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Ranked 4th in the World - Horse Training

POD CAST OF THE WEEK

9TH OCTOBER, 2008

Gradually getting back into it. Mrs. HP is teaching a few and I have had a couple of Horses this week. Getting them all tuned up again :)

One with a floating problem, had to be led to the destination last time but a lovely Horse that had the unfortunate experience of falling down in the Float when it went around a corner. Nothing at all wrong with the Horse. Just the Horse being worried now and suspicious of floats and why shouldn't he. A real darling.

Then an assessment of another one that had shying problems with Owner hitting the ground now and again and needing more confidence. Once again, lovely Horse and nothing that a combination of better ground training, re-mouthing a poor lateral mouth, putting the Horse into a frame rather than looking all over the Park when working, won't easily fix.

Tomorrow, filming of the Endorphin Tap for Dummies :)

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Hi HP,

Glad to see Mrs HP is on the mend, what an awful thing.

Other than the positive wishes, I wanted to share this video with you.
It's pretty unpleasant to watch, as it contains news footage of a dressage rider repeatedly whipping a horse on the lunge - over 500 times in 30 minutes according to the coverage (they also show his wounds afterwards):
http://www.rtl.de/rtlaktuell/rtl_aktuell_videoplayer.php?article=22414&pos=3
It's discussed here (with some translations):
http://www.chronicleforums.com/Forum/showthread.php?t=170313

My German isn't good enough to follow the coverage but it doesn't really matter. One of the saddest parts to me is that the horse is clearly unsound.

All the best

Laura

This has gone right around the World and probably most Horse Forums on the Planet so she is well known now and so she deserves it. It is such a shame that people weren't more pro-active as she needed the whip taking from her and giving her a flogging which I would have done if I had have been there. Anyhow, she got what she deserved. 2 years banned in Germany and 6,000 EU roughly.

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National Night Out: Rockwall man injured after CareFlite spooks horse
2:10 PM Wed, Oct 08, 2008 | Permalink
Dawn Redig E-mail News tips
Rockwall County Sheriff's Posse member Roy Hance is recovering after an unfortunate mishap at The Shores' National Night Out events. A CareFlite helicopter - landing in the Rockwall neighborhood to give residents a first-hand look at the air ambulance's emergency rescue operations - spooked a horse, knocking Hance to the ground. Early reports say his head injury required a few stitches, but Ray is "doing fine." More to come as details and photos keep coming in from various NNO events throughout Rockwall.

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Healthy Horse Moms Play More With Sons

Promoting Strong Sons

 Do mothers inherently favor sons over daughters? They do if the mom is healthy and she is a wild horse, according to a new study on literal horseplay, but researchers suggest the equine findings could carry over to other polygynous animals, including humans.
"Polygynous" refers to species with males that can mate with more than one individual over a relatively short period of time, with the pairings all possibly resulting in pregnancies.
"Mothers are advantaged differently by investing in sons or daughters in relation to their own condition and the future reproduction of their offspring," lead author Elissa Cameron told Discovery News.
"Sons have the highest potential payoff," she explained, "as sons can leave you many more grand-offspring than daughters can."

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The healing power of horses
Calendar features photos of women touched by cancer and their equine friends


Rachael Argo of Aylesford is pictured with her horse Caprichosa. She is one of several women featured in a calen dar to raise money for people with cancer and their families.

AYLESFORD — There’s a strong bond between a rider and her horse — strong enough that a group of horsewomen is using that connection to help cancer victims.

Rachel Argo and 12 other women have created a calendar of themselves and their horses to raise money for the Lodge That Gives, a home away from home for cancer patients and their families.

The lodge, located on South Street in Halifax, provides free accommodation for patients at the Nova Scotia Cancer Treatment Centre. It provides a special low daily rate for family members.

"Every one of us who has been involved in this project has been touched in one way or another by cancer," said Ms. Argo, a groom, master saddler and owner of Callan Saddlery in Aylesford.

One of her clients, also a horse owner, discovered last year that she had breast cancer. So Ms. Argo, other clients and friends began to think about how they could help.

"We just started talking about what we could do," she said in an interview at her horse farm. "And that’s how the calendar came about."

With local sponsors, including her own business, the women hired a photographer and each struck a different pose with their horse.

The 2009 calendar will feature 13 photos.

"Nobody’s taking their clothes off. . . . We wanted to do tasteful photos," she added.

Ms. Argo, whose mother battled cancer, said horses, like pets, have an ability to help people heal.

"My horse has always been an escape for me. . . . It’s just you and your horse and no one else around," she said.

"They’re such forgiving animals. They take you as you are. . . . Whatever I’ve had to deal with, I leave at the gate (to the pasture)."

Ms. Argo is pictured in the calendar with her horse Caprichosa, which she bought in Spain. She owns two other horses and a colt and boards a friend’s horse at her ranch.

The photos were taken by Katherine Morgan of Dartmouth, also a horse owner.

The calendar includes a write-up by each of the women, explaining their personal connection with their horse.

The calendars sell for $15, $9 of which goes to the Lodge That Gives.

The 400 calendars will be sold at local Home Hardware stores, Shur-Gain in Port Williams and Windsor, Scotian Gold in Coldbrook and other outlets.

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Horse cruelty case sparks SPCA campaign in Suffolk

A week after five malnourished horses were rescued from a Central Islip stable, the Suffolk County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has begun a campaign to identify other cases of horse cruelty and neglect.
At the same time, the SPCA is attempting to raise money to provide care for the Central Islip horses, which are recovering at a stable in Huntington.
Roy Gross, chief of the county SPCA, said "several dozen" people have called to express outrage since the horses' owner, Salvatore Gandolfo of Aquebogue, was arrested Sept. 28. Gandolfo, who is charged with five counts of torturing and injuring animals, pleaded not guilty and is due back in court Wednesday. He could not be reached yesterday.
Gross said many callers have asked how they can help prevent abuse to horses. He said the agency is asking residents to look for signs such as underweight horses and poorly kept enclosures, and to call the SPCA if they suspect maltreatment.
Horses can be kept outside, but Gross advised people to watch for signs of neglect, such as swollen knees, protruding ribs and visible wounds.
The SPCA will investigate allegations of cruelty, he said.
"A horse can't pick up a phone and call the SPCA and say, 'Hey, I'm not being taken care of,'" Gross said. "People have to step up to the plate."
The Suffolk SPCA typically receives six or seven calls a month about cruelty to horses, Gross said. He said he expects an uptick this month because of the recent seizure of the abused horses.
Suffolk and Nassau police could not provide figures about animal abuse cases in the two counties this year.
The Central Islip horses suffered from long-term neglect, officials have said.
The SPCA seized the animals by warrant and is handling their care, which costs about $7,500 a month, including shelter, food and veterinary visits, Gross said. An SPCA attorney has asked for a hearing to determine whether Gandolfo should pay for the animals' care, but the SPCA intends to raise money for the animals anyway, he said.
Gross said some horse lovers have approached the SPCA about holding a fundraiser, which he said is a possibility.
 

