Horse
Every first visit begins with a foundational lesson in equine behavior, taught with both students and parents present. Why? Because horses are prey animals with instincts, social structures and needs that must be understood to build trust. This knowledge makes caring for and working with horses safer, easier and more rewarding.
We start by observing the horses in their natural environment — how they move, communicate and respond to humans. This sets the tone for respectful interaction and helps students understand that horsemanship is not just about riding but listening and responding appropriately.
Horsemanship Essentials
- Trust First: Horses are prey animals, and humans are natural predators. Earning a horse’s trust takes calm, confident and respectful handling. Understanding how a horse thinks and responds is the foundation of every interaction.
- Herd Instincts: Horses follow wise leadership for safety. When we learn to read their body language and social cues, we can step into that leadership role — one based on mutual respect, not dominance.
- Shelter & Safety: Every horse deserves protection from the elements and a secure place to rest. A lean-to or barn with turnout access works well. Fencing should always be horse-safe — never barbed wire — and pastures should be free of hazards.
- Lifelong Learning: Lessons, 4-H programs and daily interaction teach us something new every day. A good horseman always seeks to improve for the sake of the horse.
Stewardship: The Heart of Horsemanship
True horsemanship is about stewardship and understanding what a horse needs to feel safe, healthy and respected. It’s about being a caretaker, a listener and a leader.
Daily Care Essentials
- Smart Nutrition: A horse’s digestive system is built for slow, steady eating, not a few big meals. Provide quality hay and clean water — five to 10 gallons a day — and supplement with loose minerals, vitamins or grains as needed. Watch for toxic plants and rotate pastures to prevent overgrazing and maintain healthy forage.
- Clean Environment and Manure Management: One horse can produce around 50 pounds of manure each day. Regular removal or composting keeps stalls and paddocks sanitary, reduces flies and provides natural fertilizer for pastures. Proper waste management is essential for the health and comfort of horses and helps maintain safe, pleasant turnout areas.
- Visual Health Check: Look for signs of injury, swelling or unusual behavior. Eyes, nose, coat and movement can reveal a lot about your horse’s well-being.
- Hoof Inspection: Pick out hooves daily to prevent thrush, injuries and discomfort. Schedule farrier visits every six to eight weeks.
- Handling & Touch Acclimation: Regularly handle your horse over its entire body and ensure it’s comfortable in a halter, advises Farrier Richard Anderson. This prepares young or inexperienced horses for vet and farrier visits, making appointments safer, quicker and less stressful for everyone.
- Grooming: Brush to remove dirt, stimulate circulation, and check for skin issues or injuries. Grooming also strengthens your bond, as horses groom each other to show affection.
- Exercise and Turnout: Horses are nomadic by nature and need regular movement. Turnout, riding and structured exercise build muscle, keep them mentally and physically healthy, and reduce boredom-related behaviors.
Environment and Shelter
- Safe Fencing: Use woven mesh wire that prevents hooves from getting caught. If barbed wire is present, hot-wire it to prevent access.
- Shelter Access: Provide shade in summer and windbreaks in winter. Stalls with runs or gated access to pasture offer flexibility.
- Hazard-Free Pasture: Remove rusty equipment, fill holes and identify toxic plants. A safe pasture is a peaceful pasture.
Weekly and Monthly Tasks
Tack and Equipment Inspection: Inspect saddles, bridles, halters and other gear for wear. Ill-fitting or damaged tack can cause behavioral or physical problems.
Stable Deep Clean: Disinfect stalls and refresh bedding. Biosecurity is vital; quarantine new horses to protect the herd.
Vet and Farrier Scheduling: Maintain a regular deworming program, vaccinations and hoof trims.
Common Sense Tips
- Lease Before Owning: Leasing is a great way to learn before committing. Horses can live 30 years, so understanding their needs is essential.
- Know Your Horse: Learn your horse’s habits to spot changes early. Behavior is communication.
- Veterinary Awareness: Be able to describe symptoms clearly to your veterinarian. This helps ensure accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
- Companionship: Horses are herd animals. A buddy — horse, donkey or goat — provides emotional security. Horses sleep deeply only when they feel safe in a herd.
- Emergency Prep: Keep a first aid kit and have a plan for fire or natural disasters.
- Salt and Minerals: Provide loose minerals as needed. Horses do not have abrasive tongues like cattle.
- Consult a Professional: When in doubt, ask for help. Professionals can provide insight that prevents injury or illness.
Sidebar
BE READY: HORSE EMERGENCY KIT
Emergencies can happen when you least expect them, so having a well-stocked kit for your horse is essential. Dr. David Danielson, of Danielson Veterinary Services in Edmond, recommends keeping the following items on hand.
Essential supplies
- Ophthalmic solution and ointment, plus an ophthalmic flush
- Saline for flushing wounds
- BB satin and vet wrap for bandaging legs
- Diapers or puppy potty pads (useful for leg wounds or wrapping hooves)
- Wound spray or salve
- Pain relief: Bute and Banamine
Additional safety tips
- Veterinarians are on call through the Oklahoma Equine Natural Disaster Relief Fund.
- In the event of a natural disaster, microchipping your horse is recommended, or some owners write their phone number on the horse with a magic marker that matches the horse’s color.
