Training is Like a Box of Chocolates…
One of the best lessons I know about training horses I learned from a puppy back when I was nineteen.
Positive training
Horse Agility and Calming Signals.
The goal in Horse Agility is sweet partnership, in a relaxed/forward sort of way, with the horse doing the work and the handler quietly asking. Sounds like dressage to me: Ground Dressage.
It’s a Riding Lesson- What Could Possibly Go Wrong?
It starts innocently enough, just like every other thing that happens around horses. A rider might have a problem with their horse, or maybe a goal. It sounds innocent enough. Then there’s the horse, maybe he’s confused or maybe he’s bored. No blame, no fault. He’s being honest and if you don’t like what he … Read more
Do You Ride Like Your Mother?
“Oh, Honey. You aren’t going to wear that, are you? Could you put some lipstick on, you are so much prettier when you smile.”
The As-If Rule.
“That horse has been beat!” is her opinion. Sometimes you can look at a horse and just tell.
Humor Deficit Disorder: Serious Riders and Stoic Horses.
“Seriously, you are no fun at all. I hate to say it, you’re my human, but really, lighten up!” Humor Deficit Disorder: It’s time someone brings this condition out of the closet. Seriousness might be the biggest obstacle in getting a good ride. Ever had that feeling that the harder you try, the worse it … Read more
What Llamas Teach about Horse Training.
Llamas are brave and curious. Mine hike with packs, do llama agility, and Sebastian was a ring bearer in a wedding. (At the reception he confused the Mother-of-the-Bride’s corsage for an hors d’oeuvre. It was an easy mistake to make.)