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IF IT WASN'T A COUGER THEN WHAT WAS IT?

900-pound horse mauling a mystery

It's a wildlife whodunit.

Is there a wild cougar roaming rural Jackson County, attacking livestock and spooking residents? Or is it just imaginations running wild?

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources insists it was not a cougar that recently mauled a 900-pound horse in Rives Township near Jackson.

But the veterinarian who saved the horse's life, the owner of the stables where he was boarded and the Michigan Wildlife Conservancy say they're certain the predator was a cougar, also known as a North American mountain lion.

The attack has added fuel to a long-running debate between the state, which says the last known wild cougar was seen in the state in 1906, and naturalists who say that cougars appear to have established a small but wide-ranging population in Michigan again.

As proof, they point to hundreds of sightings from almost every county and both peninsulas in recent years. Now they're tracking reports on Web sites complete with videos of large cats that certainly look like cougars. So convinced is the National Park Service that they posted warning signs at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore after a volunteer said she was stalked by a big cat.

In Jackson County, the mauled horse survived, but the Sept. 16 incident follows by three years the killing of another horse in a nearby township.

DNR spokeswoman Mary Detloff said DNR biologists and cougar experts analyzed photos of the injured horse. "We do not believe this was a cougar attack," she said. "We don't know what it is from."

The Jackson County veterinarian who treated the animal disagrees.

"Those are large claw wounds and obviously feline in nature and done by a very large cat -- certainly not a house cat and much larger than a bobcat," said Dr. Robert Sray. "I am certain, based on 40 years of treating animals, that this was done by a cougar."

Pat Rusz, director of wildlife programs for the Michigan Wildlife Conservancy, contends the DNR has long been stonewalling on the existence of cougars in Michigan.

"There is no doubt this was done by a cougar who jumped on the animal's back and sliced it open on the side," Rusz said. "We have a small but viable breeding population of cougars in Michigan."

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LETTER OF THE DAY

I read your recommendation to the other lady. I watched the video. I have done some online research and found the forums where Endo posts and have read how he met with a lot of negativity in the beginning.

I find lots of videos of people performing the technique and customer reviews on his website but not a lot of professional reviews or readings regarding under what circumstances it may be beneficial or when its unwarranted. It seems some have taken to using it on a regular basis for any manner of things, even to administer wormer.
Can it be "over used"?

It would really be great to see an article authored by you, another professional on what type of horse personality (laundry list of problems) it would be recommended for... In your opinion is it about respect, trust or dominance or all of the above? If its about trust and respect would it not be more effective to be carried out by the usual handler/rider rather than having someone else step in and carry out the technique (examples on youtube of people being asked to tap a friends horse then once the horse is down, the owner/handler approaches the horse for a petting session, etc)

Its a very interesting thing to me and if it would effectively establish me as the alpha to my A.D.D dominant mare, I will be first in line, but I have unanswered questions... how to go about it, enlist assistance, attempt it myself? Is a failed attempt going to lead to a set back and even more unruly and disrespectful horse? All or nothing and so on.
You have a way of putting things in context that helps us ordinary folk and us 4ft 11 inch, 95 pounders decide if we should or shouldn't try to wrestle up close and personal with a cheesed off ton of horse flesh. I could get help if necessary but I prefer to take on what I can myself so the relationship is between me and my horse, not my horse and a trainer.

Thanks so much. Hopefully one of these days I will be able to let you use me for an example of something gone right instead of something gone wrong. ;-)


Many thanks! Does Linda get to have a full shower or bath yet or does she have to keep the leg dry? If she's not permitted to get the wounds under water yet, if I were you I'd be getting that woman a full days spa treatment and a ton of calgon for the day she is turned loose to go for a dunk! Nothing beats a good hot soak to perk you up! Now that she's on the mend and the scariest part is over, its the everyday inconveniences I'm sure are wearing on her. There's been lots of illness in my family and you never realize how even the littlest of things can become big frustrations when you are ill or hurt so, so hang in there both of you!

Lori

Thanks Lori. Yes, LInda now doesn't have to be encased in two big plastic bags with duck tape to shower. She sits on a chair and I help her in and out. She did love having a shower. You are so right. Thanks for your kind words.

I am filming that tomorrow as I have Endo's blessing. I have been asked this many times. I have a number of people tell me that they purchased Endo's flash Drive (which is essential for the full info) and found themselves fighting with their Horse for an hour. Of course that is completely counter productive and not fair on the Horses. Endo promotes that system for use by Professionals but like anything, the Amateur will always chance their arm :) I'll explain all tomorrow. Hell, hope I can do it :)

regards

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LETTERS OF THE DAY

Thanks John.
Got the neck strap and the knee hobbles today. As usual....top quality thanks. Would never have any hesitation in buying saddlery from your site :)
But I do have a question if you dont mind. I have seen the girth converters on your web page. I have a stock saddle with english style girth points and I find these difficult to use. Much prefer the western style set up. How do I go about converting the points as the piece of equiptment you show is slightly confusing and have a couple of us stumped, who would also like to convert. It only shows one piece...do you buy 2 pieces at $35.00 each? Or do they come in pairs?
Also,,,what do you then use to attach the straps to the western girth with? Do you have this strap? (I hope you understand what I am asking).
Sorry if this question sounds dumb, but you have a few of us intruiged by this as we would dearly love to convert our saddles!!!...and as soon as possible! :)
Thanks. We will wait eagerly for your answer.
Yours kindly
Anne

Thanks.

They are $35 each. They are a serious piece of equipment. You simply get a car safety belt and put on the off side one, with the latigo piece of leather

Then you have a permanent latigo set up and can use the western girths like my neoprene one’s.

You then have the western rigging that does up on the near side through the ring of the girth and the girth converter on that side, as the pulley system rather than busting your guts J

Regards

Hi John

Great news that Linda is home and teaching again. I am sure that she is quite capable of organising you and everything else from the Gator!!

