Tegan Mills Horsemanship

09/28/2026

09/14/2026

One of my all time favorite photoshoots with Mika Buchart and Kat.shoot

09/12/2026

Life is a circle

09/11/2026

Because I don't believe punishment creates responsibility, in horses, children, or society at large, I thought I'd give a little list of what I've learned does create a sense of responsibility:

♥️Respectful, honest, and clear communication

♥️ Giving the benefit of the doubt. A general expectation that they would do the right thing if they could. Make it easy for the right response to come

♥️ Support in the right measure, at the right moment.

The principle of "self carriage" means that we show how to carry the rider, we help the horse find it, and we "give" in those moments when we can.
We set up the conditions for the horse (or person) to carry themselves.

♥️ We lead by example. I call this "creating a culture of kindness" -- which means we follow the rules ourselves, and expect others to follow our lead. We don't act out of anger, lose our temper and lash out (But if it happens we apologize in the moment, and take responsibility for regulating our own emotions; we show by example how this is done, without expecting perfection.

♥️ We understand development milestones, the process of maturing and developing the capacity for self responsibility.

♥️ We encourage by natural consequences, clear boundaries, consistency, and corrections that are not heavy-handed. Fairness IS key.
Basically, by understanding --and feeling -- what is the Appropriate response, in each moment.

♥️ Giving ourselves, and other, the grace to make mistakes, and the opportunity to do better the next time, without the burden of emotions like guilt or shame.

♥️ We police attitudes before they get ingrained, and take care of the conditions which produce a shift in attitude, for the better, of course!

In this way, we prevent the need for punishment, and everything (the fun we have, the energy produced) becomes a reward for Good behavior.

Photo by Kat.shoot

Of Peso and my Lilly, who have progressed together from the beginning with me.
-- Combining love with good basics and attention to the details that matter most.

09/03/2026

Photos by the amazing Kat shoot

The most enjoyable experiences with horses involve relaxation combined with power and uphill balance.
This kind of experience is earned by sitting, deeply into a lot of horses, for decades (in my case, over four)
And understanding, deeply, the process of developing an athlete.
While practising correct (Classical) technical knowledge until in rests so deep in one’s body it becomes first nature.

Then we just let go

And in that letting go, effortlessly follow the movement, allowing the full range of motion in every step and stride.
While continually allowing, we are also offering structure, stability and clear direction, so that there is no hesitation, no options, no sense of wishy washiness, ever: the horse is automatically rebalancing on our position alone.
Then we are able to time our aids, separate our aids, so that everything is precise, soft, quick and effective.

Then, it’s just full on fun. All the time.

Having ridden my entire life, beginning on ponies ba****ck, I have returned to riding mainly ponies, and lately more often without saddles again. This allows my center of gravity to blend even further into the horse's.
I enjoy it so much, every ride and every lesson, so much progress is made, and we become stronger and steadier together.
I believe this is the elixir of life (one of them) both for ponies and for people.

08/29/2026

Feeling like all my dreams are coming true!
This pony I've been training for years is now mine 🔥

08/29/2026

Peso the pony working over his back and developing cadence in his trot

08/22/2026

Lucky and I. Denman Island 1988

08/15/2026

Some pretty moments on Polina today -- I love riding her in my Schultheis saddle in the big wide open space, where she comes to life!