SADDLE UP! MAGAZINE DIRECTORY
4 Season Equine Association
Animal Health Solutions, Equerry
Arnold Lumber
Black River Farm & Ranch
CANTER Michigan
Cashmans Horse Equipment
Copper Mare Ranch
D-Bar-A Ranch
Digger’s Tile Service
Equine Affaire
Farm Bureau Family Credit Union
FQHR
Gettin’ Branded
Good As New Blankets
Hosanna Horse Haven
Humane
HV
March 6-8, 2026
10ACREFARM
$2,000,711
HORSE ASSOCIATIO
WHY SAFETY CHANGES BEHAVIOR (WITHOUT TRAINING HARDER)
By Kim Cardeccia | ConfidenceThroughConnection.com
One of the most persistent assumptions in horsemanship is that behavior improves when we apply the right technique with enough consistency. When something isn’t working, the instinct is often to try harder, repeat more often, or increase pressure until the desired response appears. But anyone who has spent time with a sensitive or overwhelmed horse knows that effort alone doesn’t always create change. In fact, sometimes trying harder does the opposite.
A horse that braces, rushes, shuts down, or reacts isn’t necessarily being resistant. More often, they are responding exactly as their nervous system is designed to respond when safety feels uncertain.
This is where it can be helpful to shift the question we’re asking. Instead of focusing on how to change a behavior, a more useful place to begin is by asking whether the horse feels safe enough to respond differently.
Horses are prey animals. Their nervous systems are exquisitely tuned to detect pressure, inconsistency, and internal conflict. When a situation feels overwhelming, the nervous system prioritizes survival over learning. In those moments, behavior isn’t a training issue—it’s a protective response.
No amount of repetition can override that state. This is why behavior doesn’t always improve with more exposure, more correction, or more insistence. Without safety, the nervous system remains busy managing threat, and learning simply isn’t available.
What’s often overlooked is that safety isn’t created by the environment alone. It’s also relational.
Horses don’t respond only to what we do. They respond to how we are while doing it. They feel whether our presence is settled or braced, whether our energy is clear or conflicted, whether we are grounded or pushing past our own discomfort. Even subtle internal tension can register as unpredictability to a horse who depends on consistency to feel secure.
When safety increases, something begins to shift. Breathing deepens. Movement softens. Attention widens rather than narrowing. Behavior changes—not because it’s being managed, but because the nervous system finally has enough capacity to respond differently.
This doesn’t mean that horses should never be challenged. Growth always involves expanding tolerance. But there is an important distinction between supportive expansion and being over-faced. When a horse is asked to handle more than their nervous system can process, the result is often increased reactivity—not because the horse is unwilling, but because they are overwhelmed.
When we slow down enough to recognize this, our role begins to change. We stop focusing on controlling behavior and start paying attention to rhythm, pacing, and timing. We learn when to pause rather than push, when to offer space instead of pressure, and when settling is the most productive thing we can do.
Often, the changes we’re hoping for follow naturally. This same principle applies to us as riders and handlers. Many people carry the quiet belief that if something isn’t working, they should push through discomfort, manage themselves better, or try harder to stay calm. But just like horses, humans don’t learn or adapt well when their nervous systems are under constant strain.
Safety—both internal and external—is not indulgent. It is foundational.
When safety is present, both horse and human can settle enough to listen and respond with clarity. Behavior becomes information rather than a problem to solve. Partnership begins to feel less like management and more like mutual understanding.
Change doesn’t require force. It requires a nervous system that feels safe enough to soften.
from moving when in use for tasks on the working ranch with horses
I wonder, is it necessary to stray from these traditional points? Why is it that manufactures put nontraditional appointments and designs that are not necessary? Knee rolls on the fenders, skirts that stop at the bottom of the cantle, and horns that have no purpose or different designs are nontraditional and I don’t support these and the like. Those who are new to the sport and want to ride correctly with willingness and harmony with the horse, should be able to find a traditional western saddle that fits the horse and has a balanced seat for the rider. This is what is hard to find in Western Saddles!
Palm Partnership Academy™ Building a Partnership with your Horse Thoughts on Trends in Today’s Western Dressage Arena Let’s Get Ready to Show & Grow! By Lynn Palm | lynnpalm.com
Here are my tips for upgrading your western saddle and/or to improve the fit to your horse and to you.
happens, the seat is not balanced, pushing the rider to sit on the cantle or the seat size is too small.