Someone today was asking me about what to do with proud flesh and I remember that you have said quite a lot about it in the past but I could not find an article on it under the “Veterinary” section. Is it somewhere else or in the archives? Will you have time to write it up and put it on the Problem Pages for future reference?

Cheers

Angela

 

PROUD FLESH

Proud flesh is one of the biggest dangers  to the successful treatment and cosmetic result. Far and away the best treatment for this is the use of bluestone/copper sulphate.

Mix a teaspoon of it in some water/Vaseline etc. Smear the paste upon the proud flesh only. Not the healthy flesh. Leave on for one night and pick the scab off the next day. The proud flesh is gone. Use this magical product to manicure the wound like a plastic surgeon. Shape it how you want and remove the raised sections. You should only have to use it once upon a certain spot unless negligence has caused a massive build up in which case other applications may be necessary. When the proud flesh is down to the flush level to where you want, treat the wound as per normal. An oldy but the best. Horses would benefit greatly if Vets' explained to customers' about the treatment of proud flesh and the problems it causes. This is unfortunately why we see so many ugly swollen wound areas on the legs of horses.

B4 and after.

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Hi HP

On another note; my filly had just started to say no thanks I don't want to be caught!! Grr… only happened 2 or 3 times but I was really keen for it not to continue so I thought the 'love your ass but want you face' thing might help as she was evading being caught by turning her bum to me and walking off.

Well it would have been hilarious to watch us to start with (luckily I was home on my own without an audience) she went this way and I went that but in no time at all we got the hang of it and she worked out to look at me and come towards me. We did it a couple of times each way, getting quicker each time. She followed me round the yard on each occasion, more with each attempt. Always facing up to me. I went in her paddock later to change her rug and she walked straight up to me dropped her head and stood like an angel.

Thankyou again for sharing your knowledge it's unbelievable that most of us that have had horses for 20 or 30 years have never been shown any of this stuff! I can't tell you how much I value your generosity

Good wishes for Linda

Cheers
Vicki & Eve

No doubt about you :) I did one today in 15 seconds :) The Lady said, "Can I have some of that?" and I replied, "What, the 'one thing?" :) You had better watch it Vicki or they'll be calling you a 'whisperer" :) Regards

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i have an aged horse that is great to float on his own or with another horse in an angle float or truckbut if you put him in a straight load float with another horse he falls down. Do you have any suggestions so we can float him with another horse in a straight float.p.s the divider in the float does not go all the way to the floor
hope you can help ,karen grady

Only if you convert that straight load Karen and it is wide enough to do so by putting a bulk head rail out from the right hand side wall along the side of this Horse as it travels on the right, so that it leans against that and not the wall and therefore can spread it's legs and NOT TOUCH THE WALL. which is the trigger to climb the wall and thereby cause the falling down. Or an JR Float. Regards

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Hi HP,



While you’re talking about hands, I thought I’d ask about teaching beginner/novice riders. At the moment I’m teaching my 23yo brother and a 13yo girl who sometimes grooms for me.

Brother is a complete beginner, only been on a horse a handful of times. He has good balance though and is very athletic so is showing some natural ability. The first few lessons I had him on the lunge doing all the old exercises (touch the ears, touch the tail, hand out, hands on hips, feet out of the stirrups and back in etc) and he’s developed pretty reasonable balance. I want him to be able to ride independently so we can go pleasure riding together, so the last couple of lessons I’ve had him riding off the lunge but on a pleasure rein, only picking up one rein or the other for direction, and practising ORSs. Am I going about this the right way? I think with a few more lessons he’ll be ready to take on the concept of “on the bit” but I don’t want to start too early! Gotta say that my horse seems pretty happy carrying him; looks relaxed and stretches down frequently.

Perfect Sarah but forget 'on the bit' for he will not be able to do that and then the Horse will no longer be relaxed. He should still be riding with a pleasure rein, in between directional right rein or left rein but at the same time, releasing the opposite rein so that at any one time he is only using one direct rein and the other loops. Of course, to half halt the horse, slow it or stop it etc, take up the contact and do the job, releasing back to pleasure immediately. Bit forget 'on the bit' He will not have that ability at this stage.

The girl is more experienced but hasn’t really had good instruction on hands. I’ve got her teaching her SB (what a fabulous breed – I want one!) to flex and using the ORS to have him stand still (he’s a bit of a fidget bum). He picked that up pretty quickly and there’s nothing better than seeing a horse standing relaxed with the reins on his neck! Her balance and seat are quite good so I’ve got her riding with a contact – her horse goes nicely more often than not but I’m not sure if she can really feel when it’s “right”. Is this just a case of practice practice practice, and me telling her from the ground when it’s right so she gets used to the feeling?

Thank you for your wonderful website – I know my horses are happier in so many ways because of it. Hopefully I can get hold of impressionable minds and guide them along a similar track!

Cheers

Sarah

It is my firm opinion that unless the Rider has a reason to be wanting to learn 'on the bit' ie. preparing for their Chosen English Discipline, they simply shouldn't be attempting it but when they are ready, it should only be with a Coach. So as to protect the Horse. Therefore, if the Coach can't teach it in quick time (and many can't) then they also shouldn't be attempting it either imho. Today I met a Horse for instance. 18 months of lessons, Horse not round. That then is 18 months too long for the Horse with the mouth going backwards throughout of course and then when the Rider does get how to do it, the poor mouth stops them. So it depends on your Pupils Sarah. Regards

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Hello! I appear to have inherited a deaf pony from a "friend". I do not want to get rid of her, as she is not a bad pony, but would like to know what to do with her. She appears to be broken in, but is a rogue to catch and saddle, as she seems girthy, and terrified of anything you want to do with her, desipe no ill-treatment. She will also kick anyone who goes behind her.Trying to catch her is a major task, and she is slowly teaching our good horses to run away. Could you give me some ideas for her, please? I really don't want to get rid of her. Thank you.

Get a Pro in for an immediate assessment so that you are more informed about this HOrse. It may even be unbroken. Then decide which way to go. Regards

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CONSUMER WATCH

Hey you! Sorry what I meant by Unroofed Stables was just putting them each at dinner time until morning was putting them in panelled made yards.
John, before I bought Red, as you know I tried out a few other horses. My Treeless saddle got broken by a very excitable Bucking Gelding. Both Stirrup Bars were ripped off. I have only picked it up from the Saddlery and this is what he said. Now please remember ( I am not giving out it's brand name for suing purposes lol) this is NOT an cheap Ebay item. It cost me just on $2000.

