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**Note: Q&A section is closed.
Please do not send your training questions via email.**
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| Pivot
foot: I will be seeing
you this April in SC, but wanted to ask your opinion of the pivot foot in
a spin. I've observed that the pivot foot can sometimes be the
inside or outside hind. It seems to me that when a horse is using
his outside hind to pivot over, the whole picture looks good. When
I've seen the inside hind used, the horse's body appears to be
"running away" from that leg. You are always
"for" the horse so if they had their choice, which foot do you
think they would choose?
|
Ray's
Reply: The outside foot.
|
15
YO QH: In September of
1998 I purchased a 15 year old registered QH gelding from a 77 year old
cowboy who took him all over in the Cascade Mountains, to Montana in the
summer and Arizona in the winter.
I have a different plan for this horse than what he's been used to for the
past 9 years, I'd like to use him for calf penning and calf roping.
My goal is to have him respond to leg cues and be collected and relaxed.
That's where I'm having the problem now. Since I purchased him,
whenever I work him in the uncovered arena he's so uptight and tense, it's
not a very pleasant ride. I'm thinking that he's not comfortable in
the arena because he's only been ridden in open spaces, with loose reins
to help his balance climbing up and down hills. He doesn't
understand how to collect himself, nor does he understand leg pressure.
I've been working on getting him to flex his neck, doing a lot of ground
work, teaching him to respond CALMLY to leg pressure (he jumps and would
just as soon run off the moment I move my leg a fraction of an inch!),but
the moment I get on, he starts hopping around and throwing his head.
On the trail, he's much more relaxed, ears forward, interested in his
surroundings but not spooky, and his head is quite a bit lower, in what
appears to be a more natural position.
I was hoping I wouldn't have to use draw reins or a tie-down but I'm
feeling unsafe sitting on him when he's so hyper, he's very light on his
front-end. The moment I get off, he takes a big, deep breath and
lets out his tension. So my question is: how do I get him to
relax with me on and have an open mind to learn new things???
Thank you for any help you can provide!
|
Ray's
Reply: The horse has learned what he has lived, and you
aren't going to change him. He
understands leg pressure alright (he moves away from it).
He just doesn't understand how to get close to you and move with
you, and you obviously aren't presenting yourself to him in a way that he
can understand. It is like
teaching an old dog new tricks. Putting
a tie-down isn't going to help. Try
to look at the situation from his point of view.
The deep breath and relaxation when you get off at the end of the
ride says a lot.
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| Bucking:
I have a 9 yr. old gelding who, not always but sometimes will buck when
trail riding and we all lope off. He warns me by dropping and
slinging his head. He seems to be doing it in a playful way that
starts with a crow hop and can grow into a good buck if not disciplined
right away. This horse has been roped on and he's out of Sonny's Dee
Bar. He has a callous across his nose and I can't decide if it's
from a tied down or if it's a hackamore. I ride him in a full cheek
snaffle. I don't ride but maybe once a month but we go on trails in
mountains and around lakes, across logs and wooden bridges and he does all
that I ask. He's perfect in every other way. I don't want to sale
him because I'm sure I'm doing something wrong. I ride in our arena
and he seldom bucks or does anything wrong. Any time he is about to
buck I have tried several things. I've tried a one rein stop (which
is hard for me if we're loping fast). I've tried sawing the bit to
get his head up. I've tried stopping to regroup and get him going
again. Sometimes these things work and he may not buck again that
day. I don't pretend to be a great rider but I have been riding for
a lot of years and I have been to all your clinics in our town. I
never rode with my feet in the stirrups until your clinics and now I don't
seem to have as much confidence. I want to be a good horseman and do
things right and what's best for my horse. I will see you again on
Saturday at the clinic at Southern Rose but I will be to embarrassed to
ask you in front of other people. Thank you for any help you can
give me.
|
Ray's
Reply: You are on the right track, but riding once a
month is not going to have much of an impression on him, as far as
learning new behavior. I hope
I haven't been the cause of your lack of confidence.
