THOUGHTS ON TRAINING...

The first question I usually ask owners of horses I work with is to define "complete control" of a horse. When I ask this question, I usually get a bewildered look, then the look changes to "OK, she really is nuts!", and then the answer is usually "I'll get back to you".

I nod, and say "OK". Sometimes they get back with me, sometimes they don't.

Complete control of horses has little to do with body control. Oh, sure, we can make their bodies do whatever we want most of the time. BUT, are they doing it willingly, or are they doing what we ask because we are making them?

Food for thought:  "Complete control" of the mind far outweighs "complete control" of the body.  If you control the mind, the body will follow...for us and our horse.

As we get older (me included), we start thinking about all the responsibilities we have - mortgage, car, etc.  Who among us really have the time, or money, to get hurt?

So, my questions to you are:  Wouldn't it be really nice to own a 'good' horse?  A horse who cooperates? A horse who, given his druthers, would rather be with you than with his equine pasture mates?  A horse, who, when you need that little extra time to get on will stand there and patiently wait for you?

Is your horse THAT horse?  If your answer is "no!", then let's teach him how to be!