In the heart of Hickory Valley, Tennessee, a quiet revolution is taking place in the world of gaited horses. Spearheaded by Jacob Parks, a horse trainer renowned for his intuitive and effective methods, this revolution isn’t about reinventing the wheel but rather returning to its foundational principles. For horse enthusiasts frustrated with stubborn gaits or challenging behaviors, the name Jacob Parks Horse Trainer has become synonymous with transformation, partnership, and a profound understanding of the equine mind. His work is a testament to the idea that with patience, consistency, and the right approach, any horse can achieve its highest potential.
At his sprawling 47-stall facility, complete with a state-of-the-art indoor riding arena, Parks doesn’t just train horses; he reshapes their future. Specializing in the unique and often complex world of gaited breeds, he has carved out a niche as the go-to expert for perfecting the single-foot, the running walk, and the fluid, ground-covering movements that define these magnificent animals. Through a blend of groundwork, desensitization, and a philosophy rooted in natural connection, Parks creates horses that are as reliable on the trail as they are brilliant in the show ring.
Who is Jacob Parks? A Foundation of Horsemanship
Jacob Parks is more than just a trainer; he is a dedicated horsemanship practitioner based in Hickory Valley, TN. While many trainers have a broad focus, Parks has dedicated his career to mastering the intricacies of the gaited horse. His reputation has been built not on flashy gimmicks or forceful gadgets, but on the quiet, consistent results he achieves. His online presence, primarily through a popular YouTube channel, showcases his work in its most authentic form: raw, unedited videos of horses progressing through his program.
These videos reveal a trainer who is patient yet firm, who understands that true training is a dialogue between horse and rider. He works with everything from two-year-old colts just starting their journey to seasoned stallions with behavioral issues, demonstrating a remarkable ability to adapt his methods to the individual needs of each animal. It is this personalized approach that has earned him the respect of the equestrian community, with some peers hailing him as one of the best gaited horse trainers in the world.
The Parks Philosophy: More Than Just “Wet Saddle Pads”
A phrase that appears frequently in descriptions of Jacob Parks’s work is training with “hands and wet saddle pads.” This simple statement encapsulates a deep philosophy that rejects the use of artificial devices to force a gait. For Parks, the goal is not to create a mechanical, manufactured movement but to unlock the natural talent already present within the horse.
This philosophy is built on several core tenets:
- Natural Talent First: Parks believes that a horse’s natural ability is paramount. His job is to cultivate and refine that talent, not to create it with shortcuts. This means countless hours in the saddle—the “wet saddle pads”—are the primary tool for developing strength, rhythm, and balance.
- Respect Over Affection: In an insightful interview, Parks made a crucial distinction between being friendly with a horse and earning its respect. He cautions against behaviors like letting a horse nibble or invade personal space, noting that such habits can escalate. “These horses,” he explains, “they don’t care if they hurt you or not.” His approach is to establish clear, firm boundaries, creating a relationship where the horse sees the handler as a confident leader, which fosters safety and trust.
- Correction and Release: A cornerstone of his method is the principle of applying pressure or “aggravation” and releasing it the moment the horse responds correctly. If a horse is resistant or “aggravating” him, Parks will mirror that energy—perhaps by getting it slightly off balance or using subtle hand movements—until the horse seeks a more comfortable solution, which is to perform the requested gait or maneuver. The instant it does, the aggravation stops. This “click” teaches the horse how to find the right answer and be rewarded with peace.
How do you train a horse to gait correctly?
To train a horse to gait correctly, the focus should be on building a solid foundation through groundwork and consistent saddle time. The key is to help the horse find its natural rhythm and balance without relying on artificial aids. A trainer like Jacob Parks uses exercises that encourage the horse to move off the leg, stay relaxed through the back, and respond to light rein cues, allowing the natural gait to emerge and strengthen over time.
Key Training Techniques of Jacob Parks Horse Trainer
The transformation of horses under Jacob Parks’s care is a result of a systematic and holistic training regimen. It begins on the ground and extends into complex under-saddle work, ensuring no part of the horse’s education is left to chance.
