Positive reinforcement can encourage the wrong things
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.
Horses can be wonderful teachers: particularly those that shatter your convictions
Even though Rain Man was potentially one of the most dangerous horses we’d encountered, there was something about this comical kid that stole our hearts.
Starting under saddle with alpha fillies is always interesting: Part 3 and the last of a series
The day I entered the paddock without a cookie and was greeted with charging, teeth bared, kicking and striking is the day I decided to put her into training much earlier than planned. I like to give young horses a week or so to acclimate to the new surroundings and routine before engaging in a serious training regimen, but she earned an early start.
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.
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 […]