Planning for horse care before you can’t be there
When you own a farm or are the primary care taker at a horse facility, one of the toughest things to do is to leave. I’m not talking selling the place, I’m talking a vacation or even a celebration day or two with family. Unless you have reliable staff that’s supporting day-to-day operations, finding someone […]
Horses can surprise you with how they react to moving
It’s been interesting to witness how Remi (my canine mutt) has (or hasn’t) handled a temporary move to the suburbs. While I’m not a proponent of applying dog training techniques to horses, I did find some curious reactions from her that reminded me of odd horse behavior I’ve witness. Remi’s spent her life (from 11 […]
Introducing a new horse to the herd
I was working in the vegetable garden when the sound of pounding hoofs caught my attention from more than a half mile away. The sight was horrifying. Cowboy, neck out-stretched, teeth bared and hoofs chasing at 30 mph went into an attack-mode frenzy
Alpha horses make you laugh when you reach them
Alpha mares, fillies and the occasional gelding can present some interesting challenges where training and handling are concerned. They also become some of the most loyal high achievers you’ll ever encounter if you learn how to reach them. All seem to have heart beyond the norm, smarts and a willfulness about them that will test your fortitude.
Natural Horsemanship should be happy for humans and horses
There’s a whole lot of buzz – and controversy – going on right now about current popular horse training precepts. While much of the criticism is centered on one business entity . . . the hubbub isn’t the result of a single method (or individual). There has been a festering groundswell of distaste for messages that are being put out there that stop considering the horse (and the novices trying to establish an understanding and bond) and, instead, are designed to drive maximum traffic to products or services for sale.
15 Quick Tips for horse pasture management
Cull horses into smaller areas and rotate frequently. Schedule a rotation management program that gives pastures enough time to regenerate (depends on area, time of year, number of horses, water, etc.). Mow pastures after moving horses off an area or follow them with livestock (such as cows) that can help manage parasite issues and/or eat […]
Whisper, shout or click – is your system hearing the horse?
Getting a horse to do what you want is usually a pretty easy task. Most horses succumb to treats, threats, routine or demands if they understand your message. Still, there’s a difference between compliance and engagement.
Twelve quick tips for safer horse boarding
If you’re used to taking care of your own horse, it can be a challenge to place his care in the hands of another. Leaving a horse at a remote facility can be even tougher. Sometimes you don’t have a choice. Others view boarding as a standard feature of horse ownership and assume the owners […]
Turning Challening Horses into Willing Partners sneak peak book excerpt
Sneak Peak excerpt from Turning Challenging Horses into Willing Partners. Due for public release in 2010. Horse Sense for sour equines • Rule out physical issues that may be causing pain and the horse’s associated frustration in his failure to communicate. • Do not continue to push a sore horse, or you will only make […]
Sour horse approaches
Chapter Seven Turning a sour mount There are a number of circumstances that can make a mount sour. One who has been drilled too hard in the arena and given little opportunity to relax in different surroundings can often be transformed by backing off of the flatwork and jumping. Simply choosing a varied routine that […]