"This page is devoted to the education of Horse People everywhere, in the hope that one small thing learnt will improve the life of their horse.

If I 'get up your nose', ignore it. I say things with a 'glint in the eye' and mean the best for you and your horses."


THE WORLDS FIRST BLOG (2001)


 

16th March, 2010

GAINSBOROUGH SOAP

Day Off and now we are running like Chooks with the heads cut off. After a very arduous and long drawn out affair with the Banks, we are going to be spending half our time between Victor Harbor so I can see Dad more and here. The 'Prodigal Son and my Son' will be running Gainsborough in our absence, both from a security, repairs and maintenance and Horse Training point of view and us back and forth. We are retaining a Bedroom at Gainsborough so we can stay longer if need be. I will take my ear muffs in case of the doof doof :)

Nathan rode out with us yesterday and he rode 'Christians Horse" so as to get yet another Rider on her and she was a complete Darling again. Horses do like him because of his temperament. That is a big plus for a Horse Trainer.

Tonight is my Daughters Birthday Dinner so I have to rush. She is handling the settlement on our new House which is handy.

Been attempting to find out what Internet is available in Victor Harbor because of course we need it. I note that the twenty or so Companies that could service us can only offer 1500/256, shades of the old days and yet Telstra shows up as 20,000/1000. I go on the Map and there are no Ports available at all. I ring them today and after waiting 35 minutes, I get told to go get a phone line, then apply online at Telstra, not BigPond and they guarantee me that there will be ADSL2+ and a Port for me. But hey, what if there isn't I ask? I don't want to go buy a landline if it is wireless I end up having to go with???? Trust us he says I didn't think I would ever have to talk to them again but nothing has changed. They are indeed still the 'Mafia'

Anyhow, I have been building two more Paddock Stable Sites as we are going to be having two vacancies because Mrs. HP's Horse and mine will be going down with us to Victor. I thought I had finished this place but apparently not ;) ...but wait there's' more, The Boss needs a new arena, two stables a round pen and a tie up rail at Victor so when I finish these I can go down there and sleep over and build them At least I can shoot down for a swim :)

Check out our States lovely Sea Side Resort International Guests.

'Cleavage' has another rush of blood and jumped on her unbroken, un-mouthed Riding Pony and rode her around bareback and with a rope halter. What confidence can do you for Folks

I was taken aback when I heard MidSommers Horse "Reginald' is playing Ball with two Kids that come here each day. They throw it, he gets it and throws it in the air. They had a Brotherly fight so Reginald put his foot on the Ball and wouldn't let them have it any more. The young one (about 4, was crying his eyes out. "Reggie won't play with us" he cried :) So he knows the entire English language and now he plays Ball

'Big Bird' has done a wonderful job on her young Horse and he has developed immensely. She has done the hard yards in the Round Pen and under Saddle and it has certainly paid off.

++++++++

HORSELAW

Well good Afternoon John,

Just thought you may be interested in putting some of this info on your website - You have a large audience of novice horse owners so I guess all of this info can not hurt to put out there.

Reading the initial newspaper article then finding and checking out her website you can see she "thinks" she is some kind of a photoshop wizard but clearly has NO IDEA, if you closely look at the before and after photo's on her website you can clearly see her poor attempt at trying to photoshop "weight" onto these horses, VERY SAD at the lengths people will go to, to scam innocent people in this day and age. From what I have found out and read she blames the poor horse condition on transport each and every time, and claims she has before pictures to prove the condition of the horse before leaving her place - no doubt photoshopped pictures, probably only printed copies to - so you cannot actually "officially" tell that they were photoshopped!

http://www.maitlandmercury.com.au/news/local/news/general/family-devastated-over-horses-state/1749317.aspx?page=3

There are MANY comments at the bottom of this article.

http://atouchofclasspaints.webs.com/

If you google her name you will find pages and pages of people who have been scammed by this woman, so don’t fall into her trap and get caught out - spread the word!!

Cheers

Shannon

Thanks for the warning Shannon

+++++++
SCAMS

This bunch of Crooks tried to scam me, for Months. Watch out Folks!

From: International Directories Group LTD/Ms Cristina [cristina@world-businessguide.com]
Sent: Wednesday, April 29, 2009 7:28 AM
To: john oleary
Subject: Re: reminder/invoice no. 26679

Dear John,


As previously explained on several occasions the order cannot and will not be cancelled.
We understand your situation and sympathize with it but and we have absolutely no intention to bring you any prejudices neither on a personal level, nor on a professional one .
I am confident you are familiar with the obligations that a legal document implies. We understand that you ordered by mistake, you did not read the contract prior to ordering and this is why I advise you to cancel the order for the contractual years 2 and 3 in order to avoid further unpleasant situations.

We have done nothing but honor your request for our services. I reiterate that it is not possible to cancel because this means that we should breach the Terms and conditions and we cannot do that. Furthermore, what you are asking us to do is not legal and both of our companies may suffer legal consequences if we do that.

I advise you to accept the situation, take responsibility for your actions and make the payment.
Waiting for your earliest reply.


