Horse & Country is excited to announce a new series, which sees internationally recognised trainer Tristan Tucker share his TRT methods.
Coping techniques
Tristan developed the TRT method to mentally train horses to cope in our human environment. It can help solve common problems such as spookiness and tension, separation anxiety and trailer loading.
Tristan travels all around the world demonstrating his technique. Many top dressage riders use his techniques. However, as Tristan explains, the TRT method is for every horse and rider, whether you’re just starting out, or competing at grand prix level.
“My message is that every horse can be confident and relaxed,” he said. “It just takes the right training.”
Natural instincts
Tristan Tucker: The TRT Method sees Tristan working at home with a range of horses, who are brought to him with behavioural or training problems.
In episode one we meet the stunning Flynn, whose rider suffered a stroke, leaving her paralysed. After eight months of rehabilitation she is now walking and riding again, but on-going balance issues means she needs Flynn as relaxed and steady as possible.
Tristan works with Flynn on the ground, teaching him how to cope when presented with something new in his environment. By helping him make a good decision the horse feels relaxed and in control – rather than relying on his natural instincts to run away.
TRT method
Tristan was born in Cornwall, but emigrated to Australia with his parents when he was very young. He grew up around horses and always wanted to work with them. Therefore, he started his career riding racehorses and driving trotting horses.
Tristan came back to Europe in 1999 where he met his long-time trainer Morten Thomsen, who introduced him to dressage and inspired his TRT method. On his return to Australia he began his own business, starting up to 100 horses a year.
Tristan moved back to Europe in 2009 to work for Morten to focus on his goals as a dressage rider. He now has his own stable in the Netherlands, where he trains horses and riders from novice level up to Grand Prix.
Watch Tristan Tucker: The TRT Method on Horse & Country TV, Amazon Prime Video, Sky 184 and Virgin Media 298.