5 How do we tell if the seat size is correct? I have two measurements; one the thigh of the rider should have a two finger width from touching the pommel or swells of the saddle and touching the inner thigh of the rider Someone on the ground should measure this If one finger on the thigh touches the pommel/swells, then the saddle seat is too small. If there are 3 fingers or more the seat size of the saddle is too big. Second, the rider’s buttocks to the size of the cantle If the buttocks are larger the canter, the seat is too small If the buttocks are hidden from the cantle, the seat of the saddle is too big
SHOWBILL EDITIONS SHOWBILL EDITIONS
SaddleUp!Magazine’sAnnualShowbillIssuesare April,MayandJuneofeachyear. Don’tmissourspecialshowbillrates,onlyofferedin thesethreeprinted/onlineeditions.Reachthousands ofequestriansinMichigan,OhioandIndianawith yourhorseshowinformationandshowbill. Plus:Yourassociationwillreceiveafreeoneyear bannerad(a$120value)onourwebsite.
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ANIMAL SUPPLEMENTS
LIQUID BIO CELL for the equine Nutraceuticals support needs of the equine Athletic performance & healthy joint support for all breeds
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AUTOMATIC WATERERS
Nelson Automatic Waterers - Nelson preferred provider for repair and maintenance of your Nelson Automatic Waterers. Excellent response time. Most parts in stock Honest, ethical and reliable Will travel. Serving Michigan and Northern Ohio. WATERFIX COMPANY – John Guthrie Dexter,MI(Washtenaw) 313.418.5676or734.475.8898
ART
BOARDING
FARRIER SERVICE EQUINE THERAPY
TUTHILL FARMS, SOUTH LYON
offers
stalls and pasture board on over 20 acres Miles of trail riding on the farm Good location for trailering to nearby parks. Quality hay, outdoor arena, round pen, dry lot, heated tack room and restroom Call Sandra Tuthill.
TUTHILLFARMS-248.207.6201 SouthLyon,MI(Livingston) Email:sandratuthill@gmail.com Online:https://www.tuthillfarms.com/
Over30yearsof experienceintrimming,shoeingandcorrective shoeing Askaboutteethfloatingtoo!Serving OaklandCountyandsurroundingcounties.
JOHN PETERSON FARRIER – 248 303 6498 Milford, MI (Oakland) (S-09/26) HoofCareMatters!
OPEN24/7–QualityBoarding:Tacklocker, heatedrooms,12%pelletgrain,hay,largepastures,dailyturnout.Wehavetrails,twoindoor arenas,andoneoutdoorarenawithlights HARDYFARMS–313.363.2243 7215N LatsonRd,Howell,MI Email:info@hardysfarmcom http://www.hardysfarm.com/ FindusonFacebook
EQUESTRIAN HEALTH/WELLNESS
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Call (989) 872-5216 or (888)266-0014
FINESTQUALITYSUPPLEMENTSproviding energy&enduranceforriders,trainers,athletes,etc Productssoldwith30-daymoney-backguarantee. Orderfrommywebsite usshakleecom/site/neovitality
LauraGabella neovitalitylaura@gmailcom 330-554-3469
FLY & INSECT CONTROL
Shoo-Fly Insect Control
Automatically get rid of flies, mosquitoes, and spiders Safe and inexpensive to use Used throughout Michigan for over 30 years. We Install or Do-It-Yourself SHOO-FLY INSECT CONTROL
BillTressler–517 927 8089
Webberville,MI(Ingham) Email:bill@radiant-energy.com
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PET & FARM SITTING
K & J HORSE AND FARM SITTING: Need to get away, call K & J – 248 667 2185! Also HORSE ART, Books and Journals (links below): www zazzle com/store/thistlebrook/products https://www amazon com/stores/kimberlykingstad/author/B0BZSMTH7P?
K & J HORSE AND FARM SITTING
KimKingstad–248 667 2185callortext Milford,MI(Oakland)
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GOOD AS NEW BLANKETS –517 404 6336 HORSE BLANKET WASH
SADDLE/LEATHER REPAIR
GOOD AS NEW BLANKETS – Horse blanket washandrepairservice.10yearsexperience.
SADDLE, LEATHER & TACK REPAIR: Used saddlesandtackboughtandsold Certifiedwith 40plusyearsofexperience.
BIG BUCK SADDLERY
RogerBurkowski–830 285 2080 Flint,MI(Genesee)
HORSE TRAILERS
SPARTA CHEVROLET & TRAILER SALES
We specialize in horse trailers: full living quarters with slideout, to smaller two horse bumper pulls. Cimarron, Lakota, Sundowner and Trails West Great selection and even better prices!
SPARTA CHEVROLET & TRAILER SALES
TAX ACCOUNTANT
Sandalwood CPA, PLLC
Mid Michigan's QuickBooks expert here to assist you with your business accounting needs Sandalwood CPA specializes in equine and agricultural business taxation.