Yours faithfully
Ms Cristina
Account Manager

International Directories Group Ltd.
Tel:: 0034 91 188 1696
Fax: 0034 91 791 9167
cristina@world-businessguide.com

+++++++++++++

LETTER OF THE DAY

Dear Mr And Mrs HP,
My beloved daughter turns 18 tomorrow.
We have been blessed by the knowledge you have imparted into her through your website and letters since the age of thirteen. When faced with a challenge or problem with any of the horses she works with. I have lovingly said to her "How would Mr Hp deal with this? HP Junior.
She is not only getting a name as a Horse Breaker/Trainer in the New England Area of New South Wales but is also starting to change the attitudes and gain respect of her peers. Her German Dressage Coach is even impressed by your methods and has got her to break in his dressage horses. She has now been hired by several dressage riders and a warmblood stud to mouth, and break in their horses as well as ride them in competition. People are noticing how "Light and well mannered her horses are and asking her about lateral mouthing etc. She is also bringing out the best in horses with problems too.
She has the best of both world. She uses the best mouthing and training system in the world and has a German Dressage Coach to enhance her riding and educate her on all levels of Dressage. She truly is bringing out the best in any horse she rides.
Thanks
Maria Fletcher

My sincere thanks Maria and do congratulate your Daughter for me. Is she doing this for a living or planning to? I am always getting enquiries as to who I can recommend in other States. Let me know. Does she have a youtube channel??? I would like to see her. Anyhow, most kind to take the time to tell us. Regards

++++++++++++++

LETTER OF THE DAY

Hi John,

I read with interest about your good friend returning to the fold to help you out with the breakers, and had a thought – don’t forget me! lol!
(I have my big fella -- scheduled in with you for May )

You are invited to send the Horse whenever you like then now Joyce. Thanks. As I said, I will be working with him and still riding and testing them.

I also remember a little while ago someone e-mailed you about selling the top bit that’s welded onto the lugging post; do you still have those details?

That is such a pain to me for I always forget and have emailed the poor Lass about 3 times to ask again. I have forwarded your email to her

Lastly, can you give me any tips on how to crack a stockwhip? I’ll be stuffed if I can make it crack!

Speak soon & thanks again
Joyce

I'll get around to doing a Pod Cast on that for you :) Regards
 

++++++++++

++++++++++++++

LETTERS OF THE DAY

OH GLORY DAY!!!!!


Look at the progress!!!! :-D (BTW.. I live in Norway... Not Finland... )



:-D

Happy happy happy happy!!!!!

Marit

Hi Marit, congratulations. You must be pleased!!. I'm sorry for getting your lovely Countries mixed up :) If I may wonder out aloud, I don't understand why you didn't have the Horse tied up. I have had a couple of these lately, one being a Lady in a Paddock allowing the lead rope to drag on the ground and the Horse to run off. The simple fact that your Horse can take even two paces forward, it is an evasion which is cementing the distrust and only ever compounds the problem and ensuring longevity of it. However, well done again and regards
 

++++++++++

HI John,
Firstly, thankyou for a great website, full of great information and a logical approach to horses. I have found you as we have purchased a pony for my daughter from a girl who says that your methods are the closest to her own. Needless to say the pony is lovely and soft and a delight to own' we are trying very hard to keep him that way with my 8yo daughter abroad.
Anyway, the reason for my email is that I have a cyldie x who right from day one has nicked out the outside shoulder. Not really increasing seeming to set his neck and jaw and just going where he wants to go.

Over the last week I have had three different instructors tell me to try completely different things.
Riding Club instructor-rides for Mary Hanna-keep him on a small circle, bent inside rein to outside rein and kick the crap out of him with the outside leg-move the leg to the shoulder if need be. This does work, but he does keep trying it thruout the lesson.


Level 3 German Instructor: On the circle as you feel him drift open your inside rein and push the quarters out with inside leg beyond the shoulders and then straighten and continue on the circle. This also worked.


John Chatterton natural horseman: As horse starts to go thu shoulder allow him to turn the way he wishes to go, but make it very uncomfortable for him by giving and taking on the inside rein, then ask for him to circle in the direction that you originally asked for. The idea being make it uncomfortable for the horse.

I have not tried this as of yet as everyone tells you not to let them change direction.
This has been an on going problem with this horse, I have been working him for the last 3mths and he has improved, but the slightest lack of concentration from me and he is gone.
I am hoping that you can shed some light on which way will be the best or even if all three ways are correct. I believe that he doesn't have the best lateral mouth as he doesn't follow the inside rein if you ask, kinda sets his neck and jaw. He is better and I can now get some flexion thru his jaw.
As of today I am going to be doing some ground work to see how well he yields.
Regards
Sherilyn

Hi Sherilyn.  I'll just give you a 4th one to confuse you :)

Go re-mouth the Horse first. Then go and properly teach him to 'leg yield' Your Horse simply doesn't answer the leg well enough. Fix those two things and your problem is gone. Horses are supposed to stay between hand and legs. Train that and no more probs. Once your Horse does leg yield properly, and he attempts that move, you simply 'counter bend' him and leg yield him back the other way, thus following the principles of "putting the horse back from whence it came and turning it loose again" Simple as that. Therefore, no fights, no confusion and no TYPICAL AUSTRALIAN KICKING OF HORSES

I would never allow a Horse to go the way he chooses, even if I can make it uncomfortable and eventually win. Why pick fights when you can negate them totally. Hope you are not confused :)
 

++++++++++

Now that your “Prodigal Son” has returned, you might find time to do a clinic in Victoria. I’m sure all of your Victorian fans would LOVE to see you in action. I know I would be VERY excited to be given the opportunity to have a chin wag with you and Mrs HP. PLEASE!!!

