Rethinking the Use of Pressure in Horse Training
For the first time, Journey backed with impulsion and perfect form yesterday. Woo-hoo! It’s hard to believe we rescued him almost three years ago because some lessons came s-l-o-w-l-y. His success yesterday was like a piece of birthday cake. (I love cake.) A moment worth savoring. It also led me to reconsider the use of […]
Pretty Doesn’t Ride
Pretty alone doesn’t ride. What what matters most in relationship isn’t seen with the eye. Pretty isn’t a reliable indicator of ability, heart, character, or trainability. Neither is a great hip, but it’s a better bet than an attractive head if you want to do most of the funner things with horses. Gallop across meadows. […]
Learning About Christian Character from a Horse
Everyone is wonderful some of the time. Few people are delightful all the time. Authentic character is expressed in hard times, not days of leisure. It’s easy to be kind and agreeable when circumstances are kind and agreeable. If you’re a student of Christian character, horses make marvelous instructors. When in doubt about genuine […]
Speed Control – How to Train Your Horse to Slow Down
Bucking and bolting are always unwanted horse behaviors. No matter the reason, it’s not pretty when your horse pitches a fit or streaks off at warp nine. Speed control is a beautiful thing. Horses have to learn it. Which means you have to teach your horse how to slow down. This article explains how to […]
5 Unbreakable Rules for Beginning Round Pen Training
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQUi5jqNUlo This 2015 video shares my first session with six-year old rescue horse, Journey. His responses were mostly normal and I expected to be riding him in a couple of weeks. But first impressions can be deceiving. Journey is the most dangerous horse I ever worked with yet became the most responsive horse it’s been […]
The Upper Hoof – Who’s Top Dog in Your Barn?
Who has the upper hoof in your barn? Are you really in control, or has your beloved horse got your number? Who models leadership, you or your horse? Don’t tell me you’ve never been totally irritated by an equine bad actor. “Why did you tear up your brand new blanket?” “How can you not know […]