You have the right idea and riding on a more regular basis should
help both of you.
|
| Deaf
Filly: I have a yearling filly
that was confirmed deaf by UC Davis. My question is; have you had any
dealings with this and could you give me some insight on the training of a
deaf horse. She seems very responsive to all of my body actions. I just
don't want to do the wrong things with this filly. This has proved to a
real challenge but, I'm up to it! |
Ray's
Reply: You will do fine with her
Cindy. Remember to try never
to surprise her, especially on the ground.
Your filly should operate through a feel from you to her and back
to you. You'll do okay.
|
| Catching:
What is the proper technique for catching a horse for the first
time? I have 3 two year old colts who have not been handled or
halter broke at this time. I would like to know your procedure for
getting my hands on them for the first time.
|
Ray's
Reply:
Spend some time feeding your young horses.
Offer them grain out of a bucket, don't try to touch them, let them
approach you and resist the urge to reach out to them.
As they become comfortable and confident around the human, it will
be natural to rub and scratch them and them the haltering will naturally
follow. Becoming part of
their daily routine is the route to acceptance.
|
Sudden
Anger Dear Mr. Hunt:
I have been a 'fan' of yours for several years. I find it extremely
kind and selfless of you to offer your assistance to those of us that have
a true need (and a true want) for your advice.
I have a coming 4 year old Quarter/Arab mare. She injured her right
hind leg really badly on a barb wire fence in August of 1998 and her
owners were going to destroy her because of it. I told them that I
would take her because the injury was probably fixable - with a lot of
time and energy - and I thought that she deserved a chance. So they
agreed and gave her to me. She had had no previous handling when I
got her (had worn a halter but had no idea how to lead, etc.) and, with
the help of good friends, we spent a lot of time not only tending to her
injury, but teaching her basic ground work (sometimes those two things
were one in the same). She is very independent, strong minded and has an
enormous temper but I firmly believe that she would not have survived her
injury without these three ingredients. I know a lot of horses that
would have just laid down and died.
Her recovery is now complete, she is sound (Hooray!!) and I have started
riding her. One day, after the 6th or 7th ride, I mounted her and,
as soon as my butt was in the saddle, she bucked and threw me. I was
in a state of shock because the last time I had ridden, we had stopped on
great terms - we had ventured out into the field (something new and
different) and she was walking full out on a loose rein, head a-bobbin',
happy as ever! So I got back on her and she bucked me off again!
And she was almost in a rage she was so mad! I calmed her down and
tried again - this time we got a few steps in before she started bucking.
This time I bailed off of her on the advice of a friend. Her actions, and
the shear force and energy put into them, really scared me - this horse
was livid! For the next 2-3 days, she would not even look at me
(which was definitely not normal - she is very friendly and nosy) - she
was that mad! I decided to go back a step in her training - thinking
that there was something that I missed - so I went back to driving her.
She decided that she didn't HAVE to do anything that I asked her to (turn,
stop, give at ALL to the bit, etc.). She was in a total state of
belligerence. What would cause her to go to such extremes?
From 'Happy horse' to 'Raging Bull'? I have put so much time and
effort into this mare that I am not only frustrated by her actions, but
VERY disheartened as well. I live in a very small isolated town without
any professional trainers to help (none that I would trust with my horse,
anyway). The nearest community is 6 hours away and I cannot afford
to transport her out there. Can you help us? |
Ray's
Reply:
I'd love to be able to help you, but
unfortunately you aren't able to give me any facts about what actually
took place. I've heard some
opinions, but I need to hear the mare's side of the story to be of any
real help. Suffice it to say
that "nothing ever happens suddenly for no reason at all."
Save your scheckels and get some professional help from someone you
trust. Good luck!
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| Stud
Chain:
I have a 2 year old gelding who I have had since he was 5 months old.