Comprehensive Groundwork
Before ever stepping into the saddle, a horse in Parks’s program undergoes extensive groundwork. This is not just about lunging in circles; it is a sophisticated process of establishing communication and respect. Key elements include:
- Desensitization: Exposing the horse to various stimuli (tarps, flags, ropes) to build confidence and reduce spookiness.
- Yielding to Pressure: Teaching the horse to move away from physical cues on its body, which translates directly to leg and rein aids in the saddle.
- Essential Maneuvers: Perfecting foundational skills like side-passing, backing up smoothly, and turning on the forehand and haunches.
Under-Saddle Refinement
Once in the saddle, the focus shifts to refining the horse’s movement and responsiveness. Parks is a master of subtlety, using his seat, legs, and hands to guide the horse into a perfect gait. One notable case involved transforming an “obnoxious” 4-year-old palomino stallion whose gait was unimpressive. Through dedication and the “wet saddle pads” method, the stallion became a stunning specimen capable of reaching speeds up to 30 miles per hour in a smooth, controlled gait.
“The concept of using strategic ‘aggravation’ followed by an immediate release is a sophisticated application of negative reinforcement,” explains Dr. Alistair Finch, a fictional equine behaviorist. “It’s not about punishment. It’s about making the desired behavior the most comfortable option for the horse. When executed with the timing and feel of an expert like Parks, it empowers the horse to discover the correct response on its own, leading to more reliable and willing partnerships.”
Addressing Behavioral Problems
Parks’s expertise also extends to solving common behavioral issues. He advocates for “nipping everything in the bud” before it can escalate. For a barn-sour horse that rushes back to the barn, for example, his solution is to make the barn a place of work. By engaging the horse in demanding exercises upon returning, he changes the horse’s association; the barn is no longer just a place of rest, but a place of effort, making the trail a more appealing option.
The Legacy of a True Horseman
The impact of a Jacob Parks horse trainer extends far beyond the confines of his Hickory Valley facility. Through his videos, he provides an invaluable educational resource for owners of gaited horses everywhere, demystifying the training process and offering a clear, effective alternative to forceful methods. He proves that show-ring success and trail-riding reliability are not mutually exclusive.
His work is a powerful reminder that at the heart of all great horsemanship lies a deep respect for the animal, a commitment to consistent effort, and a profound understanding of equine psychology. Jacob Parks is not just producing show-winning horses; he is fostering stronger, safer, and more intuitive partnerships between horses and their humans, one smooth gait at a time. For anyone seeking to unlock their gaited horse’s true potential, his methods offer a clear and compelling path forward.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What types of horses does Jacob Parks specialize in training?
Jacob Parks specializes in gaited horse breeds. His work frequently features Speed Racking Horses, Single-Footing Horses, Tennessee Walking Horses, and other breeds known for their smooth, intermediate gaits. He has extensive experience training young colts and correcting issues in older stallions.
What is the core principle of Jacob Parks’s training philosophy?
The core principle is to develop a horse’s natural abilities through consistent work and a deep understanding of horse psychology, a method he refers to as using “hands and wet saddle pads.” He avoids artificial training devices, focusing instead on clear communication, respect, and the strategic use of pressure and release.
Where is Jacob Parks’s training facility located?
Jacob Parks Horsemanship is located in Hickory Valley, Tennessee. He operates a full-service facility that includes a 47-stall barn and a large indoor riding arena to accommodate year-round training.
How does Jacob Parks handle a “barn-sour” horse?
He addresses a barn-sour horse by changing the horse’s association with the barn. Instead of the barn being a place of rest, he makes it a place of work. By implementing structured training exercises as soon as the horse returns to the barn, he teaches it that leaving the barn is the more relaxing and rewarding option.
What does the phrase “aggravate the horse” mean in his method?
In his training context, “aggravate the horse” refers to applying a specific, light, but persistent pressure when the horse is not performing the desired action. This could be getting the horse off balance or using annoying hand movements. The “aggravation” is immediately removed the moment the horse offers the correct response, teaching it to seek comfort by gaiting or maneuvering correctly.
