I often see debates about the frame and movement of the horse. Do you allow the horse a longer frame, in order to develop certain areas? Or is allowing that longer frame risking the future of collection? Is putting the horse “on the shoulders” automatically damaging? Or is there a purpose to be served, even if … More Two Equilibria
My veterinarian, an accomplished horsewoman in her own right, is a very pragmatic person. She always opts for the simplest answer, especially if it minimizes cost for the owner and suffering for the horse. If a problem can be resolved through time, simple measures, or basic ingredients, why pay for expensive and extensive diagnostics? Most things … More “It can’t hurt, and it might help!”
I worked with a lovely horse today. She was a large bay mare with soft eyes and a relaxed manner. She moved around me deftly, always keeping an ear turned in my direction, watching my movements and waiting for the next cue. It was a pleasure to watch her shifting balance as I asked for transitions or … More Whose horse is that?
A wise old horseman once told me that geldings settled at seven years of age, and mares at eleven (stallions were not mentioned). I always accepted this as just a general comment that geldings settled sooner than mares, not really thinking those actual ages were serious. However, after the events of this week, perhaps it’s … More Transformation or just transitory?
At the recent ground work conference I attended, there were two demonstration handlers who were said to be professional trainers. From the first moments, when they were awaiting their demo, there was an aggressiveness to their handling of the horses that bothered me. In most cases, they were handling horses that did not belong to … More Social Politeness
Not long ago, a Facebook friend posted a challenge to describe your day in just one word. Most of the responses were, sadly, somewhat predictable in our modern age: things like “Stressful”, “Frustrating”, and “Depressing”. There have been many points, in the past couple of years, when my response might have been the same. But, … More Progress!
Horse Crazy Once Again 