Problem Solving

Lately I've been offering lessons on horsemanship/problem solving, helping folks figure out and get partnered with their horses. Troubleshooting those areas where people run into sticky spots with their beloved equine partners. I have to say I see a reoccurring theme here. Horses are underused, underutilized and underestimated in this society. They are over fed, over pampered and over priced. The horse industry is selling a bullshit fairy tale and eager folks just wanting to be good horseman are buying into it hook, line and sinker!

You see, in my world, not all horses who buck get an immediate body work session...some get a severe talking to.     

In my world, I make first rides (and seconds and thirds) in halters, after that my ponies wear bridles. As my horses level up, so do their bits. As they approach 'finished,' they become more responsive and automatic, it is then, and only then, that they will find themselves back in a halter.     

In my world I don't get a horse's teeth floated, or take him to the vet, or increase his supplements or assume he has ulcers, or buy a spanky new saddle, everytime he pins his ears at my cues or runs away when I try to catch him. Sometimes I realize that he is being bored to tears with ground work, circle loping, endless desensitizing and constant framing and bridle collection.     I notice these days that everytime a horse acts out his connections are looking for an outside fix for his behavior. They look to the vet, or the chiropractor or the resident horse whisperer. I am here to tell you this; everytime a horse acts out, I have learned to look to the rider first. The problem usually starts and ends there...not always, but usually.      In my world, there are no fairy tale fixes, there is just hard work and the willingness to do what needs doing, even if it's challenging.  Sooner or later you got to saddle up, bridle up and step up.

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You can edit all of this text and replace it with anything you have to say on your blog. You can also change the title listed above and add new blog articles as well.
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This is a generic blog article you can use for adding blog content / subjects on your website.
You can edit all of this text and replace it with anything you have to say on your blog. You can also change the title listed above and add new blog articles as well.

Edit your Blog articles from the Pages tab by clicking the edit button.