Shortly after I got him I started learning about NH. I love the ideas and
methods and am really trying to adopt them and use them and make them
work. Anyway, for his whole life, my horse lived outside 24/7, and I was
the only one to handle him..I liked it that way. That way I could know
that if he was doing something it was my fault or my success. Well, due to
unfortunate circumstances I had to move him to another boarding
barn....this is the only stable available to me right now. Well, I was not
happy about this, but he has to be led in and out from the barn to the
paddocks every day by other people, unless I can get there, which I
usually cannot. They use a chain over his nose, which I did not use prior
to it because I had worked with him for so long to get light on the halter
and respect me..and when I finally had it, it seemed, I moved him. The
chain is used on all horses for safety reasons and liability....not using
it is not a reasonable request. Neither is moving to another barn. So,
anyway, he was very good right before I moved him...respectful and
responsive...I felt excited about starting him this Spring or Summer...I
knew he would be ready. But now he has pretty bad ground manners....he
tries to bolt toward the barn, he spooks much more than he used to, he
nips and chews on everything, and he can't be led without the stud
chain..this saddens me a lot. Different people handle him every day, so
obviously he doesn't have consistent handling. I work with him as much as
I can (ranging from 1-3 times per week) but I guess it isn't enough. When
he tries to bolt, the people who lead him just yank on his chain..he
doesn't care anymore...he knows he will get his dinner even if he doesn't
behave. When he does that with me I usually back him up to make him
think...and that works. But then it is ruined all the next day when
someone allows it. How can I get him to respect me (and others) when he
doesn't have consistent handling? How can I get him to not yank me around
when the stud chain isn't on, and go back to being 'my' horse again?
Thanks for your reply.... |
Ray's
Reply:
You can't under these circumstances!
|
| Feet:
Thanks for adding this section to your website. My 7 year old
Thoroughbred, partially trained in natural horsemanship, still is extremely
uncomfortable when people handle his feet. He's fine when his legs
are roped, but as soon as he is asked to pick up his feet, he bites or
kicks. He's kicked the Farrier on many occasions, and we've tried
being kind to him showing him there's nothing to be afraid of, and being
firmer, always reprimanding the kicking and biting. But he is still
anxious about his feet. Why is this, and what can I do to help him
relax and trust me more? Thank you. |
| Ray's
Reply:
Forget reprimanding or punishing him
for bad behavior. After the
kicking or biting occurs it is to late.
The horse knows he is going to be punished, and so he will become
leery of you, but he doesn't know how not to do what he has been doing
because you haven't been there to change or prevent it.
He is anxious about his
feet, because someone has made an issue of it when he wasn't properly
prepared and he had a bad experience.
Some horses automatically know how to balance on three feet, other
horses need help in this area. Picking
a horses foot up is pretty basic, but he needs to learn how to relax and
trust the person who is asking for it.
|
| Separation:
hi Ray!!!!! I bought 2 quarter
horses 3 weeks ago the mother 9 years old and the the other one from the
mother 5 years old ,,,the thing his that they want to be together all the
time .as soon as I bring the mare out the 5 year old spin and do all
kinds of crazy thing ,,,he is broke but I'm afraid to ride him because of
the other one ,,,and I don't have a ring to ride it's in the open field
what can I do to correct the situation it's taking the fun away from
me ,,,thank you hope you can help me |
Ray's
Reply:
I'd suggest in your situation and with your
experience, and if they are both "broke" as you say.
Saddle up one and pony the other one so that they can be together
for the first ride or two until you get a feel for how they do ride.
I'd also suggest separating them at other times by tying them in
different locations for a couple hours at a time.
When they spend all their time together, everyday it is a natural
occurrence to become dependent on each other.
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|
Unbridled:
Dear Mr. Hunt,
I'm
looking forward to meeting you in July at the Grant Ranch!
I
have a nearly 5 year old Arabian, my first. She has been preceded
by quarter horses or grade horses and by mostly geldings. She is
so quick to learn and is very bright. Sometimes I think she may be
on the verge of boredom. My use of my horses is on a working
cattle ranch. She moves cattle and is familiar with fences, gates,
and lots of rattlesnakes. She gives me few problems.
My
"problem" with her is when I turn her loose after riding.
She is very easy to bridle, but difficult to unbridle. She clamps
onto the bit and won't turn loose. I have tried to release her
very gently and try to get her to drop her head and release the bit.
Perhaps her teeth are sensitive, and she is trying to escape the pain by
grabbing onto the metal and take it with her. I use a d-ring
snaffle on her now. She does play with the bit and lips it a lot
while she is bridled. You'll meet her in July and we
can further discuss it, but maybe you can lend insight before more work
this spring. Thank you.
|
Ray's
Reply: Hold
the bit up in her mouth, at some point she will start to work her mouth.
