The Complete Reboot Program
The Complete Reboot Program gives you the knowledge, skills, and self-awareness to rebuild your horse’s foundation, refine responses, and reset your partnership—creating calm, willing, confident horses and riders.
The Complete Reboot Program
Rebuild - Refine - Reset
If you’ve ever felt stuck, frustrated, or overwhelmed with your horse, you’re not alone.
The Complete Reboot Program is designed to give you the clarity, skills, and confidence you need to create real, lasting progress with your horse.
Let me take you back to where this all began, and why the Complete Reboot had to exist....
Background
When I first started training, I often worked with “problem horses.” What I discovered was that most weren’t bad at all—they were simply confused, defensive, or worried because people hadn’t made sense to them. Helping those horses trust again was deeply rewarding.
But over time, I realised something important: I could retrain the horse, but if the owner didn’t change, the problems always came back. The real challenge was teaching people the knowledge, skills, and awareness to guide their horses with clarity and confidence.
So I shifted my focus. Instead of taking horses in, I began coaching owners directly—mentoring them through the decisions and skills that make training work. Horses improved, and their people became capable, confident trainers in their own right.
The Complete Reboot Program grew from this approach. It combines years of experience with my background in education to give anyone a clear, practical path to rebuild the horse, refine their responses, and reset the partnership—so the transformation lasts.
Testimonials
Real Results, Real Stories
Testimonial - How to Groundwork a Horse Course
"Finding this course came at exactly the right time for me when my main horse was coming out of rehab after a tendon tear. Being of impatient nature, already having done a lot of these excercises years ago armed with little Parelli booklets (pre cd). But coming into Step 2 made me back up and really think about why do it, how to do it and the results when done clearly. I learned so much about lunging during the course. Thanks Shelley, the amount of time and expertise you are sharing with us is amazing, I have learnt so much"!"
Testimonial - How to Groundwork a Horse Course
"This was such an amazing course. I think it's the simplicity of how you explain things step by step and build on things to the point of clarity for both horse and rider was great. I'm a very visual learner and the way this course is presented really helped me"
Testimonial - How to Groundwork a Horse Course
"The visual presentation of the instructions I found really helpful. I also really appreciated being able to get individual feedback on the horse and performance was awesome."
Testimonial - How to Groundwork a Horse Course
"I absolutely LOOOOOVE your courses, absolutely brilliant. Your presentation and ease of explanation is so clear and actually provides confidence as well..and that is key..confidence..I am the best person for my horse! Thank you Shelley for putting this together"
Testimonial - How to Groundwork a Horse Course
REBUILD – Your Horse’s Foundation
Success with horses starts with building the right foundation — from the ground up.
In this program, you’ll learn:
How horses think and learn — so you can interpret behaviour with clarity instead of guesswork.
Practical groundwork and handling skills that establish focus, calmness, and willingness.
Step-by-step exercises that give your horse the "operating system" they need for riding, float/trailering, and daily handling.
REFINE – Your Horse’s Responses
Once the foundation is in place, the focus shifts to refinement:
Building a riding foundation that makes your horse confident, responsive, and accepting of your guidance.
Creating contact and connection so your horse carries themselves in a healthy posture that prevents breakdown and injury.
Developing lightness and feel — where your horse follows the softest signals, and you discover the true meaning of partnership.
This isn’t about quick fixes or gimmicks. It’s about learning the most effective skills — the 20% that influence 80% of your horse’s progress.
RESET – Your Partnership and Relationship
The Reboot isn’t just about the horse. It’s also about you.
You’ll develop self-awareness so you can recognise how your mindset, habits, or emotions influence your horse.
You’ll discover a new level of confidence and trust through my proven process.
You’ll gain strategies to stay calm, consistent, and effective — even in challenging moments.
Because true confidence isn’t built by avoiding discomfort — it’s built by guiding your horse through it.
Testimonials
What Participants Say About Their Experience
Testimonial - Things to Know About Horses Course
"Fantastic course! Loved all of it, thank you Dr Shelley Appleton I feel more informed and mindful of what I am asking and how I ask. Your insights along the way have helped tremendously. Thank you!”
Testimonial - Things to Know about Horses Course
"The content of this course was informative and succinct and evidenced based…. I liked the option to read and/ or listen. Probably the most study I have done in one go and I surprised myself on getting through the material. The course made me aware of many little holes that need correcting to ensure my training does not confuse my horse. Thank you Shelley."
Testimonial - Things to Know About Horses Course
"I really enjoyed the course and set myself a challenge of doing a chapter each day. I have now gone through the course twice and each time it sinks in more. It has really changed the way I see my horse now and understand him better."
Testimonial - Things to Know About Horses Course
"I absolutely loved this course. It has given me insight to see issues and how I can potentially overcome them and also prevent them."
Testimonial - Things to Know About Horses Course
"I have go so much out of it. Reading, case studies, discussions and quizzes. It helped me absorb the information better. Sometimes I read information and it is hard to understand and retain, but this was easy to understand and retain"
Testimonial - Things to Know About Horses Course
"I think I sort of ‘knew’ some of the information but I didn’t always understand the why or how of it so it’s really helped put a framework behind why we do what we do with the horses and how they understand it and why it’s important!"