Jodie

Yes Jodie, we are going to attempt that in conjunction with her competing over there when she is right to go. I am doing my past WA Clinic this year. I always wanted to visit them due to their isolation. Regards

++++++++++++

John
Decided to play around with a two and half year old breaker and expose him to some really spooky savage horse eating objects - baloons. He freaked out when he saw them first. He was terrified and shook like a leaf, eyes popping out of his head. Plenty of advance and retreat, and within a few minutes we had the baloons tied onto your breaking-in roller. The horse was really challenged as the wind blew and the baloons rubbed off one another and made noise. We were amazed as to how quickly the horse got used to them - literally within 10 minutes. He got so laid back at one stage that he eventually rolled in the sand arena and burst two baloons - we never saw a horse jump up from the sand so quickly. He eventually forgot about them again, and went to sleep (mentally), so we decided to tie another baloon to his halter. A little while later the wind blew a little stronger and he freaked out realising that the horse eating baloons were going to attack and devour him, he ran around the sand arena, quickly realised the error of his ways and chilled out. A great learning experience for all. Mighty sport.
Happy St. Patricks Day to you, yours and all the readers.
Jimmy,
Ireland.

and he has time to chew the rope Jimmy :) At least you have the GREEN Balloon as the Premier one :) Like the Roller...where did you get that from? :) Well done and regards to the rest of the Boys. I must come and check out the Ancestral Home one day. Cheers

++++++++++++++

Hi John,

I have been thinking about breeding my mare, well not yet in a few years. My mare has not been mated before, and she is 10 years old. I am wondering up to what age is it okay to breed a maiden mare? I didn’t think age was too much of a worry, unless she was pushing up the daisies so to speak. A friend had mentioned that it’s better to breed while the mare is fairly young????
Cheers Kerry
 

I agree with your Friend Kerry. If I owned your Horse I would be Breeding her now and if I had to wait "a few years" I would look for another Mare. Why ask for trouble and why risk your beloved Mare? Regards

++++++

Just a reply to weaning on small property. I had a mare and foal that weaned naturally. I only had a few acres, and really at the time had no money and no choice. I left the foal with mum until I noticed that mum had really had enough. The relationship of mother and baby had really gone. I moved foal to the paddock adjoining with my gelding. I never heard a whimper from either mare or foal. They were both ready and eager for a break from each other. It was easy. Just need to read your horse and watch for the signs that mum is ready to let go. Enjoy!!

Yes Jo, very true and that can work but in other cases it won't. I have seen some shocking cases that border on cruelty. For sure though, try that but the Lady may not have an adjoining Paddock????? Regards

+++++++++

I have read everything and do agree. I did not check conformation, as I should.

I am a small breeder in Canada, did everything I thought the right way, fed my youngsters, had them out, barefoot, good training program, etc, etc.
Now I have a case where I own this coming 5, I am afraid to sell since I feel something is wrong with his hind. All along his life, I went to check with different vets and trainers...Nobody told me he would be unsound.

Until last week when a vet came and told me my young horse would not be able to be a good dressage horse. I feel at lost right now; I have rode him, build him the right way but since this diagnostic, I feel if I sell him, he might suffer along the way..The new owner may experiment disastrous sentiment too.

Since a few days, I have checked all the conformation of my youngsters thouroughly and can rely this unfortunate one to a breeding decision..It was my first foal..

So now I own a cow hocked, sickle hocks coming 5. I am so sorry for him ! He is a good horse, living out, barefoot and happy.

I am not seeking an advise; through your reading I just got a big wake-up call and wondering if I will just euthanised this horse period. He has never been lame, never injured but all the reading makes me think he will be injured and suffering, I will be screwing someone..I don't want neither of this happen.

So thank you for your great explanations and this will help me to take the best decision.

Kindly regards,

Élčne
 

Never mind Elene, there are many poorly conformed Horses that go around for years, even in competition and even Racing. The key is to sell the Horse to the right home and for the right price and be honest. Just point out his faults but if he gets the 'Galloping Housewife' say, for just pleasure Riding, he will probably live out a happy life. Don't be too hard on yourself. We all evolve!!!! Best of Luck

++++++++++

i read your article on the jig jogging horse, being an inexperienced but confident rider i fell into the trap of holding him back with all the consequences as described, over the past few days i have ridden with a loose rein and it does make a difference, no more fighting or jogging; but this only happens if i am on my own or in front of the other horses ( my wife and daughter) on a pleasure ride . if i ride behind my 8yr old gelding trys to get as close as he can behind one of the other horses ( which causes the other horses to stress) or overtake and leave them behind. i would be grateful for any ideas.

thanks
Mark

Teach the Horse to leg yield Mark and periodically, when behind and close, take a complete contact to the point where the Horse is completely in a frame and cannot break gait and leg yield at 45 degrees away to the right or left so that you are adjacent, not behind. Then throw the reins away to loopy again and turn the Horse loose. Repeat as many times as you like. You are in charge of where your Horse travels. Doing such moves, in such a way, has nothing to do with the incorrect contact that causes jig jogging It is entirely different to be doing a training move than just hanging onto the Mouth of the Horse. Remember, if you have to stop your horse and back him up, your Family must also immediately stop and go again as you turn your horse Loose. Remember, if your Horse breaks gait 1000 times and you only back him up 999 times, you are subverting the system!!!!!!! Regards

+++++++++

Hi John

I did get a bit carried away but there were 3 points I was trying to make.

