Horses and Equipment

[masterrig 1]

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No, no! I wasn't saying Anderson uses 2x4's or any of the other trainers. I was making reference to some 'arcaic' methods used in the past by folks who only understood brute force to get a horse 'submissive'. The 'old' thinking was to break the horse's 'spirit'.
It's a real joy, to see the results of using Monty's methods, or Cameron's. I've seen some amazing results with my own horse, using their methods.

oops!my mistake.I misread what you wrote.

Know what you mean about the old ways of breaking a horse's spirit.Its stupid.If you work nicely,comfortably and equally with the horse they will want to do what you ask them to.Never beat an animal in training..it completely negates all that you're trying to teach.Just like with a child..if you yell at them they arent going to listen to you.Whats the saying...The louder the voice the less someone listens?

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You're so right. It's like Monty Roberts says; "Adreniline, up... learning, down!"


Chuck

[SkydiveStMarys 0]

"I want to compete in *something"

Why not look into Cutting? It is a heck of alot of fun and the horse does most of the work.


Bobbi

A miracle is not defined by an event. A miracle is defined by gratitude.

[SkydiveStMarys 0]

And always end a session on a positive note for BOTh horse and rider!!


Bobbi

A miracle is not defined by an event. A miracle is defined by gratitude.

[masterrig 1]

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And always end a session on a positive note for BOTh horse and rider!!


Bobbi

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Yup! I've learned how to get my horse to do things I want him to do by letting it be 'his' idea.
When I first got the horse I have now, I made the stupid mistake of 'loaning' him to a calf roper. It didn't take me long to realize, I had made a big mistake. It took me about a year to un-do what he had done. I had been 'talked-into' believing it would 'be good for him'. Now, I'm the only one who he'll let ride him. We've been through a lot together and we have a 'bond'.


Chuck

[mnealtx 0]

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This is a great thread for me too! I've been taking riding lessons for about a year now. I just had a birthday and my training horse is also now for sale. Go figure... looks like I'll be a new horse owner.

I'm also thinking about gear. Right now I'm riding on a western "Tucker" trail saddle. It's like sitting in a Cadillac. Luckily, my barn is very generous about gear and everyone lets everyone try their saddles for fit, comfort, etc.

I want to compete in *something* and this horse has spent many years doing trails. He's new to the arena, kinda hates it, but tolerates it if we keep moving. I was thinking about pole bending, and something called "extreme cowboy" with the "cowboy wall" and stuff. Anyone have any thoughts on those disciplines?

Also - what is a good western horse mag to get?

Pole Bending - can you work your horse at a gallop? How are your leg aids? Are you comfortable with sharp changes in direction and speed, and can you maintain light contact with the horses' mouth at speed?

If you can answer "yes", "good", "yes" and "yes", then you can conceivably run speed events. *NOTE* Being able to run your horse does NOT mean it's ready for speed events... it can literally take months of practice to be able to cleanly run a pattern in a competitive time.

I suggest find some local playdays and watching a few of them to get an idea of what is involved... then ask around about training.

Western Horseman and Horse and Rider are both very good magazines...

Mike
I love you, Shannon and Jim.
POPS 9708 , SCR 14706

[SkydiveStMarys 0]

Your post makes me think even harder about how someone can lease a horse. Whether is be the leasee or leasor. That bond HAS to be there and then to give it up or wonder even more if my horse is "ok"??! I just don't see how someone can do it.


Note to all...not saying it is a bad thing for YOU, but personally I wouldn't/couldn't do it!

Bobbi

A miracle is not defined by an event. A miracle is defined by gratitude.

[SkydiveStMarys 0]

"Pole Bending - can you work your horse at a gallop?"


This event ROCKS too! I love doing this!!!!!! BUT, the horse has to love it too! Which mine did.


Bobbi

A miracle is not defined by an event. A miracle is defined by gratitude.

[mnealtx 0]

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Just don't try to make-up for an ill fitting saddle with pads.

AMEN!!! It makes the horses back sore (believe it or not) and it makes YOU uncomfortable because the saddle isn't stable.

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Oh! Keep those hooves clean. Work with picking-up his hooves and messing with his hooves. It is NOT the Farrier or Blacksmith's job to allow his hooves to be worked with. That's the owner's job to 'prepare' the horse for the Farrier or Blacksmith.

DOUBLE AMEN!!! *coming from a former blacksmith/farrier apprentice*

Want to pay $20 extra a trimming/shoeing... or not be able to get it done at all? Have a "leaner" or a horse that fights/bites the farrier...


Chuck

[mnealtx 0]

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And always end a session on a positive note for BOTh horse and rider!!


Bobbi

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Yup! I've learned how to get my horse to do things I want him to do by letting it be 'his' idea.
When I first got the horse I have now, I made the stupid mistake of 'loaning' him to a calf roper. It didn't take me long to realize, I had made a big mistake. It took me about a year to un-do what he had done. I had been 'talked-into' believing it would 'be good for him'. Now, I'm the only one who he'll let ride him. We've been through a lot together and we have a 'bond'.


