Build a Life Ready Horse

It's more than just raising obstacle scores!

A foundation first horsemanship system that uses trail obstacles to create calm, confident horses who think, respond, and handle real life situations with ease.

You don't need more difficult obstacles.

You need the right foundation with trail obstacles.

They set them up.

They ride throught them.

They repeat them.

And yet...

That's not because you or your horse are not capable.

It's because most obstacle work focuses on the obstacle, NOT the foundation underneath it.

Instead of trreating trail obstacles as something to "get through," this program teaches you how to use them as powerful training tools to build:

So your horse does't just perform well in practice... they become LIFE-READY!

It shows you how to:

This is where small foundational changes create big, lasting shifts.

Most riders don't struggle because they aren't trying hard enough.

They struggle because they're practicing the wrong layer.

The Trail Obstacle Project is built around a few BIG SHIFTS that completely change how you train and practice, how your horse responds, and how progress actually sticks.

Practicing obstacles teaches your horse how to complete that obstacle.

Training foundations teaches your horse how to think, balance, and move correctly everywhere.

Inside the Trail Obstacle Project, obstacles are used to develop :

So instead of fixing the same issues over and over, you build a foundation that solves the issues.

Many horses look confident in familiar settings...until something changes.

That is because confidence wasn't developed, it was borrowed from repetition.

In this program, confidence is built through:

The result is a horse who stays calm and responsive even when things look different.

That's what makes a horse LIFE-READY.

Most riders use trail obstacles as a test.

"Can my horse do this?"

In the Trail Obstacle Project, obstacles are used as teachers:

"What is the obstacle showing me about my foundation?"

You learn how to use obstacles to:

That is where real progress happens.

You don't need endless drills, gadgets, or complicated systems.

When the foundation is right:

These small foundational changes create big shifts in confidence, partnership, and performance.

This is why the Trail Obstacle Project isn't just about trail obstacles.

It's about building a LIFE-READY horse, one intentional step at a time.

By joining The Trail Obstacle Project, you don't learn what to do...

you develop the foundation that changes everything with your horse.

The Trail Obstacle Project is rooted in timeless Vaquero-style horsemanship principles ... focusing on learning to direct your horse’s feet with precision and applying those skills to trail obstacles.

Inside the program, you will:

• Build calm, reliable confidence that carries from the arena to the trail, shows, and everyday riding. Not confidence that disappears when something changes.
• Develop clear leadership and communication by learning how to direct your horse's feet with precision, timing, and feel.
• Know exactly what to practice so your rides have purpose instead of guesswork or random repetition.
• Create a willing, thoughtful partner who responds because they understand, not because they were pushed through an obstacle.
• Turn trail obstacles into powerful training tools that reveal holes and strengthen your foundation instead of just testing it.
• Improve fluidity, finesse, and obstacle scores as a natural outcome of better balance, softness, and decision-making.
• Enjoy your horse more, with less frustration, less fixing, and more clarity in every ride.

This is how small foundational changes create big, lasting shifts.

As you practice these skills and exercises you will see improvements in you and your horse in a variety of areas, from confidence, partnership, and trust, to being a better leader and raising your trail obstacle scores.

The Trail Obstacle Project is designed for riders who want real progress, not quick fixes.

This program is for you if:

This program may not be a good fit for you if you're only looking for:

The Trail Obstacle Project is about building a LIFE-READY horse, thoughtfully, intentionally, and with purpose.

• Sign up and get instant access to the full Trail Obstacle Project library and community.
  
• Work through the foundation at your own pace, applying lessons directly to your horse and obstacles.
  
• Stay supported and inspired with ongoing content, ideas, and community connection.
  
  

The Trail Obstacle Project complements our Virtual Trail Rider Challenge, where you can put your skills to the test in structured challenges and receive personalized feedback on your progress.

Join The Trail Obstacle Project today and start building the confidence and skills you need to tackle any challenge!

• Simple monthly or yearly access.
• 100% online – work at your own pace, with your own horse.
• Cancel anytime. No pressure.

The Trail Obstacle Project is a growing program.

New content and ideas are added periodically to support your progress.

This is not a random library of exercises.

Everything inside the Trail Obstacle Project is designed to layer skills, build confidence, and help you develop a calm, responsive, life-ready horse from the ground to the saddle.

Foundation Groundwork (In-Hand)

Learn the core skills Kelli teaches at clinics ... the building blocks for everything else.

• Groundwork 101
  Move the forehand, move the hindquarters, back with feel, sidepass, and send with clarity.
  
• Sending to Build Confidence
  Develop confidence and leadership through sending, not dragging, pulling, or micromanaging.
  Practice sending over logs and bridges, through narrow spaces, curtains, alleyways, and figure 8s.
  Includes the Bridge Building Bundle.
  
• Moving the Forehand (In-Hand)
  Learn the difference between moving the forehand and truly directing the front feet and how to connect the lead rope to the front foot (this changes everything).
  
• Backing with Lightness (In-Hand)
  Diagonal pairs, timing, energy, and feel.
  Includes a PDF with 40 backing pattern ideas.
  
• De-Spooking (Done Right)
  Learn how to desensitize without creating brace, shutdown, or dullness.
  Includes practical ideas for despooking objects.
  