1. Always trust your horses instincts especially where the fire was concerned.

2. People need to put sufficent groundwork and handling into their horses in case of emergencies like the one we had where they were confronted by strangers trying to catch them and take them to safety. Fortunately these horses had been handled by my family at some stage when they had been rescued from fencing accidents or they had got out of their stable blocks. Their owners were the last to rock up and by this time we had restabled them all. (We are still trying to work out why they actually have them).

Which is my exact point about Halter Breaking the Foal

3. Found out why the young fella didnt want to come in. His pregnant girlfriend (a result of basically being raped by a colt that jumped out of its yard and into a turnout paddock and thats a yarn in itself) was calling out as she was being put into the paddock by her owner further down at another gate.

I could write a novel on the stories that happen in the place I am in on a daily basis they would blow your mind cant wait to move south and have a property thats mine and wont have to see what goes down here 24/7. I could probably do a version of your Soapie especially as race season is about to start soon.
Is Tracey still the contact for the clinic?
Cheers
Maxine

 

You are certainly in tune with your Horses Maxine and that is refreshing indeed. Yep, milne@space.net.au is our Booking rep. This will be my last trip to Perth. I must attempt to do the other States now.

 Regards

+++++++++

Hi

A friend put me on to your website and I am an addict already. I love your commonsense and down to earth (and often funny) approach.

I hope you can help me with a direction to take with a mare I have. She was purchased for a 12 yr old girl rider, confident but still a intermediate beginner. She is a 10 yr old QH mare, and had been poor so she has had paddock rest with lots of grass and I give one small tim of Weightlifter with the minerals Pat Coleby recommends. She is now looking lovely but the top line needs improvement.

My problem is that she will not stop with 2 reins. She has a terrific lateral yeild, just picking up the rein will have her turning. The problem is far worse in a trot, she runs on and goes into a canter and there is no stopping her apart from the 1 rein stop. My understanding is that if she had a hard mouth the lateral yeild would be poor too, and I am unsure how to proceed. I have considered remouthing, and I have the vet coming this week to check out her teeth. They were done just before I bought her on the 6th Feb. The previous owner remains adamant that she had no issues stopping her.

We do a lot of pleasure riding here, and always with relaxed reins. All our other horses walk out well and never rush home, and the heads are nearly on the ground on the homeward run, they are so relaxed. My daughter would like to advance her riding and wants to do some jumping and sporting in the future. My theory is to eliminate the teeth being a problem, and perhaps have some time on pleasure rides in company, and just trotting to catch up, thus encouraging her to stop when asked, and not run on as she will be leaving the other horses. I really want to get it right for her as I can see she has had a tough time, but she is not nasty, her ears never pinned back under saddle.

I look forward to hearing what you think on my enigma!!

Cheers
Diana
 

HI Diana,

It is not unusual at all for Horses to be light laterally and heavy in front or visa versa. I felt one yesterday. It is almost 100% guaranteed also, that Kids from the Learner/Novice level will severally diminish the front Mouth, virtually on all Horses, which is why I rave on about keeping the laterals so they at least have 'air brakes' Your Horse needs re-mouthing but more importantly, your Daughter needs the Body of information so that she doesn't do it again. That would be just about the best hints she could ever learn for the rest of her life and would set her apart from her Peers. So all is not lost. Kind Regards

++++++


14th March, 2010

 

GAINSBOROUGH SOAP

THE PRODIGAL SON RETURNS

Years ago, I put 3 solid years into training an Apprentice Horse Breaker but just as he arrived, he went Bush, chasing Cattle, Rodeo and Females (not sure which order), at one stage doing a stint as Rodeo Clown in the Bull Ride Events. Here are a couple of pics.

Well he has grown a brain (as young Boys do) :) and he has just taken up resident 'Breaker' at Gainsborough. He will be working with me and you will be seeing a lot of him no doubt.

He was also my 'Best Man' and a good Mate. So I admit that I have knocked back a lot of Horses over the last couple of years, especially from Interstate, I now extend a cordial invitation to accept your young Horses or your Problem Horses.

We had a lot of laughs and this was one of them. The first time we clapped eyes on Mrs. HP on our Wedding Day. Do you know what he said to me? "If you don't Marry her I will"

Anyhow, his name is Nathan Thompson so bear him in mind if you have one to start. I'll be working with him but we'll let him have the Glory :) Don't tell him I said that.