Chuck

Yeah, but once you have that bond and you learn each others' signals...it looke like you're riding by telepathy, because casual watchers can't see your signals...

Mike
I love you, Shannon and Jim.
POPS 9708 , SCR 14706

[SkydiveStMarys 0]

Every time you groom your horse, which should be once if not twice (after riding) daily, you should be cleaning their hooves. Frogs and all!!



Bobbi

A miracle is not defined by an event. A miracle is defined by gratitude.

[masterrig 1]

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Your post makes me think even harder about how someone can lease a horse. Whether is be the leasee or leasor. That bond HAS to be there and then to give it up or wonder even more if my horse is "ok"??! I just don't see how someone can do it.


Note to all...not saying it is a bad thing for YOU, but personally I wouldn't/couldn't do it!

Bobbi

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I'm in total agreement with you, on this one!


Chuck

[mnealtx 0]

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Your post makes me think even harder about how someone can lease a horse. Whether is be the leasee or leasor. That bond HAS to be there and then to give it up or wonder even more if my horse is "ok"??! I just don't see how someone can do it.


Note to all...not saying it is a bad thing for YOU, but personally I wouldn't/couldn't do it!

Bobbi

Agreed....but, just like some riders can ride ANY horse... some horses will respond well to ANY rider... depends on the personality of the horse.

Mike
I love you, Shannon and Jim.
POPS 9708 , SCR 14706

[masterrig 1]

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Just don't try to make-up for an ill fitting saddle with pads.

AMEN!!! It makes the horses back sore (believe it or not) and it makes YOU uncomfortable because the saddle isn't stable.

Quote

Oh! Keep those hooves clean. Work with picking-up his hooves and messing with his hooves. It is NOT the Farrier or Blacksmith's job to allow his hooves to be worked with. That's the owner's job to 'prepare' the horse for the Farrier or Blacksmith.

DOUBLE AMEN!!! *coming from a former blacksmith/farrier apprentice*

Want to pay $20 extra a trimming/shoeing... or not be able to get it done at all? Have a "leaner" or a horse that fights/bites the farrier...


Chuck

[SkydiveStMarys 0]

What?? You didn't agree with me before?? Do I need to kick your butt??!!





J/T

Love ya Chuck!!

Bobbi

A miracle is not defined by an event. A miracle is defined by gratitude.

[masterrig 1]

Quote

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And always end a session on a positive note for BOTh horse and rider!!


Bobbi

_________________________________

Yup! I've learned how to get my horse to do things I want him to do by letting it be 'his' idea.
When I first got the horse I have now, I made the stupid mistake of 'loaning' him to a calf roper. It didn't take me long to realize, I had made a big mistake. It took me about a year to un-do what he had done. I had been 'talked-into' believing it would 'be good for him'. Now, I'm the only one who he'll let ride him. We've been through a lot together and we have a 'bond'.


Chuck

Yeah, but once you have that bond and you learn each others' signals...it looke like you're riding by telepathy, because casual watchers can't see your signals...

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Yup! That's a good point. The rider, is like a telegraph key. Whatever the rider is feeling... the horse will feel. I was told to just relax and "Ride him like a sack o' shit!" It works! The rider, gets all nervous and excited... that's how the horse will get.


Chuck

[masterrig 1]

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What?? You didn't agree with me before?? Do I need to kick your butt??!!





J/T

Love ya Chuck!!

Bobbi

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I don't guess, we'll agree on 'everything' but, I agree with you on a whole lot of what you've said.
I'm doin' my best to avoid your kickin' my butt!

Love ya' too!!!

[mnealtx 0]

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Just don't try to make-up for an ill fitting saddle with pads.

AMEN!!! It makes the horses back sore (believe it or not) and it makes YOU uncomfortable because the saddle isn't stable.

Quote

Oh! Keep those hooves clean. Work with picking-up his hooves and messing with his hooves. It is NOT the Farrier or Blacksmith's job to allow his hooves to be worked with. That's the owner's job to 'prepare' the horse for the Farrier or Blacksmith.

DOUBLE AMEN!!! *coming from a former blacksmith/farrier apprentice*

Want to pay $20 extra a trimming/shoeing... or not be able to get it done at all? Have a "leaner" or a horse that fights/bites the farrier...


Chuck

It's really interesting, getting a Farrier or Blacksmith to 'get talking' about his 'peeves' in regard to horse owners who don't 'prepare' their horse before the Farrier works on him.


Chuck

[masterrig 1]

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Just don't try to make-up for an ill fitting saddle with pads.

AMEN!!! It makes the horses back sore (believe it or not) and it makes YOU uncomfortable because the saddle isn't stable.