The 'leather' if you can call it that is actually Synthetic Leather. It is only stitched once inside and out by a machine, so there is no way it could have taken the Buck with Human in it or no, There is only one thin strap of cotton strip from one stirrup bar to the other Single Machine Stitched. It is fine for a horse that doesn't. buck, shy,basically do any sort of jerky violent move. It is advertised for Endurance riding allot, and as you know there is allot of shying/bucking on those rides.

But now that my Saddler had been at it for nearly 6mths (on and off) he opened it up repaired the inside, replaced the piece of material with a double piece of car seatbelt hand stitched 3 times, them doubled stitched anything else that needed strength. He said it does the Job it is advertised to do, that is, giving rider and horse very good comfort , which I can agree on, but there is no security,craftsmanship in the saddle at all. Before buying this saddle I really researched it as a saddle to be ridden in, it was recommended in the Endurance mags a fair bit, but unfortunately you can not get one to 'try' and take it to someone to look at 'engine' can you.

No matter, It is all fixed now, it can take a fairly rough ride now and I feel much safer, bugger. So just a warning for those looking at one, look at the stitching it is a good sign of if it can withstand you type of riding.

cheers
chelle

It is amazing what you find when you look inside them Chelle. I opened up my James Half Breed and found that the padding to make it softer to sit in was spray on foam out of a can hahahaha

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7th October, 2008

PONY CLUB

Hi John, I grew up learning to ride in Pony club. I have written before to agree with everything that you say about them. Don’t get me wrong, I had some wonderful experiences with my former club and learnt lots. I now attend PC with my 12 year old daughter, and lucky for us Linda has been the main instructor. In fact you may remember my last letter commenting on having one of the best lessons of my life with Linda at PC. Letting the horse go. I have ridden like this since and the transformation, although gradual is amazing. Unfortunately, due to Linda’s accident, we had the misfortune of experiencing another instructor. All I can hear ringing in my ears as the kids and ponies walked out of the arena was DON’T LET THE REINS GO, YOU ARE STILL WORKING!!!! NOOOOOO I CRIED, We all looked at each other in disbelief, and we were then told "I don’t care what you think, as long as I am getting paid, you will do what I say!! " Well, that will be the end of that instructor at our club. I think LET THE REINS GO, should be our new motto. I would also like to add that after 2 yrs of instruction from both John and Linda, my 12 yr old daughter confidently and correctly rode a green horse, after only owning this horse for a week, out on a trail with parental supervision, on a loose rein to the buckle and even when the horse shied past scary cement type monsters, my daughter just sat, encouraged and pushed/leg yielded past the monster with the expertise that I couldn’t believe. Thank you. You have made her a confident, safe rider. I might just add that this horse was broken in by John around 4years ago.

I admit to being responsible for some people thinking that I do not advocate that a contact should ever be taken on the mouth of a Horse. I do not advocate that and attempt here to clear it up.

 HELP....I CAN'T LET THE REINS GO!!

The letter is embarrassing but I will use it to aid the point. I am also told the Coach was teaching them to 'Jiggle" to put the horses into a frame and of course that is incorrect. She was also standing leaning over the neck of at least one Horse, holding onto the reins and forcing the head down whilst carrying on general conversation. I presume the Rider didn't have the reins at this point. Interesting.

It cannot be argued that Pony Club doesn't have the systems or knowledge to produce effective Coaches on the subject of putting Horses 'on the Bit' or "into a frame' Lets leave 'round out of it for this conversation. That is because Pony Club doesn't have the Administration that were performed and elite level Riders who have been there and done that. Then there is the flow on lack of support from the EFA. (I speak only of South Australia and do not know anything about Interstate situations)

EFA Level One Coaches are not allowed to talk about or teach Horse Training. Only position. Given that the Level One's teach the vast majority of Riders in the State and most of the young, then how could they be qualified to teach this subject. You see the teaching of 'on the Bit' is as much about HORSE TRAINING as Rider Training but it is majority Horse Training. The system then cannot work.

Further, the Level 2's (scarce in this State) rarely if ever are organized to teach the Level One's in Horse Training. Then the Level One's who decide to attempt to become Level 2's, having not been allowed to talk about Horse Training, have to attend an exam and do nothing but improve Horses in flying changes, half pass and all sorts of other highly difficult situations. So they fail most of them. Meanwhile, the Level 3 who fails them has never been seen on a Horse and obviously never competed. So the buck stops at the top and what hope then has Pony Club got. None.

I have added to the article HELP....I CAN'T LET THE REINS GO!! and pointed out the following.

Having said all of that, of course young Riders' of the English persuasion should be taught how to ride a Horse 'on a contact' and in a frame'. In Europe, they are all taught to do it right. If Pony Club Coaches were taught how to teach correct 'on the bit' then there wouldn't be a problem, but they are not. As I said, even the EFA Level One's are not taught it so Pony Club has no hope. Those young Rider's wanting to go on and improve and to become competitive, can only gain the required correct education from outside the system. In fact all of the young Riders on this establishment ride with a contact and 'On the Bit' Not a problem but read my lips, THEY HELL BETTER LET THE REINS GO at all other times and they do :)

So yes, of course every Kid who wants to ride proper 'English" should have a contact but ONLY IF THEY ARE TAUGHT RIGHT!!

So who is the victim in all of this? Why, the Horse of course :(

 

Hey John,

Just want to let you know about that article on the pony club site. It’s also on the NSW site, and when it was first put up I send an article to them mentioning about the risks of following this article and someone could really get hurt. The NSW site sent me an email saying that it wasn’t there article and they would send a message to the Victorian people letting them know etc. Obviously I never got anything back and they didn’t do anything about it cause the article is still on their website.

So yeah. You try and let them know before something bad happens and then nothing will be done until it’s too late.

Sincerely,

Jesskah

Aha Jesskah, so that potential Court Case I was talking about last night was just won then. You were the star witness and 'Negligence' was proven. Thanks. :)

MY TRIGGER

Why do I bag Pony Club when I don't like doing it? Because someone has to attempt to make the lot of Horses better. For it is the Horse that suffers the most in all of this. Unfortunately, I can read every word that a Horse thinks and I see them going through their pain and being tormented with basically no-one listening, no-one noticing, all blasé, all watching, entire Pony Club assembled persons and none seeing a thing. None hearing the Horses. If it weren't for this I would keep my trap shut. ,,,,,,,,,and so it was again this evening. and yesterday, just in my little World. Extrapolate that across the length and breadth of the Country. I don't want to think about it.

