I am curious as to where the folks have gone that used to provide great discussion of horse issues? Countryrider2 posed a very good question about her horse's behavior. I threw in my two cents worth, but that's far from the final word... just one man's opinion. I would like to hear more points of view. That's the only way I've ever found to figure out these critters. A year ago there was some very good discussion on this site, but there were a few members that had a bit too much ego for brea  more...

I am curious as to where the folks have gone that used to provide great discussion of horse issues? Countryrider2 posed a very good question about her horse's behavior. I threw in my two cents worth, but that's far from the final word... just one man's opinion. I would like to hear more points of view. That's the only way I've ever found to figure out these critters. A year ago there was some very good discussion on this site, but there were a few members that had a bit too much ego for breakfast and were pretty darn'd impolite to many of the respondents and the folks posing questions. I'd hope that their totally uncalled for comments didn't tarnish the desire of people to express themselves here. NO ONE has the last word on horses in this world. The greatest horsemen/women that I have shared time with are always interested in what others have to say. Ever been to a Craig Cameron clinic? He has a bucket labeled EGO at the gate where you'd better damn'd well deposit yours before entering! I'd hope that we're all in this for the horses best interests.... aren't we??? less...

Mr. Woodroe. I agree with what you have said.

The problem I have seen with people pushing their horses too far, is more in the competition rings. They often do not want to take the time to cover the basics. But than, most of them see their horses as tools to the championship...

That is where I have seen the most horses that have that "no one is home" look in their eyes.

Of course, some of those in the "back roads of the world" who have not taken the time to look a  more...

Mr. Woodroe. I agree with what you have said.

The problem I have seen with people pushing their horses too far, is more in the competition rings. They often do not want to take the time to cover the basics. But than, most of them see their horses as tools to the championship...

That is where I have seen the most horses that have that "no one is home" look in their eyes.

Of course, some of those in the "back roads of the world" who have not taken the time to look at other forms of training also can get this response. I remember doing a clinic where a young lady was explaining about their
"mule training" device that was passed down in the family. She had used it for her horse (it showed.) The purpose of the thing was to break the animals spirit. She was so proud of it...

We are lucky to have been born in a time when there is so much knowledge out there about the training of a horse and rider.

Mr. Montana. I see that the flowers are starting to grow again. Must be spring in blogland. less...

My 2 cents worth,Horses are more effectively trained with persuasive methods rather than coercive methods. Any bad habits are most likely brought on by anger and impatience and are incompatible with good horsemanship. In dealing with horses, if we allow reason to dictate our behavior, we will greatly enhance our ability to communicate with them and to understand their behavior. I believe in early training and this starts when they hit the ground, also tying up and hobbling are very good ways of   more...

My 2 cents worth,Horses are more effectively trained with persuasive methods rather than coercive methods. Any bad habits are most likely brought on by anger and impatience and are incompatible with good horsemanship. In dealing with horses, if we allow reason to dictate our behavior, we will greatly enhance our ability to communicate with them and to understand their behavior. I believe in early training and this starts when they hit the ground, also tying up and hobbling are very good ways of teaching a horse patience. People do not spend enough time in ground training and by this I don't mean endless circles in a round pen most folks just are not willing to put in hours and hours of ground training.A couple of good investments I would recommend are Horse Follow Closely a book and DVD by Gawna Pony Boy and Understanding the Ancient Secrets of the Horses mind by Robert M. Miller, DMV. These are very good sources of information. less...

Craig is VERY talented. I had the opportunity of seeing a few of his clinics in Oregon this past summer. I bought one of his books. Great horseman have a lot to share with the rest of us. I wish more people would pay attention to things he as well as other Natural Horsemanship Trainers hve to offer. I have been using some tips from Curt Pate and have been to two of his clinics. Happy trails to all.

I appreciate the input from all the experience here. I agree, sometimes ego's can get in the way, but then there are many that do offer excellent advice. I have used that advice and solved a few issues. Look for my latest inquiry. I am not ready to give up on this little horse yet. Thanks.

Nice comment Montana2007. You are right about getting many opinions as no one has the last word. I work with many behavioral issues with horses and I guess I would say it is definately more successful to have a correct answer to the problem by working with the horse to figure out the whole picture that is going on. I find a "cobweb" of things, usually, that the horse is experiencing that need to be addressed. Control is usually the biggest issue. Many horses are not really "broke&  more...

Nice comment Montana2007. You are right about getting many opinions as no one has the last word. I work with many behavioral issues with horses and I guess I would say it is definately more successful to have a correct answer to the problem by working with the horse to figure out the whole picture that is going on. I find a "cobweb" of things, usually, that the horse is experiencing that need to be addressed. Control is usually the biggest issue. Many horses are not really "broke" in reference to suppling their body and responding well to the bit (an easy training bit not harsh). Getting control of every part of the horses body independantly will give a better "base"in solving a negative behavior. It will give the rider more positive choices and communication with their horse. So, to countryrider2, I would say if her horse is supple and she has that control of each body part she can then set up the situation with another rider willing to help and when her horse kicks out at the other (of course keeping the 2nd horse out of reach of the kicking leg) she could make her horse work more by moving its hips, bending and moving shoulders, counterbending etc. to show the horse that the kicking behavior actually creates more work for him. Thank you less...