+++++++++++++

I am very satisfied with this lovely 12 year old Brood Mare that they failed to get to the Track due to the failed Breaking in process. For those that haven't seen this Horse before and to Bill who wrote and warned me not to ride her because she had reared over backwards 5 or 6 times during the commencement of her time with me and I had in fact clean forgotten about this photo of an injury that was caused on the roof of a Float as she was unloaded by an Owner, way back then. Thus vividly explaining her "upwardly mobile' mind.

I have enjoyed my time with her, she was most fearful of me but we became the best of Mates. Anyhow, today she had her first outside Rider ad was a perfect Girl. Very proud of her.

It drew a crowd, incl the Owner who was very happy.

+++++++++

 

NEWS OF THE DAY

Hi John

You are probably aware that it was Linda Parelli

Thought you might like to see her statement about that video doing the rounds.

-Cath

I don't know her and so kept an open mind Cath. Thanks for confirming it and giving the other side. Regards
 

 

PRESS RELEASE FROM LINDA PARELLI

If I was seeing this clip with no knowledge of what exactly was going on, I think I would get upset too! It invites a lot of questions if one doesn't know what the situation or the outcome was.

This horse, Barney, was presenting a lot of challenges to his owner. He was at the Parelli Center in Ocala for a five day Level 1 course over five years ago that we filmed for educational purposes and published in our Level 1 Pack.

On this particular day, it was windy and Barney was terribly spooked. He could not focus on his owner and in fact his behavior was becoming dangerous because he had no awareness for personal space and would run right over you. He also was not fond of humans, and his past ownership experiences had been tough.

In the clip that was posted, Barney was starting to have a lot of trouble with the wind in the trees and bushes. We needed to teach him to move away from the human when asked using the “Driving Game” to move his front end over, but he was so upset he could not yield. All he could think about was running away but this was our chance to change his dangerous habits and give him the confidence in the leadership of a human. We had to get through to him so he could successfully and safely interact with other horses and humans, and I had to increase the intensity until it matched the intensity of his fear, which was dangerously high. The moment he responded, we stopped the stimulus but it required several repetitions before he could do it and finally calmed down.

I have heard accusations that this will make a horse head shy, but the opposite is true. Horses are head shy because they fear the human or because people hit them to punish them. This horse was not afraid of humans, but he didn't believe in them either. He was respectful in very limited circumstances but as soon as he got worried, he was a force to be reckoned with. Barney was very spooky and dangerous to ride, his history with humans was not positive.

Finally fear subsided and he began to trust the leadership of his human. In fact the next day, he was a very different horse, more confident, more relaxed and more connected to his owner. Together, they completed the course with great results and have gone on to do amazing things.

I have dedicated my life to making the world a better place for horses and humans; to bringing them together in harmony and understanding and solving terrible problems that some horses are sedated or euthanized for, which is not an option for Parelli. This horse was on his way out and finding us was one last piece of hope his owner had. Barney has become so successful that he now HELPS his owner help other people with emotional problems.

When we were producing the Level 1 pack, we debated as to whether or not this footage should be included (the entire piece of course), but decided it should be because some people will be faced with an extreme situation and need to know what to do to solve it for good. Some people use love, love and love on their horses. Others use leadership, leadership, leadership. Neither of them are effective...you need love, language and leadership, in equal measures. When we did all that, this horse finally found understanding and began to trust us, looking to us for safety instead of just running away.

I am glad that some people have asked for an explanation. I appreciate your care and concern, and being interested in learning the facts. I reached out to Paul H., Barney’s owner, and asked how their relationship has grown since spending time at our Center in Ocala and studying Parelli on their own. He sent me the following feedback that I would like to share with you.

Linda Parelli


A letter from the owner:

“I took the time to read one of the threads (Chronicle of the Horse Forum) that sprung up as a result of someone posting footage of Linda and my horse Barney from the Level 1 DVD on the web. I first have to say that I was profoundly saddened by the angry and vicious tone of many of the posts and astounded by the assumptions and judgments that people had about Linda, Barney, and myself as an owner.

Barney spent the first 11 years of his life in a prominent traditional foxhunting barn. He received a corneal scratch in the hunt field that subsequently got infected. When it was determined that the eye couldn't be saved, his owner requested that he be euthanized. It was only through the actions of a veterinary intern and my search for a local horse to adopt that Barney is even alive today. I met Barney the day after his eye was removed. From the day I met him it was clear that humans were not his preferred company. He avoided people preferring to keep a safe distance. After two years out in a pasture, being fed and handled every day I started to ride him. He was an extraordinarily spirited horse that, while often responsive, always seemed to act out of fear rather than trust or partnership. This was the legacy I inherited and the one that Barney learned and experienced in early life.

My time at the Parelli Center in Ocala during which the DVD was filmed was a challenging and profoundly rewarding time for both Barney and myself. I am grateful for the assistance I received in dealing with a very difficult and potentially dangerous situation captured, in part, on the video and for the subsequent mentorship I receive from Linda and the Parelli team in transforming both my relationship with Barney and Barney's relationship with the human race. We weren't on the fast track and I've taken lots of missteps but we have continued to grow and learn. We completed our Level 2 some years back. He is semi-retired now but he is my rock steady mount in sport psychology clinics I conduct with other riders, as well as my trusted partner on trail rides both alone and ponying my two young sons.

