I have a horse that was severely beaten. She was truly scared of every move a human makes. I’d rather have a wild horse to train seriously… but I took her on and now she’s MUCH better and a fantastic ride. Your desensitization comment is absolutely true but in this instance any of that would have really set her back. Now I am building confidence through correct handling and kind consistent handling. And she’s really come around because she knows what to expect now. Before, it was strongly evident that she never knew when punishment would come down on her and if she made a “ mistake “ WOW the anticipation of punishment was definitely there. She’s learning that the leader can be reasonable and not every human goes overboard and ballistic when handling her.
My stallion is one who needs a leader. I have never known him be scared but in the early days he would act like it because my leadership wasnt quite what he was used to coming from a bachelor herd of older stallions! I figured it out and stepped up. He was impressed and has shown no fear since. My gelding was scared of everything at first. I took things slow and gradually desensitised him to everything but my signals. Once the fear had gone all he needed was my signals to feel safe. He actually challenges my stallions leadership all the time in the field they share happily. He rarely challenges mine. I think he finds the stallion inconsistent because he can have different moods because of his hormones. Apparently i dont have hormones or moods. I am a wiley old mare and I just lead. Ironically it is the stallion lacking in leadership skills himself that taught me how to do this! Horses can teach us so much if we are ready to learn.
Thanks for the Wednesday wisdom. I have learned so much from your videos about leadership and looking for signals (especially from the ears). Following your advise has done wonders for my horse. Thank you, Gail, Tabor City NC.
I have a horse that was severely beaten. She was truly scared of every move a human makes. I’d rather have a wild horse to train seriously… but I took her on and now she’s MUCH better and a fantastic ride. Your desensitization comment is absolutely true but in this instance any of that would have really set her back. Now I am building confidence through correct handling and kind consistent handling. And she’s really come around because she knows what to expect now. Before, it was strongly evident that she never knew when punishment would come down on her and if she made a “ mistake “ WOW the anticipation of punishment was definitely there. She’s learning that the leader can be reasonable and not every human goes overboard and ballistic when handling her.
26 June 2024
I'm looking forward to watching you and Rooster.
Well said Tim. Thank you Tim & Melinda for video..😃😇
Your training system makes so much sense. Anything that keeps the horse and rider calm for a show is so valuable.
Always such practical wisdom thank you for sharing
My stallion is one who needs a leader. I have never known him be scared but in the early days he would act like it because my leadership wasnt quite what he was used to coming from a bachelor herd of older stallions! I figured it out and stepped up. He was impressed and has shown no fear since. My gelding was scared of everything at first. I took things slow and gradually desensitised him to everything but my signals. Once the fear had gone all he needed was my signals to feel safe. He actually challenges my stallions leadership all the time in the field they share happily. He rarely challenges mine. I think he finds the stallion inconsistent because he can have different moods because of his hormones. Apparently i dont have hormones or moods. I am a wiley old mare and I just lead. Ironically it is the stallion lacking in leadership skills himself that taught me how to do this! Horses can teach us so much if we are ready to learn.
Red Rooster: I’m guessing the owner is a Rolling Stones fan! 😅
Thanks for the Wednesday wisdom. I have learned so much from your videos about leadership and looking for signals (especially from the ears). Following your advise has done wonders for my horse. Thank you, Gail, Tabor City NC.