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About
Training Thru Trust (TTT) is a comprehensive horsemanship education platform built around the Doug Mills Method — a trust-based approach to horse training that emphasizes understanding the horse's language, managing energy, and building a genuine partnership between horse and rider. Founded with over 20 years of hands-on training experience, TTT serves beginners through advanced riders seeking to deepen their horsemanship skills. The platform offers multiple learning formats: online coaching with personalized video feedback, in-person camps and clinics at venues like Still Meadows Ranch, and a structured apprenticeship program. Online students can film their riding sessions, submit videos for critique, and receive clear, actionable guidance from Doug — all on their own schedule and in the comfort of their own environment. In addition to training programs, TTT operates a store featuring Doug Mills-designed training halters and instructional DVDs. Students also gain access to the Master My Horsemanship Community, a free Facebook group full of like-minded riders sharing tips, encouragement, and motivation. TTT is ideal for riders who have struggled with conventional training methods, horse owners facing challenging behavioral issues, parents looking to build their children's confidence around horses, and anyone seeking a more intuitive, relationship-driven approach to equine training. Testimonials consistently highlight breakthroughs in communication, confidence, and the bond between horse and rider.
Key Features
- Online Video Coaching: Submit riding videos for personalized critique and clear, actionable feedback from Doug Mills — accessible on your own schedule.
- Live Camps & Clinics: Attend in-person camps and clinics to train hands-on with Doug and his team, gaining practical skills and confidence in real time.
- The Doug Mills Method: A trust-based horsemanship framework focused on communicating in the horse's language, understanding energy, and building a genuine partnership.
- Free Community Group: Access the Master My Horsemanship Community on Facebook for training tips, peer support, and motivation from like-minded riders.
- Training Store: Shop purpose-designed training halters and instructional DVDs to support your learning journey at home.
Use Cases
- A horse owner struggling with a difficult or unpredictable horse uses TTT's online coaching to learn trust-based communication techniques that transform the relationship.
- A beginner rider joins a weekend camp to build foundational horsemanship skills and gain confidence handling horses safely.
- An experienced rider submits training videos online to receive personalized critique and fine-tune their technique with expert guidance.
- A parent and child attend a TTT clinic together to build shared skills and confidence before continuing to work with their horses at home.
- A rider unable to attend in-person events purchases DVDs and joins the free Facebook community to learn the Doug Mills Method independently.
Pros
- Flexible Online Learning: Students can film, review, and re-watch coaching feedback on their own time, making it easy to learn at a personal pace without pressure.
- Proven, Intuitive Method: The Doug Mills Method consistently earns praise for producing rapid, meaningful breakthroughs even with difficult horses and uncertain riders.
- Multi-Format Offerings: From online programs to live clinics and a free community group, TTT accommodates a wide range of learning styles and budgets.
Cons
- Niche Focus: The platform is exclusively dedicated to horse training, making it irrelevant for anyone outside the equestrian community.
- Limited Scheduling for In-Person Events: Camps and clinics are location- and date-specific, which may not align with every student's availability or geography.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Doug Mills Method?
The Doug Mills Method is a trust-based approach to horse training that focuses on communicating in the horse's natural language, reading energy, and building a confident partnership between horse and rider rather than relying on force or dominance.
How does the online coaching work?
Students record videos of themselves riding or working with their horses and submit them for review. Doug provides clear, detailed feedback that students can watch, replay, and implement at their own pace.
Is Training Thru Trust suitable for beginners?
Yes. TTT is designed for riders of all experience levels, from complete beginners to experienced equestrians looking to refine their horsemanship skills.
Is there a free option available?
Yes. The Master My Horsemanship Community is a free Facebook group where riders can access training tips, encouragement, and community support without a paid subscription.
What products are available in the TTT store?
The store offers Doug Mills-designed training halters built specifically for trust-based training purposes, as well as instructional DVDs covering horsemanship techniques.