I watched a Horse being sold tonight and the first Rider (the seller, teenager) got on and immediately had the hands pointing to the ground as they do due to being told that this is how to get a horse into a frame but immediately lock all the arm joints and gain instant BAD HANDS. The Horse, had been on lease to another Teenager and had become objectionable, no doubt due to the same subject and I could see him get an immediate flash back and start thinking that he would not co-operate, not go forward to leg and started throwing the head about in a vein attempt to communicate the problem. Then the Buyer got on, Teenager and immediately pointed the Hands to the ground, flexed off as if mandatory and I could see the Horse think "My Goad, her comes another one" and immediately started veering to the gate to get out of there. Luckily, a wonderful temperament and so the ride went on and on and on and on with the Horse accepting it's plight like a good Soldier. A lot would have bucked their asses. Now, as I always say, not any fault at all of the young Ladies. The system has let them down and the system has let this poor Horse down.

Then last night, yet another, this one smacked the Rider in the point of the jaw it was chucking the head so violently (been going on for a while) and then today, stopped, refused to go at all, shut down and began pawing the ground with stiff front leg. That is the ultimate crying out aloud but of course it can never be read.

So cruelty to Animals is what it is and the perpetrator is the Pony Club Executive.

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HANDS

Hi Mr HP!
Hope that Mrs HP is getting better. Just a quick question, how do I improve my hands? I have horrible hands that move (less now than previously, but still bad) up and down, cross over the centre line of the horse and are too low, from what I have been told. I've just been through pony camp this week, and it was the key thing that instructors picked up in my riding that needs to be fixed. Should I be wearing a martingale or breastplate with rings to help preserve my horse's mouth? The horse is fine and does not need rings, but I don't want to wreak him!
Once again, thanks!
Penny

Penny, no matter whether hands are good or bad, if they sit subtly against the Mouth of a Horse Pony Club style, they are going to pee Horses off and ruin Mouths. There are no each ways bets here. When the hands of a Rider moves around all over the place, you can almost bet that they lack 'an independent seat' and/or the Rider lacks the required athleticisms. Which by the way is an increasing Problem with the Hungry Jacks young Folk we are seeing today. Riding Horses well requires fitness and athleticism. Those attributes cannot be forsaken. Riders (if they love horses) should follow dietary regimes aimed at making the life of their Horse better. If I were running your Club, you would be on the lunge immediately and work at fixing your position, together with your hands, prior to normal riding. Meanwhile, ride your horse at home, on the buckle, at the trot and practice riding with your hands in the correct position. Whilst you are at it, practice focusing on your forearms being in a direct line down the reins to the mouth of the Horse and in particular, having looseness in your wrist and elbow joints. Relaxation. Do not be holding the mouth of the Horse at all. Have your hands in mid air, just practicing. Regards

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MRS HP

She is back teaching, albeit from the vehicle :) Here is where they pinched muscle and artery from her arm :(

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LETTER OF THE DAY

Hi there! I've been reading daily. Great that Linda is on the mend! I'm sure she makes a great foreman! (Most women do.... )

Well, just an update.


Taken this saturday. The little princess had it in her mind to kill me, I
think. I won this one though. The judges say this was about an 8-10 second buck-fest and I managed to get through it without hitting the ground.
Strange how you lose your senses. AFTER the fact, I kept saying, one rein, one rein, why were you tugging back on both reins but it's just not reflex
yet. Old habits die hard I guess. Had to go back an hunt down my
sunglasses after this but we managed to somehow stay in our lane during the little episode and continue to finish the run without getting disqualified.
She was a perfect angel the whole rest of the day, but I swear I had no warning. You always say there are warning signs, watch for them, know them.
I'm always watching for them with her and this came out of the blue. I had
asked her for a little faster jog and she blew up.

Amazing though how she changed after she didn't get me off. She was a sweetheart the whole rest of the day. I had her bridle off and on several times that day. She always lowered her head and took the bit without being obstinant. Followed me like a puppy dog. However, the next morning and all day long she seemed like she was hovering on the edge of of a blow up.

One day I will get her figured out. I'm consulting Dagmar as soon as funds allow....

Oh, she has new pasture mates... ( Arabian mare and a gelding pony, and two
goats) she is however getting to know them from across the fence for now since she had a snorting herding fit the moment we tried to put them into
the same pasture. The two new ones are very buddy sour for each other,
they scream and cry for each other when separated. I don't know if it's best to keep her separated from them or to let them all be together and see who learns what from whom but right at the moment I don't think I'd feel safe entering the pasture to catch her with the others galloping around like they do when people enter the pasture.....The miniature donkeys were left in with the new guys and I'm sure she misses them.

Anyhow, just checking in. I hope things continue to improve rapidly for Linda! I hope you are also getting some rest!

Lori

For the benefit of the others Lori, we have been writing back and forth for months now, exploring the reasons for her running fits in the paddock. I have been pointing you in this direction and that direction, as best I can without meeting the Horse and now this. It would appear now that this Mare fits the profile similar to the Horse that I spoke about on the 5th, just below here and first letter of the day. A.D.D. or hyper active, highly intelligent and a dominant type of a Mare that makes you earn her respect. The run around are then attention seeking and controlling of her environment. Identical to Mrs. HP's Horse. I would suspect that she has a good dose of heightened Male Hormones as well. You need to rise to the occasion with these Horses because they often think that they are above you in the pecking order and they are continually challenging your influence. Have a read of what I said to that Lady.

Meanwhile, you can see why I keep saying that you cannot stop them bucking with two reins and often, the rein allows the Horse to catapult you out of the saddle forwards, using the reins as it's aid. You simply need to re-mouth that Horse immediately and then go teach your own brain to go for one rein as a matter of instinct. Remember, it isn't just about 'one rein' The techniques are all important or you would not have the strength when the Horse gets serious.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmpDSbXPtzU

It is a pity that you didn't have a Mare from Hell to put in with her :)  Regards

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LETTERS OF THE DAY

Hi John

Can't say I've ever ridden a real bucker :) My horse has managed a buck once. My fault as he did the warning humpy humpy humpy and I thought he'd get over it. Nope, bucky bucky bucky, in a lovely straight line. I did ride it well. Stayed on till he stopped and stood still. Was expecting the front to catch me, which it didn't, so I slid off the shoulder LOL Embarrassing to fall of a stationary horse :) Learned my lesson and horse being prone to raising his head anyway, is easy to stop getting carried away.