Sara Kolenda, CPA 269-275-4769
TRAINING & LESSONS
INSURANCE
MISCELLANEOUS
WANTED: Road safe, gentle, ride and drive gelding or john mule, 12-14 hands Mid-Mich area. Free run in and out, 3 acres with electric fence Will be an only child Please contact : maggie1903@gmail com phone: maggie 989-666-6601 NO TEXTS (M-12/25)
Heading of your choice, up to 30 words of text, plus 4 lines ofcontactinformation. Classifiedsadsareprepayonly. Allcreditcardsaccepted. Emailormailclassifiedad.
saddleupmag@gmail.com
Deadline is the 16th of the month prior to the Issue!
Ann-MarieLavallee–810 796 3510
Dryden,MI(Lapeer)Email: thetravelingtrainer3@gmail com (S-10/25)
Tonya Grant Dressage Grand Prix Rider
30+ years of experience
USDF Gold Medalist
I love teaching kids and older adults from beginner to advanced. Specializing in classical training emphasizing the basics using exercises to train the horse's mind and body.
Tonya Grant 248-219-0410
Evekko10@gmail com Fenton, Michigan and surrounding areas
momentum When the tow vehicle slows, the trailer pushes forward against the hitch, compressing a hydraulic cylinder that applies the brakes
Trailer
When properly adjusted, surge brakes are smooth and simple They don’t require a brake controller, which appeals to some setups While less common in the United States, they’re widely used on European horse trailers and boat trailers
Brakes: Going Is Optional. Stopping Is Not.
By Robert Eversole trailmeister.com
Their weakness is control Surge brakes can’t be applied independently If a trailer begins to sway, the driver has no way to manually engage braking to help correct it
SHOW & EVENT DATES
Michigan EVENTS
February 14, 2026: Hartland Tack SaleOpen 10 am to 2 pm 9525 E Highland Rd , Howell, MI 48843. Free admission. Silent Auction Vendor Spaces Available Call 517404-4544 or email hartlandtacksale@gmail com for more information and to reserve a space. Flyer at bit ly/4HTackSale26
March 6-8, 2026 Michigan Horse ExpoFarm Bureau Pavilion at MSU Lansing, MI
Shop till you drop, learn from the best, and feel the adrenaline! Shopping Galore, Equine Clinics, Educational Seminars, High School Rodeo, Extreme Cowboy Challenge, Great Lakes CBR Finals, Mounted Police demos, Equine Showcases and SO much more this is an event you do not want to miss!
Tickets: www mihorseexpo com
March 14, 2026: Silver Spurs 4-H Tack Swap - Open 10 am to 2 pm Cass County Fairgrounds 590 N O Keefe St, Cassopolis, MI 49031 $1 admission Concessions Available Vendor Spaces Available Email wellsvargo@aol com for more information and to reserve a space
March 29, 2026 TNT Arena Sunday Buckle Speed Series
5251 Lyons Rd, Lyons, MI 48851 1st show in the series! Barrel Racing, Pole Bending plus more. For more info: tnt-arena com
April 25, 2026, Barry County 4H Tack Sale 10am to 3pm. BARRY COUNTY fairgrounds 1350 M-37, Hastings Michigan 49058 Sponsored by 4-H Horse Development Committee. Contact Patty Snyder, call or txt, (269) 924-9886, email: snydrpa@yahoo com or Mary Slocum mrs328@yahoo com
MICHIGAN AUCTIONS
HORSE & TACK AUCTION: 2nd Saturday of each month. 5:00pm start. Lake Odessa Livestock Auction, 3675 Tupper Lake Rd., Lake Odessa, MI. Call Roger Leech 231.730.0353. Facebook or lakeodessalivestock.com
HORSE/TACK AUCTION: First Saturday of each month (except July) Tack 2pm, Horses after 6pm. Consignments welcome. Northern Michigan Livestock, 1848 N. Townline Rd. Gaylord, MI. Office 231.439.5679. Find us on Facebook. northernmichiganlivestock.com
MONDAYS: HAY & STRAW: 3:30pm, Livestock 5pm (cattle, goats, sheep, hogs, etc.) Ravenna Auction, LLC. 3265 S. Slocum Road, Ravenna, MI. Call 231.853-.5738. Facebook or visit us at ravennaauction.com
TACK AUCTION: 3rd Saturday of each month, 5pm start Longhorn Auction Service, 3265 S Slocum Rd , Ravenna, MI. Call 231.730-0353. Facebook: Longhom Auction Service
