Many horse trainers make lots of money selling all sorts of gadgets and widgets. You can buy ‘special’ lasso ropes to catch your horse and ‘special’ halters to make him ‘respect’ you. There are the ‘special’ sticks with magic powers, all sorts of bridles to… Read More »It’s Between You and Your Horse
Every horse person puts human values onto horses in some way, shape or form. We think some horses are better than others and some are prettier than others. We become attached to our horses and then we think that they love us back. We think… Read More »Don’t Put Human Values Onto Horses
Horsemanship is a word that’s heard a lot these days. It conjures images of immaculate horses competing at the highest level and of ‘important’ horse trainers with cowboy boots, lassoes, chaps and spurs. Sorry to disillusion everyone but horsemanship isn’t reserved for a chosen few.… Read More »Horsemanship
I’ve seen many of the big name trainers working with horses and I don’t agree with much of what they do or what they say. I don’t agree with harassing horses with ropes and flags or letting horses buck with the saddle or roping their… Read More »The Horse’s Way or The Highway
NEIL’S HORSE TRAINING HISTORY By Christine Davies I’ve known Neil since he was twenty and shared his love of horses for all those years. While I rode my nicely trained (by Neil) horse five or six days each week, Neil rode at least eight or… Read More »Neil’s Horse Training History
Here, in no particular order, are a few home truths about horses: 1. It’s always good to ‘pet’ your horse at the appropriate time. Every horse will soon learn to enjoy having his head rubbed. Being nice to your horse doesn’t mean that he’s allowed… Read More »Horse Training Home Truths
Following are some of the remarks people invariably make when they watch me work start a horse under saddle. “That horse is quiet. What happens when you get a wild one?” “I’ve got a colt at home you couldn’t handle like that.” “The youngsters by… Read More »Starting a Horse Under Saddle
Your attitude and how you think about horses, is the most important part of horse training. Your ability to handle horses isn’t worth a dime if your underlying thinking is flawed. Here are a few examples: 1. If you think your horse is being bad… Read More »It’s What You Think That Matters
Horses have been part of my life since the day I was born. My father and grandfather worked with cattle and horses all their lives and I, in turn, grew up working with cattle and horses. In my late teens, I started competing in campdrafts.… Read More »Horse Experience
Here are some old wives’ tales from the horse world. I’ve heard them over and over, all my life. 1. One white foot, buy him. Two white feet, try him. Three white feet, be on the sly. Four white feet, pass him by. The best… Read More »Old Wives Tales from the Horse World