Barney is still a horse of tremendous spirit. I guess a good way to described the difference now is that his spirit is now shared with me rather than channeled into his fear of me and others. Barney's relationships with humans has also been transformed. He is now one of the main horses who partner with me in my work in equine assisted psychotherapy. It is amazing to watch as he reaches out to clients time after time, helping to transform their lives. I know I am grateful for what I learned from the Parelli program, and I think anyone who knows Barney will say that he is grateful as well.

All the best from a grateful friend of Parelli.”

- Paul H., Barney’s Owner

++++++++++++++

Have a look at this!!

Gayle

 

Great Gayle. Thanks

++++++++++++

TIP OF THE DAY

"When Saddling a Horse that is tied up solid, make sure it is at least 90 degrees to the Rail and never angled towards you as that limits your escape route and exposes you to be smashed against the tie up rail if the Horse pulls back"
+++++++++++

LETTER OF THE DAY

hey Mr HP,

am hoping you might be able to help me out. ....

I was aksed to break some horses in for a guy who lives next door to the TB stud I have been doing some work at for a while.
Whilst I'm confident in my own horsemanship abilities, having broken a number of my own, I was horrified on arriving at the property (having already agreed to start 4) to find that not only had these horses NEVER been handled, they are usually sedated to have their feet done...

Now in 2.5 weeks I reckon I've not done a bad job. I can catch them all (one of them charged me three times the first day.. a filly) they all lunge, are mouthed, and three of them have the saddle on. When I first got them you couldn't even brush them.. They hadn't seen one. Hell, they are big and haven't even been halter broken properly, I have to say I hate the racing industry. It's so irresponsible to breed horses, only to not touch them (at all ) until they reach 18 months of age.

My problem is this... I dont believe that ONLY 3 weeks of handling in a horses life is sufficient to make him a nice safe horse. I am under pressure to have these horses out at the end of next week...To be frank I dont want to get on them. I dont ride bucking horses. And although they have saddles onthem, you can see they still have the fear in their eye. I'm a mum, and had I known the horses had never been handled I would never have agreed to take them on.

Do you know anyone in Perth that is a good buck jumper? Or do you have any suggestions for me?

Kind Regards
Belinda


Don't get on them Belinda!!!! Think of your Kids!!! You are not under pressure. Take control of your life and tell that idiot Owner to now send them to a rough Rider to do the gettin on. It's his negligence and this is so typical of the Racing Industry. They exploit people and care zilxh about whether you get killed in the process. That Song comes to mind right now. "Take this job and Shove it". They will bury you. Regards

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LETTERS OF THE DAY

I will come to the defense of pony club much to the shock of myself. But the system does teach good things (at least the texts do) it's the lack of teaching from the shitty ass instructors they hire and the parents half ass attitude to supporting what their child wants to do. Myself personally, I have seen ponies that were waddling they were so fat and the owner's quite often laughed when that was pointed out to them and proceeded to feed their horses more sweet feed. It shocks me some of the people that they let teach. When I was still in pony club (joined when I was old enough to know what they taught,) one of my instructors not only told a girl that was considering joining that she hated 'those stupid little children' but she also believed that a head set was essential to getting the horse round. My horse didn't quite see it her way, and felt the need to protest this at given opportunities. She also didn't think I could pass level D2 on this normally decently behaved horse.

I hope with the pony you found that you informed the proper authorities on several different occasions. Some people need a word, others need a conversation and the rest need a large bat.
 

I agree but you didn't do much defending :) Congratulations for trying though. I try too but it is hard to achieve. It is a great movement and the Volunteers within it do a great job with the substandard tools that they are given. It is just that they are hand cuffed by the Curriculum. Regards
 

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Hi John,

Can you share your thoughts in regards to weaning? I am on 2 acres so mum and bub can't be totally separated unless I take one elsewhere of course. I am not keen on putting the foal in my float as it is open at the back and sides. Don't want any nasty accidents. I have halter-trained the foal (thanks for your DVD). what do you think about slow weaning?

Kirsten
 

We have never done slow weaning Kirsten so I don't know. I may say that I supposed that depends upon the Mare and whether she is willing to do it herself. Many will not and then you have a feral Breeding situation. You should be vigilant on whether the Mare keeps her condition, if her Foal dominates her or not and whether she is trying to do the weaning job. Make up your mind as you go along then I guess. Regards
 

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hi there, i have enjoyed your website a great deal and have been lurking for a longtime. I love the pic of miss hp. I have two warmbloods and fall into the nervous rider slot. I am not sure what to do. I ride in a ejector seat..;) but can't afford one of your saddles is there another on that I could use? like a western saddle or something. I live in canada alberta actually loads of people ride western around here. I currently have an older dressage saddle.one horse is a greenie and the other is a 17.1 scared chicken...
thank
m

Hi M. The problem you may face here is that I know from experience that most western saddles won't fit such Horses. Also, the Western Saddle can be highly dangerous with the Horn doing injury to people. I've seen busted Spleens and even Death where a Horse has reared over. I note your Horses are not completely trustworthy so I would be considering your safety. I am not aware of the situation in Canada re supply of alternatives to English or Western Saddles. Perhaps check around. I have an American Western Saddle ad would never attempt to ride a suspect Horse in it compared to the Ozzie Stock Saddle. They are designed and made for it. Yes, I know many do ride problem Horses in them but having done it in both types, there is no comparison. Best of Luck though.