Release the pressure of the upward pull, but don’t try to take it
completely out of her mouth. Just relax it, and then tighten it again by pulling it up.
Do this until she relaxes enough to let the bit slide out of her
mouth.
|
|
Fear: I
grew up riding horses. Then I was not able to be around, or ride horses,
for 24 years. Now I am starting to ride again, (I am 48 years old)
and that is wonderful! The only problem is that when I am on the
ground, leading my horse or working in the round pen, I am absolutely
terrified that I am going to be kicked or run over. I have no fear
when I am riding, even when my horse crow-hops, or runs a little fast, but
when on the ground I am really afraid. How can I overcome this?
Is there a book I can read, or a tape I can listen to? I love
horses, and it really makes me angry that I have this fear. Any help you
can give would be greatly appreciated! I really admire your work with
horses....Thanks!
|
Ray's
Reply: You
are only going to conquer this fear, by exposing yourself to the
situation. I don’t know
what kind of horses you are working with, but most horses wouldn’t run
over you unless spooked from behind.
You can read a hundred books, but you are just going to have to
experience this personally to get to a point where you feel confident.
|
|
Buying
a horse: Hello, My father is talking about getting me
my own barn and horse. I have good experience, however, I don't know how
to train a horse or even what to look for when buying one. I want a good,
smooth horse, with a medium speed, who I can ride English saddle. I live
in Kennesaw Ga. Can you help me?
|
Ray's
Reply: Lucky
you. Find someone that you
trust and respect to help you input.
Study photos of horses that you admire.
Marie Biggerstaff in Spartenburg
S.C. has an excellent eye for a horse. You might want to consult
her.
|
Curious
horse: I have a 4 year old APP since
he was a weanling. He has a great
personality-willing to learn ground manners and very friendly and curious.
One of his habits though has me confused-when I come up to him, he
likes
to stick his nose right up to my face and start smelling. I was
discouraging him by pushing his head back, but them I watched him do the
same with our dogs, and wondered whether he would be more comfortable
around me if I let him sniff a few times. Should I push his head
away all
the time- he's only nipped once and of course I reacted then.
But I don't
want him shying away from hand every time I pet or bridle him.
|
Ray's
Reply: I’ve
had horses that do this and I allow it up to a point. It is just their natural curiosity and you can use that to
your advantage, just don’t let it get out of hand.
|
|
Gnasher:
I have a three year quarter
horse gelding with a problem we cannot seem to solve. He is US bred, and I
bought him a year ago from Holland where he had an initial 4 month basic
reining training. He has been in training in Denmark for the past 8 month
with one of Bob Mayhews student trainers, and seems to be doing well as
such. He is a very gentle minded horse out of Shining Spark, But never
mind the any fancy names etc., he is my best partner and companion, but
nevertheless a gnasher.
I am not a master using the English
language, so please excuse any terminology that may not be applicable to
this specific case. By gnasher I mean he keeps chewing and worrying about
his bite, and it is very difficult to keep him concentrating about the
actual groundwork. Even when we try to do slow and gentle circles, he
seems to be wandering off gnashing heavily on his bit with a far off
expression in his eyes, and on a zigzag course we have a hard time to
correct. We use an ordinary soft snaffle bit, and have recently tried to
control the gnashing with a nose drop. It worked actually for a few days,
but then he reverted to the old ways, only now with a lot of foaming
salvia being produced. Otherwise he is very responsive and sensitive, and
I will do anything it takes to accommodate him. However we have a very
limited supply on experienced and responsible counseling in this market,
and any advice you may give will be greatly appreciated.
|
Ray's
Reply: Have
you checked his teeth? Start
there. If it isn’t a teeth
problem, you are probably not in time with his feet when you take a hold
of the bit.
|
Bud
Williams:
Bud Williams, livestock handler, from Lloydminister, Alberta,
Canada
conducts low stress livestock handling techniques throughout the world. He
could be referred in this world of ever growing myth of
"whispering" as "The Cow Whisper.", and has even
been called the "Ray Hunt of Cows." (That's a complement)
His philosophy is to create consistent and calm responses from livestock
using the tools of flight zone and pressure/release. Sound familiar?