Anyway, the shying horse letter :) The one area where I do have a lot of experience. Butterflies, birds etc, bring back lovely memories. My experience says ride forward - use up the nervous energy. Took me a number of years to finally take that advice, but now that I have, horse is much easier to ride. The faster we go the calmer he is. Of course that has to be balanced by rider confidence. As my instructor said the other day, most people can stay on a stationary horse (refer above, I fail that on the odd occasion LOL). These days I see a shy as a mere deviation from course. Easy peasy to handle. Has taken a long time to get to that stage though. If I am confident and riding somewhere, horse is good. If I am distracted, not paying attention, wandering along, horse is the same and will shy. I can ride him out on a loose rein, however, I have to ride every step. Even if I am talking at the time, I still have to be aware of what is around. He is not the sort of horse where you can be in your own little day dream and expect him to plod. He needs you to lead and he will always need that. Ride him well and he is a gutsy little horse who will try his heart out for you. Can you tell I am rather enamoured with him these days :)

Interestingly, all of the full siblings to my horse seem to be known for nerves, some for attitude as well. Knowing my horse, the attitude may be people created, the nerves however I found quite an interesting commonality.

Anyway, hope Linda is feeling better and you have a great week

K

Thanks K. If you go to the photo's up above, there you will see exactly what I was talking about. I would rather stop them than let them go, even if they are no good at the game. The worst Buck Jumper I knew got good at it with practice :)

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Hey you! John, Has Linda ran over your foot yet in the Gator? lol. Got a question on unroofed stables made up of 2.2mtr long panels. Story time.....We live, behind a Cemetery....yes Im not lying, and lately things have been going bump at night, sturing the horses up , for their safety and my peace of mind, I thought of buying 2.2mtr panels and making temp stables with gates for them to be in at night. What size should I make them to keep them comfortable. I will use the panels later for my round. Hubbie has started the proper stables but work gets in the way so they are SLOWLY (grrrr) getting there. I figure they will be finished by 2020!

cheers

chelle

Not sure what an unroofed stable is Chelle but anyhow :) I would never lock a Horse in a stable anyhow. Walkin and walk out not a problem and normally a small yard at least attached. 3 x 3 metres is the minimum as far as I am concerned. Mine at 4m x 4.5m. Poor Hubby :) I lost that email about the treeless saddle and forget if I answered you or not??????

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Hi John,

It is awesome to hear Linda is home from hospital and is slowly on her way to recovering. I also hope you are coping ok with it all too as her carer. You have both been in my thoughts over the last few weeks :o)

Now I will try and keep this brief.... I have just started my rescue Standardbred mare under saddle as per your dvd. She was cool as a cucumber, just really worried more than anything. I have not remouthed her as yet, I wanted to get a couple of rides under my belt first before I took her back to re-mouth. She does exhibit some reefing and head tossing behaviour (her teeth are fine), so when she did this I threw the reins away. I have been told this is normal for some OTSTB's as it is a result of all the gear and head checks they wear. It's almost like she is searching for something?? Am I going about this the right way and when I re-mouth her (with your system) will this help to improve this behaviour as well? Her front breaks at the moment are much better than I had anticipated, and she backs up well already, however (as expected) her lateral mouth is non exsistant.

Incidently, I went with a friend yesterday to drop off two of her horses at the breakers and I got chatting to the breaker about the lateral mouth of a standardbred. He told me if I wanted a really light lateral mouth on her, put her in a yard, then to tie her head to her tail!!! He also proceeded to tell me that if he gets a horse that bolts for home, then he ties it up and leaves it saddled up and sweaty to "think about" what it had done, and claims they never do it again!
Can a horse reason like that? I would have thought, the horse would be more inclined to be sour the next time it gets ridden?? Just picking your brain :o)

Thanks again, for all your time you dedicate to us out here in cyberspace!

Best wishes,

Renee

Tying the head to the tail is a system a lot use and yes, it does work. The bolting horse sure could reason that. They are not silly. I can see the logic in that. It depends what context you are asking me the question about the horse reefing. If it is doing this just as you are standing around gossiping, then yes, throw the reins entirely away as it is searching for the fight but if you are attempting to ready the Horse to be going into an English Frame as per Linda's DVD, then no, that is incorrect so follow the DVD. Regards

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Dear John,

I require some advice please about a different type of float problem

i have floated our horse - 5 year old mare - about 6 times to Pony Club Events and have had no real problems except the horse stamps its hoofs a bit while travelling

I was moving her the other day in a borrowed float - straight load - and she seemed to keep losing her footing and her hind legs would give way and she would go down in the float and have to scramble back up.

It didn't seem to matter how slow I went she kept losing her footing. By the time we got to the Show Ground about 10 klm from home she was going down while doing 5 miles per hour around parking area.

The side of her back hoof was worn flat from the side wall timber as well as 2 small cuts. She had thrown her right rear travel boot and we assumed this had come loose in transit and this had distressed her.

You are naughty Mark because the car should have been stopped on the first signs of noise, observations made by a looker whilst attempting to travel on real slow or removal of the centre division immediately and identification that you had a complete wall climber on your hands. To continue on past that doesn't bear commenting on. Sorry. The damage to brain, body, float and boots would have been serious.

On the return trip 5 days later, she loaded very well and looked quite happy. The instant the car moved forward - 5 feet - she went down again. we looked to see if the boots were a problem but whey were alright.

I went to start driving off again and again she went down - we had travelled no more than 20 feet on a flat surface and would not have approached walking speed.

We dropped the tail gate and she was standing on 1 leg and seemed very distressed and shaking. She was unloaded and walked for a couple of minutes and seemed happy again.

A mate of mine offered to bring her home in his float as she seemed not to like the borrowed float I had. She loaded on his float perfectly - and again the second the float moved she went down

She continued to have problems all the way home and he traveled at 40 klm - hour the complete trip back,

Of course she did. At that stage she was a complete wall climber.

I was about to purchase a new extended straight load float - after reading your comments about the way horse stand - but after these 2 stressful trips i am canceling all plans. I don't care what float I purchase - Straight load, Angle, Anti Scramble as long
as there is a solution to the problem. My daughter wants to keep competing at Pony Club Events -- But we simply can not get the horse there the way she has become.