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Hi John . . . thanks for your compliment.
Pipe and slippers ........ not yet mate. Simlpe definition of retirement for anyone; "doing what you want to do".
Best wishes . . . Gordon.
 

Too true Gordon but sadly, many of us don't even get there these days. I feel sorry for the City Folk who can't do the physical work that keeps you fit, burns off the cholesterol and allows you live far longer than most. Well done and keep up the good work.
 

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Hey you! I have been reading your advice on Join-up John, are you talking about the one you do in the roundyard? Can't think of the fellows name that specialises in it sorry. Flin the clyde and I have a trust issue making catching catching time a challenge, even if you are in the paddock and you just want to give him a pat he walks away, but he has his eye on you the whole time. Its not a game to him you can genially see he is worried. He walks away for a few good metres, then stops sideways (never butt facing me) and looks at me looking very worried. We have even played 'peep-a-boo' around trees. (I usually start laughing at this stage). I have made a corner in the paddock that has rope tied up so when he goes in there I just take my time in catching him. He has never ran off away from me. Once caught he flinches as if he is thinks Im going to hit him or be extremely rough. Once I reassure him with lots of rubs/hugs,pats he relaxes, you see it physically right before you. I do allot of groundwork with him and he is very obedient, but I want to be able to get his trust, there is a difference . Even when lunging him he stops sideways and will take a couple of steps back from you with each step you take to him. When working him on ground he 'over' does the task. Like if I want him to go through the gate first, I will lift my hand (closest to the gate) with the lead rope in it and he will virtually RUN through the gate as if he doesn't do it right he is going to get a belting. So I just become really floppy in body language and go physically slow , I hope this shows that I am relaxed and he eventually does it nice and slow, but he is like this at everything.

cheers
chelle
ps sorry for the use of the wrong equipment on my old email. I ment to put Long rein not side reins which isn't used in the dvd.

Well he has all the Hallmarks of s Horse that has had a rough time Chelle so you are doing well. The Mare that I am Breaking in now is identical and yes, my join up certainly does help these Horses so go right ahead. You don't have to wak his butt when he turns, just a little baby flick. He is already sensitive. Turn him every half a circle so that it doesn't go on for long. Remember, if you don't withdraw at the split second the Horse goes to turn inwards rather than outwards, you have corrupted the system. Don't take his short comings too seriously though Chelle. Time normally heals them. Regards

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Hi John

Its been a while since I have logged in.
There has been a huge reaction to the video that was posted of Linda Parelli especially of forum sites. Very interesting.On the subject of listening to your horse. We had a bush fire go through our area not long ago unusual for where our agistment centre is. A work crew across the rode dropped a cigarette butt and boom. Funny thing was they had water trucks with them but conditions were ripe and up it went and crossed the main highway were our horses are. My 2 boys were in the front turn out paddock my 30yr and 4yr old gelding. People headed out there after 12pm when the alarm was raised and we were all contacted and rapidly made our way out. Had a heart attack when I realised main fire was in that paddock and opposite my stable block. Friends who got there early didnt realise my boys were out there until one of them whinnied. My old boy had taken the young one up to the far corner gate as far as way as possible from the smoke. Friends were leading them down the main road and through smoke and fire rescue vehicles etc. I was so proud at how calm they both were and put it down to the experience of my old brumby with fires in the past. We also had to evacuate horses including a stallion mare foal and pony from one block where myself and hubby were the only ones they new well enough to be caught the stallion was quite anxious and how we all got them out in one piece ourselves included was amazing. We all rallied together and were able to put all our horses into spare stables away from the fire. Thank god we do not live in an area were bush fires can be life threatining what we experienced was enough and to realise how easily they start.(it was an FMG mining crew) hopefully we will hit them with re fencing the paddock.
One last thing went to bring my boys in today from there overnighter in the paddock and the young fella didnt want to come in. Now he normally gets vocal when the old boy is out of site but he would not move from where I keep the paddock feed bins even though he kept calling to the old boy. I had to go and bring him in trotted him up and checked that he wasnt lame. Picked his feet out for stones etc. Couldnt find anything. All I could think of was we had one hell of a storm last night enough to cause rain scald in a matter of hours we were not expecting rain and we needed it. Cloud was building up again tonight so I suspect he would have preferred to be out in the paddock than locked up in yards even though they are huge yards that run off the stables. Will find out tomorrow morning if he is back to normal but I will definately checking him over tomorrow and around the stables as we have had stray dogs out here lately.
Dont forget to let me know when you are coming to WA so I can hopefully make it down to Perth to see you.
Cheers
Maxine
Port Hedland
WA

Hi Maxine. nice yarn. I enjoyed it. I forget what the Hell your point was but I took it all in :) 1-3rd October.  Regards

 