Why It Works
Knowledge - Skills - Awareness
Being good with horses boils down to making good decisions in the moment — but that requires both knowledge and planning.
You need to understand horses as a species: their instincts, how they learn, and how they process the world.
You need the skills to act competently, calmly, and effectively.
And you need self-awareness — because knowledge and skill alone won’t help if your horse can’t feel secure with you.
The Complete Reboot builds all three dimensions of horsemanship in a structured, achievable way.
What’s Included
Courses - Resources - Support - Community
Things to Know About Horses Course — the key insights most riders miss.
How to Round Pen a Horse — if you have the facilities, here’s how to do it strategically.
How to Groundwork a Horse — practical skills for training, handling, and focus.
How to Build a Riding Foundation — from first transitions to confident guidance under saddle.
How to Build Contact and Connection — the essentials of healthy biomechanics and long-term soundness.
Plus:
- Private access to me for feedback and advice.
- One year of membership in the Calm Willing Confident Horse Society, with ongoing support, resources, challenges, and community.
- All problem-solving resources included — spooky horses, separation anxiety, nervous behaviour, new home syndrome and more.
Testimonials
Real Feedback. Real Progress.
Testimonial - How to Round Pen a Horse Course
“It is because of round penning that my Andalusian has recently learnt to love to canter. He used to physically struggle but now enjoys it. It opens him up in terms of looseness of his body and mind and he has learnt to relax. He is happier and I have been amazed at the change in him, he is a different horse.”
Testimonial - How to Round Pen a Horse Course
“Wow, I am hooked! In this course I have learnt about drivelines and commands. I felt so alive, and without doubt felt the energy between me and my horse and how I could transfer that through my body towards the her. I felt so in tune. I can see now how this works and where it leads.”
Testimonial - How to Round Pen a Horse Course
"This course teaches the absolute foundations for any horse. It teaches self carriage before we stick them on the lunge or get on their backs. I've seen the way it helps to rehab their bodies and their minds. I cannot recommend this course enough!
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Why Work With Me
I’m Dr Shelley Appleton — a horse trainer, educator, and researcher
I’ve spent years studying both horses and humans, with a PhD in learning and expertise development. I’ve worked face-to-face with riders, coached online across the world, and helped countless people and horses rebuild their partnerships.
What makes my approach different is that it isn’t just about training the horse or just about the human—it’s about the space between them. The horse–human partnership is an interspecies relationship, and that means we need a deep understanding of both sides.
My background as a university academic gave me expertise in designing programs that build real skill and expertise in people. While my career began in pharmacy and healthcare, my life’s work has been devoted to developing programs for equestrians. Through years of study, research, and hands-on experience, I’ve identified the key insights into horses, the essential skills to teach, and the best ways of helping people learn them.
Here’s the truth: horses are shaped far more by the person in front of them than most people realise. Yet the equestrian world still focuses heavily on “fixing the horse,” while overlooking the role of the human. My approach closes that gap—teaching knowledge, skills, and self-awareness in a way that transforms both horse and rider.
That’s what makes this work unique: it’s about seeing the whole picture, and knowing how to help both sides thrive together.
Are You Ready?
If you’re tired of being stuck, if you want a clear, strategic way forward, and if you’re ready to transform not just your horse but also yourself — the Complete Reboot Program is for you.
Testimonials
Stories From Riders Who Put It Into Practice
Testimonial How to Build a Riding Foundation
"We’ve had such a big breakthrough I couldn’t help but share! Yesterday morning, for the first time since bringing Ludo back from being started (over 2 years ago) we cantered! It’s only brief, because baby steps (for both of us - maybe more me than him, I was pretty emotional!), but he went into the canter so easily which I was over the moon with. There’s still plenty of room for improvement but getting over the mental hurdle for me, and having him feel relaxed enough to go into a relaxed canter were huge steps. We also cantered again this morning on the other lead, he didn’t go into it as easily (he was also more lethargic on the ground which makes sense), but he did maintain it longer so I actually transitioned him down.
Thank you so much Shelley Appleton for setting up a program that’s allowed us to get to that point in just two months"
Testimonial - How to Build a Riding Foundation
"Thought I would share this video, I love it so much as before I started the course I would find it hard to catch my horse (even with food) as he would want to be far away from me (and even hid behind trees thinking he could avoid me!) This morning I went to work on saddling but I got the feeling I could just saddle straight up - I got the saddle pad and saddle on with NO negative reactions. Things have changed so much."
Testimonial - How to Build a Riding Foundation
"I have just had a beautiful day and a really nice session riding in the round yard. Started with our lateral flexion he had been very sticky to the left but that has softened over the last few sessions. We finished on a nice Canter on the loose rein. The trust between us has grown so much. Im not a brave rider but my confidence in my horse I have got through doing this course has allowed me to progress. The Anchor strap is a great tool it really gives me added confidence and balance . Its all a process and I feel we are working together now. I am so happy."