Through a lifetime (some 80 plus years) of experience, Mr. Williams has
developed methods of moving and handling livestock that is only now
starting to revolutionize the livestock industry. The acceptance has
been slow and cautious. Question: Have you ever crossed paths with
Mr. Williams, or heard of
his techniques? He has used his methods successfully with reindeer,
elk, fallow deer, horses, hogs, sheep and goats, as well as cattle.
|
Ray's
Reply: It
is a compliment to be compared to Bud Williams. He is an extraordinary
stockman. I have never met
Bud, but we met his wife and watched some of his tapes.
I think he is right on.
|
| Student
Study Materials:
I'm a Swedish girl who loves
horses. I'm writing a big essay in high
school about people who speaks with horses.
And it's hard to find
material about it. And I would really appreciate if you would like to
tell me about your work. How you do it, how you confront the horse, and
if all people can learn how to do it.
|
Ray's
Reply: There
is a book “True Unity” by Tom Dorrance that would tell you all you
need to know.
|
| People
Problems:
I have a TB mare with the
kinds of "people problems" associated with a youngster started
for the track. I originally got her as a potential broodmare
[she's 6] but since we got her in October and I wanted to find out more
about her, I started riding her. Given what I knew about her when
we got her, I was surprised at how kindly and willingly she tried to
please me. Her history: She went from the track to a rider
who was otherwise pretty good to her, but rode her in either draw reins,
a harsh bit, or a standing martingale. They said she was short-strided
and sold her. She isn't short-strided by nature, it's just that no
one ever asked her to lengthen her stride, nor did the tie-down make it
possible. She's mine because her most recent former owner thought
she had a "bad attitude" because when she went to mount, the
mare screamed, stood straight up, then bucked her off and ran away.
It wasn't a habitual vice, although I saw the mare do the very same
thing when we were still trying to find a saddle that fit her. I
literally bet my money it was back pain and not attitude. We found
a saddle she likes and she's never done it again. Someone also
suggested trying a chiropractor since if she's still uncomfortable,
it'll be hard for her to build trust if it hurts for her to do what I
ask.
Under the circumstances,
she's remarkably willing to try to please you, if you ask nicely.
She also has a lot of self-confidence. Trust is the big issue.
When we started working together, she was coldly polite, her eye was
suspicious. After I work with her, her eye's much softer and she's
happy to move closer to me. If I work her a couple days in a
row, each day I go out to the pasture to get her, her eye's a bit softer
and her step to the barn is more willing. If she has days off, her
eye is less soft and we do less work so I don't ask too much before she
tells me she's ready. [Sorry, that's the best explanation I can
give.]
She's also a pretty clear
communicator. One day soon after we'd gotten her, I could tell
from her eye and muscle tension that she'd rather not be ridden that
day, although I couldn't tell why. I groomed her and turned her
back out and repeated the routine until she told me she was ready.
She hasn't told me she didn't want to be ridden since that time. I
THINK we're on the right path, but I don't want to mess this one up.
When she's happy, she's there for you 100%. When she's not happy,
she tries to be civil and accommodating, and gives you time to figure
out what you're doing wrong. Now my two questions:
1. What do
you see from this description that I'm either doing wrong or should be
doing and am not?
2.
Actually, I really got her as a broodmare prospect. At her age, I
can either breed her now or wait [she's 6]. But I don't know
whether breeding her and working with her until she foals, then starting
again after she's weaned is the right route, or whether I should work
with her and wait to breed her until after we've developed more trust.
I'm thankful she lets me ride her, and is so willing and responsive,
given her past handling. But in the back of my mind, I'm wondering
if she'd be happier as a broodmare. That's one question I haven't
figured out how to ask her, so I guess I'm asking you . . .
Thanks for reading through
this long-winded explanation!
|
Ray's
Reply: You
are a pretty good communicator too. Yes
I do think she would be happier being a broodmare. I think she’ll be a better broodmare for what you have been
doing with her. A person
doesn’t and shouldn’t expect to develop trust and confidence instantly
or overnight. This mare has
been through a lot and will never be what she could have been.
