Positive reinforcement can encourage the wrong things

young horse training needs different approaches

Horses are being discarded these days in growing numbers. It’s sad. Many novices take on a project they’re ill-equipped to handle. Most are good-hearted and well-intentioned, but lack the ability to understand how their actions are shaping horse behavior.

Turning Challenging Horses into Willing Partners sneak peak

Turning Challenging Horses into Willing Partners due for public release in 2010. Discounted bulk pre-publication orders now being taken.     Chapter Eight Sometimes they’re just plain crazy On occasion, you really do find yourself burdened with a nut. While preliminary bad breaking definitely exacerbates problems, when you strip it all down and finally get […]

Encouraging a timid equine

Sneak peak excerpt from Chapter Six of Turning Challenging Horses into Willing Partners (due for release in winter, 2010). Timid horses are very different than those that have been conditioned to be scared. Usually, they’ve been rushed and overwhelmed. Consequently, a timid horse is generally insecure about surroundings and new experiences but not terrified about […]

Alphas provide the biggest challenge and greatest joy

Some of the toughest fought battles are the most rewarding. Interestingly, it seems the most determined cases, able and willing to wear you out to the point of giving up, acquiesce right about the time you’re ready to walk away. These are almost always Alphas and will make you earn their respect — with the bruises to prove it.

Preface to first Horse Sense and Cents book title

This is a sneak peak excerpt from the first title of the Horse Sense and Cents series title, Turning Challenging Horses into Willing Partners, due for public release in February, 2010. PREFACE There’s something to be said for learning from the wisdom — and mistakes — forged by others before you. The Horse Sense and […]

Fleur Bryan offers colorful Irish perspective

Excerpt from Turning Challenging Horses into Willing Partners due for release winter, 2010 Handling the crazies “I spend a lot of time bonding with any horse, but especially one that has been started badly. I’ve had some that are so messed up you can’t even catch them in the stall. I’ll stand in the corner […]

Horse Training tips from Kathy O’Neal’s down home perspective

Excerpt from Turning Challenging Horses into Willing Partners due for release winter, 2010 Defusing fear: Kathy notes she’s been trying to “engage horses’ brains more lately” by doing something as simple as walking over poles, or by rubbing them with a sack full of noisy items. “This makes horses think twice about running when they […]