Before purchasing the horse we use to ride it at a trainers property - he would take trail riding trips to the mountains about 1.5 hours away - I use to tow his float with my car up dirt roads and thru creeks to the camping ground and she had no problems at
all - No stamping feet No problems - That was one of the reasons we purchased her was she travelled so well - and continued to do so in 3 different floats - all straight load - - 4 more times - only the last 2 times has she started stamping her hoofs -
developing into the last problem

Please help - I am completly lost


Thanks

Mark - Sunshine Coast, Qld

You have a fistful of a problem Mark and you are right. No point buying any float until you rehabilitate the Horse and that is going to be a job and a half. Only successful, non hassle trips of 100% success rate will fix the mind as that is what you have here. Deep set psychological problems. The simplest thing to try is no division of course, let the horse find it's own position. You should then get a loan of a JR Float to see if that design will be enough to do the trick. If not, then you may require a 3 horse float with your Horse in the centre of the two divisions so that it can spread the legs as wide as it likes but cannot touch the wall for it is the touching of the wall that is the trigger. If all of that fails, get back to me and if you are persistent and have boldness, I will give you one privately. Best of Luck.

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Dont lose faith HP!
I went out to Strathalbyn today & rode the Prelim 1.3 (horses first ever dressage test & first time out)
The judge & everyone else there was so obliging & helpful.
Pony was very nervous to start off with, It took me a good 30minute of working to relax her.
The judge came over and game me a few VERY helful tips that worked a treat.
I scored 58%, mostly 5's and the 6's, some negative comments (horse resisting bit, circle to small, rider lost focus etc)
but most of them were "encouraging & constructive".
There are some good judges out there!!

Emily

Great Emily and you give me the opportunity for me to repeat. Yes, most Dressage Judges deserve a Medal and are not 'Hitler's Mother" Most Dressage Judges are great.  I direct my comments towards those that are not but to their Bosses. The Buck always stops at the top.

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5th October, 2008

ARTICLE OF THE DAY

FOAL TIME TABLE

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PONY CLUB VICTORIA

Difficult loaders.
Easy loading depends on confidence and training. Most problems stem from ignorance, fear or stubbornness, or a combination of these. Once a horse is really scared, or has 'tried it on' and got away with it, he may always be unreliable. You must decide what is the dominant cause of his reluctance, and adapt your method accordingly. Pay particular attention to the sighting of the float - the more the ramp can be safely enclosed, the easier it will be.

Linking hands with another person behind the horse. The leader entices him with feed, and must keep the horse's head straight, without pulling. Particularly effective with ponies. Do not use this method with kickers.
Fix lunge reins or ropes about halfway up on either side of the float. Two assistants, with gloves, hold the reins the horse is led to the foot of the ramp, the assistants cross over with their respective reins, which must be kept above the hocks. With encouragement, not pulling, from in front, a firm pull on the opposite rein if the horse tries to swing either way, and intermittent light flicks with both reins, most horses soon realize that the easiest way is forward.
Provided the horse is used to it, a breech rope may be effective.
While every encouragement should be given, careful arrangements and a firm, but not rough, approach are most likely to succeed.

I was talking about Pony Club the other night and the anti training things that they teach. I was browsing the web today and found this article. This has all three of the failed and anti training systems in the Horse Float Loading World and is precisely what I was talking about. None of these train Horses Kids, they all un train horses and causes learned resistance. Note that most problems are caused by ignorance and stubbornness.  Enlightened Horse Trainers of the World would rather teach you that Horses do not go in floats because of "ignorance of Humans", "Bad Teaching by Pony Clubs" , "Failed loading systems" "stubbornness of Pony Club Administrators who won't come out of the 1800's and are life Members of the BHS , poorly designed Horse Floats, Horse Floats in dis-repair and bad drivers." ...Not to mention that Horses are born "Panicaholics and Claustrophobics"

The Classic of all Classics of course is to put your head in line with the back offside leg of the Horse, ready to go into a Coma and a Wheel Chair or have your life support system turned off by a loved one. In fact, I would be taking hold of the side edge of the ramp with my left hand extended out with my Body facing the front and out away from the Horse. Ready to drop if required. Occupational Health and Safety does not mix with Horsemanship.

NEGLIGENCE Could a person take legal action against the Club if they copied this photo and got kicked in the head? Yes and they would be in grave danger!

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WEBSITE OF THE DAY

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DRESSAGE JUDGING

Hi John and Linda hope everything is proceeding well for you both.

Last week you were talking about dressage judging and being more positive with comments and marks.

Today, I went out for the first time since January, I thought I would go to SADA today with my Son as my 'gopher", the day was beautiful, we had a great chat in the car , I just love going to dressage with my beloved Horse and Son, not necessarily to win but to have a lovely day out and to see if my training is heading in the right direction.

This was the first time I have every done an elementary test 3.1 so yes I was a little nervous didn't ride her as well as I could have but none the less happy with what we had achieved for doing it for the first time.

Up to now having a ball, sunny day, went to get my results,

one female judge giving me very positive and encouraging marks and comments some 5's, mainly 6's and some 7's total score 182 quite happy judge saying horse has a lot of potential at this level, I thought great lots to work on but  heading in the right direction.

Second judge male committee member of SADA I think, quite negative comments and very negative marks, 3's and 4's 5's and 2 6's total score 156 and discrepancy of  26 marks which i think is a hell of a difference, I came home a little dejected with his scoring which brought me quite a low percentage in total. I am pretty sure this is what you were talking about and to be honest this was associate level , I wasn't out to win a sheep station just to have accurate judging is all i would be looking for.

 

Now that I have that of my chest I will go again because I love doing things with my horse, but I can see how this may deter a lot of people.

 

Thanks for listening and caring about people and above all the sport of dressage.

 

This is precisely what I was talking about and I can tell how it must have affected you as it is 3.35pm and you would not have been home long. Every picture tells a story. I was at SADA one day when it was the last Show before qualifications closed for the Adelaide Royal Show. There were many there and all the classes. NOT ONE person at the entire Show got a quali and they were 55% at that time. That is what I am talking about. Anti Productive ad so unnecessary. There have been Male Judges in that particular Club for years and one always ensured that the day was a waste of money unless you were riding a Percheron and the other, good Judge but always just short of the mark and never would chance the arm. Once again, very difficult. The 26 points difference is also par for the course but thanks to the outstanding work being carried out by one particular Official, that is becoming less prevalent. Of course you have the right to go forward with what Judge One said ringing in your ears and delete Judge 2 :)

 

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Equestrian stripped of Beijing result for doping

 

LAUSANNE, Switzerland. Equestrian rider Rodrigo Pessoa has been stripped of his fifth-place finish at the Beijing Olympics and banned from competing for 4 1/2 months after a positive drug test on his horse.

The sport's governing body Friday also fined the 36-year-old Brazilian $1,766. He is suspended until Jan. 10, 2009.