Why not breed her and pass on the sensitivity to her foals and let
them prove her.
|
Companions:
I have a 9 year old mare which I've had since she was 2. You can say
that I've learned her everything she knows, good and bad. We work good
together, especially on the ground. But sometimes she can be a little
reluctant to what I ask her to do. When heading home from a trail ride she
stresses a lot and shows sign of irritation when I try to get her mind on
something else. Riding with others can be a problem because she gets very
upset if we get far behind and she refuses to go far ahead the other
horses. Often I get the feeling that she does not want to be with me at
all, though she never bucks or tries to get rid of me.
Lately we've done a lot of groundwork and I've tried to make everything
more interesting and positive. She has become easier to catch in the
paddock and seems happier. But there is still something missing in our
companionship, if we went on a trail ride she would behave exactly the
same. I want my horse to want to be with me and be ready to do what I want
to do. I know that I am the one who must change and I think I already
have. Right now I have run out of things to do with my horse, and I am
afraid of falling back to the same, old track. I would be grateful for any
advise from you and are looking forward to your trip to Europe. Thank you. |
Ray's
Reply: This
sounds harsh, but if you had more to offer your horse, she would want to
be with you. She isn’t
trying to buck you off or run off with you, so she is putting up with you.
You say you have tried to make the groundwork more interesting and
positive and she is responding by being happier.
Now try doing the same thing on her back.
Find things to do that are interesting for the horse, reward the
smallest try and don’t drill on certain things until they become boring.
|
| Lead
Ropes:
I'm curious to know what you think of
turning horses loose with a lead rope attached to their halter. I'm
asking in reference to horses that have not had any experience
with ropes, other than for basic leading and tying lessons. I've seen
horses go into a running panic when the lead rope starts chasing and
slapping at them. I've seen the potential for injury, and yet I've also
seen horses learn to accept the rope and then be quiet if their lead
rope ever drops on the ground, which I believe makes them safer and more
dependable to be around. I shall look forward to your insights regarding
this subject.
Thank you for "being there for the
horse."
|
Ray's
Reply: I would never turn a horse loose with a lead.
To begin with I would never turn a horse loose with a halter on.
You can get a horse safe and dependable without exposing them to
that kind of mental and physical punishment.
|
| Bucking:
Hi Ray I feel privileged
to be able to put forward my question to you. My horse was green when I
got him and had been broken in the traditional outback way down under. I
am in my fourth year of PNH and my horse
and I are coming together as one. I have just one hurdle to cross and
that is when I ask for the canter he will every time buck. On the ground
he respectfully circles at all gates with the saddle on. Of course I
know its me and my emotional fitness because when I ask for the canter
its not with great conviction because I'm anticipating the buck. I feel
like its only a matter of time because I haven't come off yet. My
instructor says I need to be able to push him through (he reminds me
that what I am attempting is level 3 stuff). But seeing as when I first
got him he wouldn't even go forward at all and now we have a harmony and
a soft trot.
|
Ray's
Reply: Your attitude and reluctance to canter is a real
factor. The horse is more
sensitive to our thoughts and feelings than we can ever imagine. You are telegraphing to the horse something bad is going to
happen if we lope. Think
about trying to more properly prepare your horse to canter.
Don't think about cantering, just ask your horse to extend the
trot. See how fast he can
trot and don't worry about what lead he is going to take. You can take care of that later.
When he does canter don't keep him cantering, back off and let him
trot again, then fix it up again and see how fast he can trot.
If you aren't thinking about the canter, you should have good
results.
|
| Horsemanship
class: Ray could you
please tell me what is covered in your horsemanship classes? I am thinking
of attending your Montana clinic. |
Ray's
Reply: The
Horsemanship class includes exercises designed to acquaint the rider with how
the horse moves and the aids and cues to use so the horse can do what we'd
like him to do. Mentally the
horse and rider need to be attuned. The
horse tries to do what we'd like him to do.
His problem is, "human, what do you mean".
We are trying to reach a harmony between horse and rider.