Quote

Oh! Keep those hooves clean. Work with picking-up his hooves and messing with his hooves. It is NOT the Farrier or Blacksmith's job to allow his hooves to be worked with. That's the owner's job to 'prepare' the horse for the Farrier or Blacksmith.

DOUBLE AMEN!!! *coming from a former blacksmith/farrier apprentice*

Want to pay $20 extra a trimming/shoeing... or not be able to get it done at all? Have a "leaner" or a horse that fights/bites the farrier...


Chuck

It's really interesting, getting a Farrier or Blacksmith to 'get talking' about his 'peeves' in regard to horse owners who don't 'prepare' their horse before the Farrier works on him.


Chuck

Yup... I'd actually rather trim up a biter than a leaner... I can *watch* his head out of the corner of my eye... but there's no way to get away from 1200 lbs leaning into your hip...and, to be honest, when I ran into a biter, I'd tell the owner that the next time I came out, it was $20 a nip!!

[Katzeye 0]

Do you mean this Horse and Rider magazine?

Thanks for the pole bending advice. I'm not real sure what he's going to be up for. We're still working on basics with each other. I just want something to work *towards*, y'know?!

Is a chicken omelette redundant?

[mnealtx 0]

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Yup... I'd actually rather trim up a biter than a leaner... I can *watch* his head out of the corner of my eye... but there's no way to get away from 1200 lbs leaning into your hip...and, to be honest, when I ran into a biter, I'd tell the owner that the next time I came out, it was $20 a nip!!

Hell yeah! Hit 'em in the wallet. Maybe, they'll work on that nipping problem. Laugh


Chuck

Yup... worked a treat... made me $60 extra a couple times when the owner didn't take me serious, too... of course, the fact that the farrier was right there agreeing with me (I was an apprentice only) didn't hurt any!!

Mike
I love you, Shannon and Jim.
POPS 9708 , SCR 14706

[SkydiveStMarys 0]

See I always stood in front of my horse (held onto his halter) when the farrier was doing his thing. Joe didn't mind it, but it was just an "assurance" thing for him, me, and the farrier.

Though I believe that if Joe did try anything my farrier was so salty that he would bite the horse back!!! Nothing like a great farrier (one that knows what the fuck he is doin!)! Can save ya huge amounts of money when they have seen and done everything when it comes to horses!!

Bobbi

A miracle is not defined by an event. A miracle is defined by gratitude.

[micro 0]

keep it comin y'all!!! i'm lovin this. just lovin' it.

learnin so much from the pearls you're castin out.

here's a question... my horse barn is maybe 26' x 30 or so... inside it's got a concrete slab that's 10' wide by 30' long... the rest is dirt. right now it's totally open inside. no stalls, no walls, etc.

i'm assuming the concrete slab would be for a cleaning area/vet/shoeing area, tack room, feed storage, etc. and the dirt area would be for stalls etc... do any of you have horses in a barn w/o stalls? right now we're only thinking of getting two horses, and I wonder about having just one long wall that would seperate the horses from the tack room, feed, etc. if the horses "get along" is there really any need to seperate them into seperate stalls?

to have them together would save some $$ in construction. lemme know if this doesn't make sense...

I miss Lee.
And JP.
And Chris. And...

[mnealtx 0]

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I've tried this and... it works! When the horse goes to nip... tap his shin with the side of your boot. He'll equate that, when he nips, his shin is gonna hurt.

I've had to do that before... learned to keep an extra rasp stuck in a back pocket too... they go in to bite and give themself a shave!!

Mike
I love you, Shannon and Jim.
POPS 9708 , SCR 14706

[mnealtx 0]

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Do you mean this Horse and Rider magazine?

Thanks for the pole bending advice. I'm not real sure what he's going to be up for. We're still working on basics with each other. I just want something to work *towards*, y'know?!

This is the one that I'm used to... I couldn't open the site for the UK one, so I don't know if it's the same or not.

Here is a good site, too.

John Lyons - strongly recommend his videos and training.

Pat Parelli is another fantastic no-stress trainer.

Mike
I love you, Shannon and Jim.
POPS 9708 , SCR 14706

[SkydiveStMarys 0]

You need stalls. Stalls keep them contained so they can't get into mayhem (think thunder storm, fire...horses can kick a barn door open). Stalls need to be a good size but not so big that they can climb out...yep seen a horse do this too.They like to feel safe and stalls do this. It also inssures that each are the proper amount of feed and one isn't eatting the others meal amoung other things....you need stalls. If a horse gets it into his/her brain that she wants out of the barn, like as in yesterday, he/she will GET out of the barn (just try stopping a 1200 lb animal), stalls make it a little harder to do that. Nothing worse then a horse running a muck on a neighbors yard or on the highway.

Bobbi

A miracle is not defined by an event. A miracle is defined by gratitude.