Pessoa's horse Rufus tested positive Aug. 23 for nonivamide, a banned pain-relieving medication.

They placed fifth in the individual jumping final. Pessoa lost in a jump-off for the bronze medal won by Beezie Madden of the United States.

Pessoa was defending the individual title he won at Athens in 2004. He also won bronze medals for Brazil in team jumping at Atlanta in 1996 and Sydney in 2000.

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Four harness horses test positive for drug

 

Four harness horses at The Red Mile to race in the Grand Circuit meet have tested positive for illegal blood-doping agents, but their trainers are unlikely to be punished by the state.

 

This is thought to be the first time the dangerous drugs have been detected in racehorses in Kentucky

 

The horses were among dozens tested by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission at the request of the track, which instituted out-of-competition testing for the performance-enhancing drugs last week.

 

However, the names of the horses, trainers, and owners might never be made public because the testing comes under the regulatory gray area of "house rules," established by tracks to go beyond state regulations. Keeneland and Turfway have implemented such house rules to ban toe grabs on front horseshoes.

 

Blood-doping agents, commonly known as epo, are illegal in racing horses but almost impossible to detect with normal post-race blood sampling. Kentucky has never detected epo in regular testing or in surprise pre-race testing such as that done for the Kentucky Derby.

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Des Moines police seek two in horse rider death


Des Moines police have released photographs taken at a Windsor Heights supermarket which they believe may show two people with a possible connection to a fatal hit-and-run case.

Investigators are asking for the public's help in identifying them. The case involves the death on Sept. 26 of Dennis Kaiser of Des Moines. Kaiser was riding his horse, Matches, on Hartford Avenue that night when a car went off the road and struck horse and rider on the shoulder.

Kaiser was thrown from the horse and was then hit and fatally injured by another vehicle. That driver stopped, but the driver who cause the accident fled the area. No arrests have been reported.

The horse was struck and fatally injured moments later as it ran for a barn at the Des Moines Equestrian Center in the 3100 block of Hartford Avenue. That driver also fled the scene.

Police say individuals they believe are linked to the crash that killed Kaiser were in the Hy-Vee Food Store at 7101 University Ave., in Windsor Heights, at 2:24 p.m. on the day of the accident. The crash occurred about 8 hours later.

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LETTERS OF THE DAY

 

Hi John
I know your very busy at the moment with Linda, if you have the time I am hoping that you can help me.
A few months ago I wrote to you about about my arab filly (3yrs 20/10/08) that was tried to bite and kick at me, I chased her around her 200 acre paddock....anyway things would go ok for a short while with her, then she would try biting and kicking again, thought it was my nervous and lack of experience with young horses.
To cut along story short I sent her away to natural horseman to educate her further, today got phone call from his partner, was told to collect her as he has gone away for 2mths and she is biting and kicking....to much for partner!

Now what do i do, my funds have been very much limited to send her to another trainer.....so if i can ask your advice please help.

First thing no real roundyard but have electric fence on order should arrive mid week, did speak to you about roundyards for my rescue standie (he is just coming along so well....I am hooked on the breed if they are all similar to him).
We now only have 1 paddock (10acres).

I have 1 week to get myself, my nervous and my knowledge in order.

She will not be a good horse to sell until I can conquer these problems for her, I do not want to see her sold on and on till her head is finally on the doggers floor.

Another question, would I be better to put her in foal or turn her out for 12mths?

Please help desperate midlife nervous riding drama queen.

Robyn

Hi Robyn. For starters, you wouldn't breed from such a Horse. Do you want another one? :) This is obviously one of those Horses where Natural Horsemanship runs out of legs and so does the Natural Horseman :) I know the personality of your Horse. There is one here on this property like that. She puts fully grown men out of her yard on a regular basis hahahaha. I have been feeding since Linda got hurt and I ran into her on day one. Had to unrug her. She was bouncing on the back legs as I was attempting to undo her back leg straps and walking away on me in a most arrogant manner. These Horses are great Horses and my kinda Horse. They are more intelligent than most Horses but do not suffer Fools gladly. Needless to say we had words and now we are the best of Mates :) She got this on the spot, in the yard. I LOVE YOUR ASS BUT IT IS YOUR FACE I WANT and on 11/10, why? Because she is an 11 :) Then your Horse needs Leg Restraints training as an attitude adjustment. Attitude adjustment to you!!!! and finally, she needs this:

 

Now, don't try this until I do my next Pod Cast which will be soon. On the Mare I was talking about. This was developed for Professionals and Endo has graciously accepted a proposition by my to make it more user friendly for DUMMIES :) Keep looking. Now, the "Tap" is one of the most useful tools for your type of Horse. I only use it a handful of times a year but it is an essential tool to the complete Horseman (something that unfortunately the pure Natural Horse people are not) Natural Horsemanship, as in the games, is not always suited for your type of Horse and can be completely counter productive. Why? Because your Horse is smarter than that.  Regards

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i read up on your website as i have a 4 year old mare which i broke in myself ,i am 110 percent sound on this horse i know she wont hurt me and she makes me feel safe BUT this horse spooks at the most silliest thing ie a bird out of a bush ,a butterfly ,things that i dont know are coming she is 110 percent in traffic and will do anything i ask of her but she jumps alot at silly things please can you help me as i love this horse she is my life and i want it to be better for her not me as i can handle her hiccups but i feel if she wasnt scared of the most silliest thing it would make life alot better for both of us. please can you help me......

This is one of those cases where one really needs a feel of the Horse to comment extensively but let me just say that if you increase your Leadership Skills, both on the ground via Natural Horsemanship where you can easily and safely expose your Horse to many more frightening things and have her get over herself and you always being victorious, as well as perhaps work on your relaxation under saddle, your boldness if this could be improved and so on. On such a Horse as that, I go out on the Trail and go looking for as much trouble as I can find. I ask the Horse to pass over or through them all, deal with the fights that may arise and the Horse grows in confidence. The more you challenge a Horse, the more it is afraid, providing your training wins the day, the faster such a Horse improves. Regards

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Hi,

I just want to know that I love your site and am learning a lot. I have a problem that I wonder if you would be kind enough to comment on.

1/ We have been out of horses for 12 months. My husband is a big bloke and has just bought a shire x stockhorse 5 yrs old (he’s 18hh) and a gelding. He was bought by the previous owner at 3 after having been broken in. They were complete novices and the horse has learnt that if he plays up and resists moving forward the rider will get off. I believe