The rider needs to learn to prepare the horse to react in a way
that is natural and understandable to the horse.
|
Mare &
Foal: Ray &
Carolyn, I know that you have been breeding and foaling out horses for
many years and I would like your to hear your views on these subjects. I
lost a beautiful Mare and her Foal this week during foaling. She had a
twisted uterus and breech presentation. She lived in a big pasture (40
acre) with good grass most of the year. We hand bred her without any
restraints, and let her tell the Stallion when she was ready. She was
vet checked prior to breeding and ultrasound 15 days after. I had moved
her to a small paddock near the house so I could watch her a month or so
prior to due date. During Foaling she kept getting up and down like she
was trying to get positioned right. I called the Vet, but we live out on
a ranch, and by the time he got here it was too late. I'm just sick, and
I feel like somehow I let this Mare down. My questions are: Do you let
horses foal out in the pasture on their own, or do you bring them into a
stall or paddock, and how does this affect the horse? Do you pasture
breed, or hand breed, or AI, and does it make any difference to the
horse? Any other feedback you can give on this subject would be greatly
appreciated.
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Ray's
Reply: We would prefer to pasture breed, but we do AI.
The mares foal outside in the pasture.
It is hard to lose a mare this way, but sincerely you did all the
right things. Sometimes it just seems to work out this way.
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| Unpredictable
Mare:
I just finished one of your videos and it is
a pleasure to have found you so easily on the Internet. I hope you
can help us. My 10 y.o. mare who was home raised has given me
enormous pleasure in ways I would never regret and yet there have been
times that I just don't understand what I'm doing wrong. Our rides
seem to start out with bottled up excitement so I try trotting her out
the first mile or so...she seems to enjoy this and then relaxes
sometimes for the whole ride (10 or 20 miles) or at times seems can
become stimulated and can explode for what seems to be no reason at all.
She is easy in all aspects of ground care and handling, but under saddle
it seems that something is missing. She was professionally started
at 18 months for 30 days by a well known horseman in our area. His
method of training involved alot of heavy handling and whipping, a
running martingale always and sawing of the mouth. She became
heavy in your hand, her tail swished and bucked when whipped.
Being new to this I thought this was the way and sent her back each
winter for two years for a 60 day training or re-start as he said.
Today, years later and many clinics such as John Lyons & Monte
Roberts I experienced a Buck Brannaman Clinic
last summer which has changed my life with horses. I've come to
realize that I was never truly with my mare while riding...only
getting what I wanted as I had also been trained!! I've thought of
selling due to this behavior but can't at this time without trying this
method. My mare is now coming back from an injury since I saw Buck
and will be starting her new "job" soon. I've tried
herbs, massage, chiropractic, x-rays, new tack, dressage, etc....and she
has not changed. One thing stands out since that clinic that I
would like your opinion on. She has fought the bit her whole life
until we did dressage and we did arrive at times when she would work for
a short time on the bit always in a snaffle. Could it be possible
that my mare has "issues" around the bit in general and maybe
benefit from a bitless bridle" (side pulls, hackamore,etc...)?
Have you ever heard of this helping? When shes great there are no
words for the beautiful gaits she possesses and on the ground she is so
easy for everything. I bred this mare and have a great 3 year old
filly who is dynamic.. in training now with a gentler trainer who wants
to put her in the futurities this fall, possibly the Congress so I know
it was not neurological, maybe just a bad start. Please let me
know. Thank you so much for your time.
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Ray's
Reply: I'm
glad that you had a chance to see Buck, so you have had a taste of
reality. The bit problem
could be old issues that have become a habit.
Start by having an Equine Dentist (we use Gary Biggerstaff) look at
your horses mouth and give you an accurate assessment of what is really
going on inside. You say that
when she's going right she is great.
With a mare this age you might never get her where she is
dependably "great". Look
at her history and realize that her past will always be part of her
present. You can help her,
but past experiences will always be there.
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| Bucking:
Dick is a three year old QH gelding that I have been riding for a month
now. I round pen him first of all and he doesn't buck with the
saddle but once I throw my leg over Dick, all hell breaks loose and he
goes off bucking. What should I do, discipline him with the reins or
pet him in reassurance that everything is O.K? So far neither one has
worked. Got any suggestions? Dick has a really nice disposition other than
this little quirk. |
Ray's
Reply: Do your groundwork and get him to turn loose
mentally. Round penning done
right is great, done wrong brings just the results you mentioned.
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"All
I do is operate the life in the body -
through the legs to the feet - through the mind.
Ray Hunt |
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