• Platforms & Pedestals
  From theory to fun, build confidence, balance, and curiosity.
  Includes a pedestal building plan.

Confidence, Calm & Leadership

Because your mindset matters just as much as your horse’s.

• The Peace Workshop
  Learn how your own calm presence helps your horse relax and respond.
  
• Create Your Confidence Avatar
  A simple but powerful tool if confidence has been a struggle for you.

Riding Skills That Build on the Foundation

Once the groundwork is solid, riding becomes clearer and lighter.

• Forward Freely (Riding)
  Exercises to help your horse move forward willingly and confidently.
  
• Disengaging the Hindquarters (Riding)
  Learn the correct way, then apply it in circles and figure 8s.
  
• Disengage the Hindquarters – Figure 8 Exercise
  A go-to exercise for nervous, barn-sour, distracted, or anxious horses.
  
• The Sidepass (Riding)
  Step-by-step clarity, no more mystery. (Yes, sidepassing is the #1 question Kelli gets.)
  
• Backing (Riding)
  Build timing and feel, then progress to straight lines, Ls, Zs, and circles.
  
• Moving the Forehand (Riding)
  Learn how cues, reins, and body position connect to the front feet while riding.

Signature Exercises & Problem-Solvers

These are the exercises riders come back to again and again.

• The “X” Grid Exercise
  Improves straightness, bends, accuracy — even lead changes.
  
• The Random Corridor Exercise (Kelli original)
  Improves transitions, halts, backing, engagement, lightness, and obstacle approaches — all in one exercise.

Trail Obstacles & Real-World Skills

Put the foundation to work in practical, confidence-building ways.

• Dragging an Item
  Prepare safely, handle the rope correctly, walk straight and in circles, dally, and build confidence.
  
• Trailer Loading with Finesse
  Apply sending skills to create calm, willing trailer loading.
  
• Gates
  Learn the skills behind smooth, confident gate work, plus troubleshooting and bonus gate ideas.
  
• Pivots
  Quality pivots are the outcome of good foundation, not forced mechanics.
  
• Straddle the Pole
  A fun obstacle that teaches awareness, patience, and watching for the try.
  
• Balance
  Learn to recognize balance, then support it with hands, body, and legs.
  
• Garrocha Pole + Wind the Clock
  Prepare your horse to carry and use a pole ... great for Working Equitation riders.

Courses, Creativity & Resources

• Designing Mini Trail Courses Workshop
  Learn to create fun, effective mini courses with the obstacles you already have.
  
• 50 Exercises with a Simple Bridge (PDF)
  Never get bored with a bridge again.
  
• 101 Trail Obstacle Ideas Card Pack (PDF)
  Over 100 obstacle ideas to spark creativity and confidence.

Ongoing Growth

And we don’t stop here.

New content is added regularly, so as you and your horse grow, the program grows with you.

Learn Foundation Horsemanship applied to Trail Obstacles and build a LIFE-READY horse, one step at a time.

Hi, I’m Kelli.

I’ve spent the last 18+ years teaching clinics and helping riders build confident, capable horses using practical foundation horsemanship often through trail obstacles.

My approach isn’t about drilling harder or chasing perfection. It’s about understanding how horses think, directing the feet with clarity, and building confidence for both horse and rider so skills actually transfer into real life.

Trail obstacles are one of my favorite tools because they reveal gaps, build responsibility, and give riders a clear way to practice with purpose, without pressure or overwhelm.

"I want to equip you with clear actionable skills (with no overwhelm) so you can make huge progress with your horse this year."

FAQ

How much time is required?

It really depends on how much you want to get out of the mini clinics and exercises. It could take as little as 2 hours per month to just do the exercises. OR you could spend several hours mastering the material.

Can I find this info on YouTube or Google?

You may find bits and pieces here and there but it will not be a cohesive trail obstacle program. This is the only place you will find this material.

Many horse memberships are overwhelming. Will this be?

No. Watch the videos and do the exercises. Each concept has step-by-step instructions. Kelli not only tells you what to do, she also tells you how to do it. The activities are designed to be done in order and to give you clear results.

What if I need extra help?

Ask questions in the Facebook group or on the monthly Q&A Zoom call. You are encouraged to include a short video.

Is the full program available now?

Yes, with new material added each month.

I really want this program to be affordable and accessible.

What do I get to keep?

The videos are hosted on our server and you have access when you are a member. You may download, print, and keep the exercises, checklists, etc. We encourage you to put them in a binder for quick reference.

You don’t need more pressure.

You don’t need to train harder.

And you don’t need to fix your horse.

What you need is a clear foundation, one that helps both you and your horse feel confident, capable, and steady.

The Trail Obstacle Project gives you structure without rigidity, guidance without overwhelm, and a way to build real skills that carry over into everyday riding and real-world situations.

This isn’t about collecting exercises or chasing quick wins.

It’s about building a life-ready horse and becoming a clearer, more confident leader in the process.

If that’s what you’ve been looking for, here’s how to get started.

WOW!

Only $27 per month or $197 per year!

$197 per year is the best value if you want to build real, lasting results.