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Dear John

I have a question about join up. My 11yo daughter has a problem child arab. He was mistreated and misunderstood for the first 6 years of his life. As a result you cannot just go into a paddock and walk up to him. He loves his food though. No matter how much grass he has he will roll over for hay.. LOL

I have had trouble with him bucking after I put a saddle on him. So I have been saddling him in a round yard and sending im round to get the buck out of him. Every time myself or my daughter do this he will folow us around the yard like a lost puppy. But will always turn his butt to us when we ask him to change direction. I am working on that. I need to be faster. ( I have only done round yard work with him 4 times now)

Yesterday I saddled him up and sent him round and NO buck at all. I was so happy. He is a lovely horse .. Again he followed my self and my daughter around. Licking the lips again,

So my question is, Why will he run a mile in the paddock if I dont have food in a paddock.? I have to put his food in a yard and then close the gate.His yard isnt very safe to send him round in, like a round yard, so to catch him in there I just slowly walk up to him. Sometimes he runs around the yard. He is very nervous in a yard when I catch him to start with. Stands all tense but after a couple of minutes patting and talking to him he will lower his head and then I put the halter on him.
Thankyou for your time.
Helen R
PS I have sent you a photo of him. Sorry I am not as good a photographer as you..LOL

Lol, I just point and shoot :) What you do is to 'join up' with him in the Round Pen and cement it. After a few occasions (not many) you can lap him in the dangerous yard no problems at all for he will face up inside one lap. I haven't got the time to convey all the many reasons why both leg restraints and 'join up' have profound positive effects and that is what you have experienced. So do that and you will be fine. Regards

 

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Hi John,


if that doesnt work, just you tube "This Way of Life Trailer - 3rd Trailer" and it'll be there
thanks heaps
Helen


 

Looks very interesting Helen. Thanks

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hi there. i have been having some problems with my 5 year old 15.2" highland gelding Hamish who does not want to ride out without my daughters 11" pony Bramble. they have been in the same field together for a month now and the problem is getting worse, to the point that i had an accident with him on monday, with me ending up on the middle of a busy main road and him returning to the field (only 2 minutes along the road). previously to them grazing in the same field (as they are now, only the 2 of them), they were in a field with another 4 horses and i did not seem to have the problems i have now. i am now wondering if i should seperate the 2 of them every day for a couple of hours, leaving Hamish in his field and moving the pony, to get him used to being on his own and leaving the field and returning to it on his own and knowing that he will always be reunited with his mate. please please please help. any advice would be greatly appreciated.

a loving but desperate horse owner

gayle


Hi Gayle. The old 'Separation Anxiety". It is a terrible thing. Bit the same as an International Love Affair :) Certainly split them up, regularly or even permanently. The only other thing I can advise you is this. The more the separation anxiety symptoms, the stronger and more assertive the Rider must be, to stop the evasion and to keep the respect. To keep the respect level of the Rider, just above that of the love sickness for the other Horse. I could get on your Horse and demand it listens to me and it would. That of course requires experience, courage perhaps, rein handling and commitment. Best of Luck

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hi john l was so happy l found your site and got some of your equipment for training my foal who is now 18 weeks old, l have been handling him since birth pushing and shoving and putting a halter on him, my program was halted when the mare and foal spent 6 weeks at the vet trying to get pregnant without success l handled him but couldnt hobble him there, since comng home l was worried at his age how he would handle the hobbles well last night we took both to the round yard and put them on he did one little hop and then walked to mum for a drink and while walking around when he stood on the rope he looked down then backed off the rope and continued on his way, we did same tonight no probs, l lead him next to mums shoulder or ahead of her on a long loop rope no issues, l cannot THANKYOU enough for letting me enjoy my baby without stress to him and yet still teach him what is expected as he grows up to be a happy safe horse,
forever grateful leonie and apache

That means a lot to me leonie. Thanks

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 Sometimes when an NH person is asking their horse to bring it's head down in the Parelli-style halter, the clips hit the bottom of the neck before their head can reach the desired place, therefore preventing the horse from bringing their head down and transferring the pressure of the halter from the nose to the neck, casing confusion. I wish I knew what you are meaning there Christina but I can't picture that.

It's not always the system that works or doesn't work, but the attitude of the handler towards the horse. A clueless handler who does not understand why they are doing what they are doing can implement a great system and not get results. Whereas a talented and observant handler can get far greater results from lesser 'systems'. Is this why I get frustrated when I see incredibly talented horse people continually conducting clinics to people who just don't 'get it', and never will.. And the poor horse suffers as the owners try endlessly to 'get it right', whilst turning their horse into a quivering wreck???

Thanks.

Christina

There is a lot of truth in that and I agree with you. Particularly with NH. I have always said that. The system is wonderful but the Horse can learn it much faster than the Human. That triggers the problem you speak of. Because we are at the bottom of the page, here most won't read, let me let you in on the reason why the Horse in the Centre Round Pen at Equitana, kept rearing over backwards or over the top rails. It was simply because the Handler did not understand that you cannot use NH on a Breaker for the young Horse just thought that he was trying to hit him in the head, The Breaker does not understand what 'floating the rope' is or means, they certainly don't understand what spinning the end of a rope means, they don't understand what focus to the left means or indeed any of the zones. Hence the Train Wreck. Well done.

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