FAQ
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How long do I have access to the course for?
On full payment you have course life time access which gives you plenty of time to watch and learn from the resources available in the course.
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Do I get support during the course?
Yes you do. Each course chapter has an optional assessment that you can submit for feedback. However, you can email Dr Shelley Appleton at any time and ask for help if you have any queries.
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What if am not satisfied with the course?
A refund will be given within 30 days of purchase on the Reboot Program Bundle if you are not satisfied and have engaged with Dr Shelley Appleton completing each assessment and received feedback on each chapter in each course.
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I have questions about the course that are not answered here, where can I get these questions answered?
If you have any questions that are not answered here please email Dr Shelley Appleton via [email protected]
Bundle includes
Here are all the courses that are included in your bundle.
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All Courses, For Horse Owners
THE STARTING POINT PROGRAM TO GET UNSTUCK
CourseA 2-week reset to get unstuck and build momentum with your horse. Learn overlooked insights, master the Backward-Forward-Yield exercise, and use the Yes Ladder to grow confidence, trust, and progress—step by step, without overwhelm.
$69.95
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All Courses, For Horse Owners
Confidence & Trust - Solving the Horse + Human Equation
CourseIn this book (Confidence & Trust - Solving the Horse + Human Equation), Dr Appleton sheds new light on how riders can overcome a lack of confidence and trust in the horse-human relationship.
$23.95
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All Courses, For Horse Owners
Things to Know About Horses
CourseThis course will change the way you see horses forever. It presents key insights and information that will help you interpret horse behaviour and make training decisions that set horses up to learn how to be calm, willing and confident.
$79.95
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All Courses, For Horse Owners
Master Class - How to Round Pen a Horse
CourseThis course teaches a way of round penning horses that is simple to learn and allows horses to quickly feel confident at performing. The process also teaches you vital aspects of timing and feel that will help you become an effective horse trainer.
$249
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All Courses, For Horse Owners
Master Class - How to Groundwork a Horse
CourseThis course teaches you key groundwork exercises and essential skills to help you train your horse to be calm, willing and confident. The course contains presentations, instructions, video demonstrations and problem solving tips.
$299
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All Courses, For Horse Owners
How to Build a Riding Foundation on a Horse
CourseThis course teaching you how to progress round pen and groundwork into under saddle training. Feeling competent at helping horses be calm, willing and confident under saddle grows you sense of control and confidence.
$449
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Testimonials
How the Program Changed Their Experience With Horses
Testimonial - The Complete Reboot Program
"Thankyou Shelley for the feedback and support . This course really has helped me more than you could realise It has shown me consistency and not going further until you understand and the horse understands the question you are asking. Thank you."
Testimonial - Foundation of Contact & Connection
"This has been fantastic for improving our lateral and vertical flexion and starting our progression towards connection. I find the visual, written and verbal instructions to be the very perfect delivery for me and very easy to follow. I also love that everything is straight forward and to the point with no long intros and excess information to wade through. Thank you Shelley!".
Testimonial - Foundation of Contact & Connection
"This is such a great idea to make time to work on something and then get feedback and then go back and improve things and make them even better. Now days no one needs to struggle with their horse when you can work online, ask of help and get great advice and help from you"
Testimonial - Foundation of Contact & Connection Course
"This course has helped me get a really solid foundation on my horse as I have worked through all the groundwork and riding foundation and now contact and connection. I find the courses very motivating and love getting the feedback on what we need to work on. It is so great having Shelley's eyes watching and I really appreciate the feedback. This is really great value and I enjoy watching and learning from all the videos. I now have so much more understanding of horses and training. It is easy for me know to see the holes in a horses foundation that can lead to problems down the track. I am so glad that I found Shelley, I have enjoyed every step under her guidance and can't thank her enough"
Dr Shelley Appleton - Trusted Voice in the Equestrian World
Featured in leading equestrian media.
Canter Therapy Podcast
Dr. Shelley Appleton is the co-host of popular equestrian podcast - Canter Therapy, along with Kathryn Christieson.
Chaff Chat Magazine
Dr Shelley Appleton features regularly in Chaff Chat Magazine
Hoofbeats Magazine
Dr Shelley Appleton has been invited to write feature articles for Hoofbeats Magazine
Hoofbeat Magazine
Dr Shelley Appleton has been invited to write feature articles for Hoofbeats Magazine
Hoofbeats Magazine
Dr Shelley Appleton has been invited to write feature articles for Hoofbeats Magazine
Horsemanship Breakthroughs Podcast
Dr Shelley Appleton has been an invited guest on many equestrian podcasts
The Empathetic Trainers Podcast
Dr Shelley Appleton has been an invited guest on many equestrian podcasts
Adult Onset Horsemanship Podcast
Dr Shelley Appleton has been an invited guest on many equestrian podcasts
Talking Horses Podcast
Dr Shelley Appleton has been an invited guest on many equestrian podcasts
Chaff Chats Podcast
Dr Shelley Appleton has been an invited guest on many equestrian podcasts