Build the partnership, one month at a time
For riders who want a relaxed, balanced, willing partner, without force. Each month brings one clear focus, work-along audio you can listen to in the saddle, and live coaching with me.
You love your horse. You just want to know what to work on next.
Pieces that don't fit together
A tip from a clinic, a video from a friend, a book on the nightstand. Good ideas, but no thread connecting them.
Riding on your own
Most days it's just you and your horse. You wonder if you're on the right track, and there's no one to ask.
Quick fixes that don't last
The spook, the brace, the sticky transition. You've tried to fix them directly, and they keep coming back.
When the foundation is solid, many of those problems simply dissolve. The Journey gives you a path, a rhythm, and someone in your corner.
One focus. Four ways to live with it.
Quality over quantity. Each month we go deep on one exercise or movement, so it truly becomes part of how you and your horse communicate.
Learn
The why and the how. Theory, video demonstrations, and printable handouts, with versions for groundwork and for riding.
Ride
Take me to the barn. Work-along audio lessons guide you step by step while you're with your horse.
Ask
Live coaching call. Second Thursday of each month at noon Arizona time. Can't make it? The recording is posted for you.
Share
A community that gets it. Share your wins, ask questions between calls, and suggest topics for future months.
"Tessa's Monthly Journey and Work Alongs keep my horse and I on our training track."C.E., Monthly Journey member
"I like increasing my knowledge of how horses think and use their bodies through the focus area each month on the Journey."J.D., Monthly Journey member
Lessons you can ride with
Pop in your earbuds and head out to the arena. The work-along audio walks you through each exercise in real time, so you can keep your eyes on your horse instead of on a screen.
"The work along sessions are so beneficial hearing a voice, being on your horse and putting all the pieces together in real time."K.B., Monthly Journey member
"It's the next best thing to taking a live lesson with Tessa!"
"The Monthly Journey is an incredible resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of horses and build a stronger, more meaningful partnership with them. My favorite part are the work-along sessions. Tessa's teaching style makes them engaging, easy to follow, and just a wonderful learning experience regardless of your experience level."
D.E., Monthly Journey memberEverything you need to keep growing
A Working Equitation obstacle each month
A deep dive into one obstacle, connected to the month's focus. Useful whether you compete or simply want a more handy horse on the trail.
Three levels for every focus
Each month's focus comes in three levels of experience, plus groundwork. Beginner or advanced, there's a place for you.
Challenge patterns
Every few months, several focuses come together in a challenge pattern, with levels to choose from. A fun way to see how far you've come.
Goal and vision check-ins
Every few months we step back and look at where we've been and set our direction for what comes next.
Beginning and progress assessments
See where you and your horse are starting, and notice how far you've come.
20% off lessons, clinics, and workshops
Members save on virtual lessons and on in-person clinics, workshops, and lessons with me.
Ask any horsemanship question
Not just about this month's topic. If it's on your mind, bring it.
Balance for the rider, too
Your center, flexibility, strength, breath, and intention. A partnership asks something of both of you.
"Oreo and I have improved in every area, from our scores to our partnership."
"I love my monthly journey with Coach Tessa Nicolet because Oreo and I have improved in every area, from our scores to our partnership. Her clear, encouraging coaching in Working Equitation makes each month feel purposeful and keeps us excited for what's next."
S.G., Monthly Journey member, with OreoMade for riders who are serious about the relationship
You'll feel at home here if
- You ride or work with a horse or a mule
- You work from the ground, in the saddle, or both
- You compete, ride trails, or simply enjoy everyday time together
- You want to understand why, not just what
- You'd like steady progress and a clear next step
It probably isn't for you if
- You're looking for a quick fix
- You prefer methods built on force or intimidation
- You'd rather not slow down and listen to your horse
"Joining this program has been one of the best decisions I've made for my horse training journey!"
"I'm absolutely loving the Monthly Journey program! The content is top-notch, and I really appreciate the flexibility of being able to listen to the lessons while following along with the written materials. The videos are incredibly helpful. Tessa breaks everything down into clear, actionable steps and even shows what to do if things don't go perfectly, which is so encouraging. The monthly Coaching Call is another highlight. It's informative, interactive, and always a lot of fun."
L.H., Monthly Journey member
Hi, I'm Tessa
I've spent my life with horses and mules, and a sensitive mare is the one who sent me looking for a better way. That search led me to natural horsemanship and French Classical Dressage, and to a simple belief I teach by every day: training is a conversation, not a command.
The Journey is how I keep that conversation going with riders between clinics, wherever they live. I'd love to have you along.
Tessa Nicolet
"I have a secret weapon, and it's available to everyone!"
"They are like a private lesson with Tessa in my ear and I repeat them over and over."
"Every month is something profoundly helpful that makes me more of the horsewoman I endeavor to be!"
M.S., member for two years, on the work-along sessions and the monthly focus
Read M.S.'s full review
"I typically ride 4-5 days a week including virtual lessons and clinics whenever available. But I have a secret weapon and it's available to everyone!! I have been a member of Tessa Nicolet's Cohesive Horsemanship online Monthly Journey for the past two years.
Tessa develops and posts a monthly focus that includes written, printable and audible lessons and demonstration videos. One month it might be leg yields, another refining the basics. Every few months she combines several focuses into a challenge pattern with several levels for participants to choose. Tessa has worked extensively on these lessons. She presents each focus in three different levels of experience and includes ground work. Perfect for beginners to advanced riders. My membership also includes a monthly scheduled zoom meeting to go over each month's focus including instruction, diagrams, tips and discussions with other like-minded equestrians. It has been a wonderful and supportive community.
Tessa also records work along sessions to listen to and guide you while you ride. These are my absolute FAVORITES. They are like a private lesson with Tessa in my ear and I repeat them over and over.
For people who are interested or competing in Working Equitation, Tessa also includes a working equitation obstacle deep-dive that relates that month's focus to a practical use in the sport.
I feel the Monthly Journey may be one of Tessa's most under-utilized and most beneficial tools.
It's not a strict program. Some months I don't have enough time to delve into the focus as much as I like but every month is something profoundly helpful that makes me more of the horsewoman I endeavor to be!"
Start with 5 days free
Both plans include everything above. Take 5 days to look around and see how it feels before your first payment.
- Works out to about $52 a month
- Save $203 compared to monthly
- 5-day free trial
- Pause or cancel anytime
- Full membership, month to month
- 5-day free trial
- Pause or cancel anytime
You'll choose yearly or monthly on the next page.
Good to know
How does the free trial work?
You have 5 days to explore the membership before your first payment. If it isn't the right fit, cancel during the trial and you won't be charged.
Can I pause or cancel?
Yes, anytime. Life with horses has seasons, and your membership can follow them.
What if I'm too busy some months?
That's okay. The Journey isn't a strict program. Go as deep as your month allows. As one member put it, "Some months I don't have enough time to delve into the focus as much as I like but every month is something profoundly helpful."
What if I can't make the live call?
Every call is recorded and posted, so you can watch when it suits you.
Do I need to ride to get value from it?
No. Each month includes groundwork and riding versions of the focus, so you can follow along from the ground, in the saddle, or both.
Does it work for mules, young horses, or my discipline?
Yes. The Journey is built on communication and balance, which apply to every equine and every kind of riding, from competition to trails to quiet days at home.
How does it fit with your courses?
The Foundations Course and the Rider Course are structured, start-to-finish programs. The Journey is the ongoing rhythm that keeps you practicing and growing, month after month. They pair beautifully.
