Whenever you work with an unhandled horse or foal, the first thing you must do is get a rope around his neck. Without a rope, the horse can run away at any time. And the more frightened the horse is, the more he’ll run. Some horses will run to the point of exhaustion rather than … Read more
Next time you see a horse being chased in a round pen, please ask yourself: What’s the answer for the horse and how can he get out of being chased? What does the trainer actually want the horse to do? If the trainer wants the horse to face him or follow him, why not show … Read more
Imagine putting your beloved pet dog on a long lead and chasing him round and round with a flag on a stick. Imagine chasing your dog away from you every time he tries to come to you. Imagine flapping a tarp or flag at your dog until the only thing left for him to do … Read more
Q: “I have a former racehorse who is very unhappy about having his ears touched around the base especially, which makes it quite hard to bridle him. For example, to arrange his forelock and mane around his headpiece, and also to get rid of sweat from the area. Can you please give me some advice … Read more
Q: Hello there. I am fairly new to horses, and I’d like to know your trainers’ opinions about the practice I’ve seen of people ‘desensitising’ horses by doing what looks to me like chasing them around a big yard with a plastic bag on a stick. What are they trying to achieve? Dan, via email Good … Read more
People often say, ‘Never say never when it comes to horse training.’ ‘Oh but,’ they say, ‘If you’re having problems, maybe you’ll need to resort to other techniques.’ I beg to disagree. No matter how much trouble you’re having with a horse, here are some things that are NEVER EVER okay to do. It’s never … Read more
My recent visit to the US made me realise how ingrained bad training ideas have become. Unfortunately, so many of these beliefs are accepted far and wide. Ideas like you must become your horse’s leader and you must gain his respect have been marketed for the last thirty years. Thinking like this leads to many … Read more
I’ve seen many 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 them buck with the saddle, or chasing them until they’re distressed. Every week I get emails from people whose horse … Read more