TACK AUCTION: Select Tuesday Evenings ALL ONLINE! Facebook: Tri-Pine Tack & Western Boutique (517) 937-9439
tripinetack04@gmail com Items bought can be shipped or you can pick up in Hastings, Michigan
YODER BROS. AUCTION SERVICE: Spring and Fall Horse and Carriage Auctions in Mt Pleasant, MI Auctioneers: LeRoy Yoder or Willis Yoder, 989-386-9082, Clair, MI
Ohio EVENTS
February 13-15, March 13-15, April 26: ���������� ���������� ���������� Series at Garwood Arena Seasons awards for each event and All Around Winners 2538 Middleton Road, Columbiana, OH, United States, Ohio More Info: garwoodarena@gmail com
JMarch 14, April 4, April 25: Foster Equine Fun Shows Payback Classes! Registration Starts at 8:00am 26326 Smith Rd, Coolville, OH 45723
April 9-12, 2026- Equine Affaire Ohio Expo Center in Columbus, OH Enjoy hundreds of clinics, an expansive trade show, fun competitions, interactive exhibits with live horses, and of course, Equine Affaire's own musical celebration of the horse, Fantasia! www equineaffaire com
OHIO AUCTIONS
ATHENS LIVESTOCK SALES: Sale every Saturday at 12:30pm Consignment welcome. Athens Livestock Sales, 3738 Enlow Road, Albany, OH Call 740 592 2322 Email: jdbrowning01@gmail.com or find us on Facebook
MT. HOPE AUCTION: Horse, rack, livestock auctions monthly Mt Hope Auction, 8076 SR 241 Millersburg, OH Call us at 330.674.6188, email: info@mthopeauction com Find us on Facebook or mthopeauction com
LARUE HORSE SALE, LLC: Hay, straw, tack, and horse auction on the first Saturday of every month. 1059 Richwood-Larue Rd , Larue, OH Call 419.889.9150, email laruehorsesales@hotmail com laruehorsesales com
Indiana EVENTS
March 7th-8th, and April 4th-5 : Central Indiana Little Britches Rodeo Association th 2 Rodeos on Saturdays and 1 on Sundays Rough Stock will be Wednesday before each rodeo. Call in on NLBRA com Hoosier Horse Park 7105 S Kern St, Edinburgh, IN Info: centralindianalb@gmail com
INDIANA AUCTIONS
HAMILTON COUNTY HORSE SALES: 1st & 3rd Saturday each month New and used tack, hay, strawy, trailers, & horses Consignors welcome 22217 St Road 37 N , Noblesville, IN Call 317.946.4450 or 317.773.5590 or find us on Facebook for more information
IILLIANA LIVESTOCK, LLC: Tack, ponies, donkeys, and horse sales held at the Vermillion County Fairgrounds, 325 W Maple St Cayuga, IN Call Clay Norris 574 780 8378 or Cobie Norris 217.260.5696. Facebook “Illiana Livestock LLC“
SHIPSHEANA TRADING PLACE: Horse Auction Fridays. 10:30am tack, 12:30pm horses 345 S Van Buren Shipshewana, IN 260 768 4129, email: info@shipshewanatradingplace.com, or visit shipshewanatradingplace com
TOPEKA LIVESTOCK AUCTION: Hay and livestock auction every Tuesday. 601 E Lake St , Topeka, IN Call 260 593 2522 or email us at info@topekalivestock.com. Find us on Facebook or topekalivestock com
Implicitly "Mick" is a handsome and friendly 2015 KY-bred bay gelding who will
make a great prospect for an intermediate to advanced rider looking for a low impact flat work/pleasure/trail partner
CANTER Michigan - Implicitly 2015 Bay Gelding Available for Adoption
Potential adopters must complete an adoption application and be approved by CANTER Michigan prior to viewing and/or adopting a horse Please visit our website to review our adoption process and complete an application https://canterusa.org/michigan/#resources
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2026 MI Horse Expo Program
2026 MI Horse Expo Program
Place your ad in BOTH Saddle Up! Magazine’s March 2026 edition AND the 2026 Michigan Horse Expo Program for ONE LOW RATE! (Both distributed at the Michigan Horse Expo March 6-8, 2026)
Email: saddleupmag@gmail.com https://saddleupmag.com/ Deadline:February16,2026
March 2026 Saddle Up! Magazine AND the Michigan Horse Expo Program
7,500 Printed Copies Plus Online!
2026 Michigan Horse Expo Program ONLY Rates (Distributed at the Michigan Horse Expo entrance)
4,500 Printed Copies Plus Online!
