Forums

[Real time]

That is such good advice Yexele - as soon as the horse makes one move in the right direction, release pressure to let the horse know he's done the right thing. So many people try to do too much too fast. It can make a horse more fearful than he was in the first place. If the horse is afraid of gravel, for example, release pressure after one step towards the gravel. The experts say to wait at least 3 seconds before asking for anything else (longer would probably be better depending on how nervous the horse is). After each step, give them a short break. Once you've made some significant progress, go do something easier for a few minutes and then come back to the gravel. It is difficult to rationalize when adrenaline is flowing through the blood stream!

[Yexele]

FYI to anyone The Bill Richey despooking clinics on Feb 18-19 and 25-26 are almost full so if your thinking about joining you should think faster LOL. Also just to let people know on Feb 25 durring the lunch break we are having an equine nutritionist give a full digestive nutrient mini clinic durring the lunch break. Hope to see Cassi and joan in feb?

[Joan Deutsch]

Mike rode Cody today and had his hands full with a spooky horse. He hadn't been on the trails for a week and there was a lot going on in the park. Here Mike is doing a one-rein stop to untrack Cody's hindquarters to release tension. It helped tremendously, although he had to do this exercise several times on the way home. Does anyone else rely on untracking the hindquarters when a horse gets wound up?

[Real time]

My main gelding has been wound up for the better part of the last week. His body knows spring is on its way, and the grass is already starting to grow back in after being dormant for the last four months or so. My gelding has such a massively think and strong neck that it is impossible to do a one rein stop with him. When he's had enough of being pulled on he loves to spin as a way to knock the rider off balance. I do a lot of disengaging his hindquarters when he's wound up to get him to listen. He's very, very sensitive to pressure and usually responds to leg commands readily. Normally he's not much of a problem, but a few times a year he gets ants in his pants. I LOVE him to death though. Happy new year to my 16 hand baby!

[Joan Deutsch]

Real time, How's your gelding doing now that spring is officially here?

[Joan Deutsch]

As trainer Juliane Hanley continues to work with our horses, I'm finally realizing the value of transitions in quieting a spooky horse by getting his attention focused on the rider. Juliane has been doing tons of walk-trot transitions with Grace and that seems to have solved much of her cranky attitude about trotting. Inside of being mad about trotting, she seems focused on Juliane, waiting for the next command. Same thing with spooky Joe. Juliane keeps him very busy with transitions. She's also working on transitions within each gait, so varying the speeds. I always thought of transitions as just working on gaits. Now I realize they're a good way to give a horse a job and keep him busy.

Grace is confused as Juliane tries something new -- varying the speed at the trot. Grace was expecting walk-trot transitions. But she's getting the hang of it.

[horsepeople2001]

clinic in May is booked still some openings for August clinics


Filling really quickly, see what everyone is raving about. Great fun and learning experience. Find out how to read your horse, what makes your horse do what he does and if you don't like what he is doing how to fix it. We started these clinics in Nov. 2011 and everyone has booked solid. Reserve your space with Bill Richey founder of Police Horse training before its too late. A $100.00 deposit holds your spot, with the balance not due until the day of the clinic.

Bill Richey founder National Mounted Police Services Inc. Horse Clinic

Help Protect yourself and horse while riding from unexpected spookes ie, Runners, dogwalkers, Bikers, traffic, garbage on fences or unexpected noises and much more. The more education you have and the more training your horse has will dramatically reduce the risk of spooking, injuries, and harm to others. By training in a highly controled safe environment risk is highly reduced. With hundreds of people and horses having gone through the course successfully with out incident you and your horse can gain needed confidence.

Butler Hill Equestrian Center is pleased to announce two 2 day Horse Despooking and confidence courses being offered to the public May 5th and 6th. These are P.O.S.T. certified for any law enforcement as well and instructed by Bill Richey, Founder and Director of National Mounted Police Services.

We have space for 15 people in each of the clinics $250.00 per rider, $100.00 deposit limited refunds, First come first serve.

We also have unlimited spots for auditors (observers) at $25.00 per person per day

We are Located in Burlington Washington ,1.5 miles north from the I-5 Cook Street Exit 232

For those traveling to we have camper space for $20.00 a night (no electrical or sewer hookup but shower and restroom access)

We also have stabling available for $25.00 per night call for feeding requirements if needed

www.mountedpolice.org/home.php

If you have any further questions and for booking and reservations please contact me via email or Call Patrick 360-990-2572

[Joan Deutsch]

Since we haven't been running across any bikes on the trail, Mike agreed to ride his so Juliane could work with Joe and his fear of bikes. They had two good rides last weekend working on passing each other. Juliane found if she didn't look at the bike, Joe seemed less spooky. The one time she looked at Mike and the bike, Joe stopped in this tracks.

[horsepeople2001]

Since we haven't been running across any bikes on the trail, Mike agreed to ride his so Juliane could work with Joe and his fear of bikes. They had two good rides last weekend working on passing each other. Juliane found if she didn't look at the bike, Joe seemed less spooky. The one time she looked at Mike and the bike, Joe stopped in this tracks.

this goes to show that the rider has a ton of influence on a horse. If you anticipate the horse to spook they will period even if you try not to expect it they can feel your true feelings and you can't hide those. my mare gets me around pony's I am not afraid of pony's but for some reason she feels I am and I really have to force myself to ignore the pony before she will pass one. the funny part is she lives with a mini donkey and has no fear on her own. So this leads me to believe it is me all the way.

[Joan Deutsch]

Mike went out on his bike again today while I rode Joe and Juliane was on Cody. We stopped at the equestrian lot and practiced with Mike going in and out of the porta potty so the horses would get used to the idea of a person coming out of the box.