What I've Learned from Tackling Technology

As I fully enter into the world of blogs, websites and emails, I realize that there is a certain technical aspect to all phases of the computer world. I have had to learn new lingo and increase my knowledge of navigating through the internet. At times it can seem almost daunting.

I learn a little more about website design. Then I go on to gather more information on email and connecting account to account. Just when I think I am getting the hang of all of this, something comes along that stubs my toe. I go back and research only to find that I had goofed up something along the way. This process reminded me of how I have come along in my horsemanship. Interested in the journey? Read on…

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The Profound Difference Between a Horseman and a Trainer

I have heard it said that horses don't like horse trainers.  Buck Brannaman has mentioned this at a couple of his clinics that I have attended.  At first I laughed at the thought of this.  Part of it made sense to me.  The other half, of putting this to practice, eluded me for years.  I struggled with the idea of not training horses while I continued to do just that, train!

It seemed to me a matter of styles.  Maybe one could train nicely and stay in right relation?  Surely there was a grey area here.  You couldn't just get a horse to the level Buck rides at without training them.  Could you?

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How Subtle Do You Speak Horse?

So much of the way that I work with and around horses is tied to how I carry myself around them.  I carry myself a certain way around them because I know how closely they are watching. Not to say that every little thing I do is going to induce a response.  What I am saying is that knowing what I want before I start toward my horse determines how I approach them.  

Let’s say I want my horse to stay calm and quiet while I approach, I would then carry myself with a calm and quiet disposition.  This says to the horse that there is no need to make arrangements to move.  I can then come in close, to rub on or pet him. 

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Sage advice and wisdom for buying a horse

No matter the reason for wanting to purchase a horse, I offer some helpful advice. First of all, be sure and make a list of parameters for any potential horses. This may be age or the level of education that a horse has. Size, shape, and build are all important details as well. Get specific. The more you are aware of what you do want, the easier it will be to seek out the horse that is right for you

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Keep your mind open to new ways of educating your horses

Learning to drive your horses is not only fun, it helps a horse to be more willing and responsive to your cues. Teaching a horse to seek out the correct response on their own is an invaluable tool. One that I learned from the late Peter Campbell.

A few years ago Joanna and I pulled our horses down to Wyoming to attend a ranch immersion clinic of Peter’s.  We and a small group of others stayed right there at Peter and Trina's place.  We spent the week riding by day and telling stories by night.

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Enjoying the best of the best

Summer around here is in full swing, complete with the happenings of the 2020 Olympic Summer Games in Tokyo, Japan. I myself have always been a big fan of the Olympics in general. Whether it be summer or winter games I can't help but be drawn in by the excitement of such a high level of competition. I have always been a very athletic person and have looked up to Olympic competitors. The drive and level of commitment required to compete at such an intense level is astounding.

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Make Darn Sure You Have High Quality Gear

Though I personally never had the opportunity to work with master horseman, Ray Hunt, I have received through my mentors, some of his wisdom.  One thing that was very important to him was the comfort of the horse.  Apparently, when he set out to help another with their horse, he would first check the fit on their gear.  It was important to him for the horse to be comfortable.  This is a teaching that resonates highly with me.  I know that personally, when I myself am uncomfortable, it is hard to focus on the task at hand.  Surely it is similar with a horse.

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The Art Of Forward Thinking

Forward thinking is a concept that can be construed a few different ways.  One can dwell upon the future, worrying about every little aspect and how best to avoid pitfalls.  Others may disregard the future, feeling that it is best to "cross that bridge" when you come upon it.  Forward thinking to me, is living in the moment with an awareness toward possible outcomes as situations unfold.  All while maintaining a sense of the long view.

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Looking To Buy A New Horse?

No matter the reason for wanting to purchase a horse, I offer some helpful advice. First of all, be sure and make a list of parameters for any potential horses. This may be age or the level of education that a horse has. Size, shape, and build are all important details as well. Get specific. The more you are aware of what you do want, the easier it will be to seek out the horse that is right for you

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What Is A Well Trained Horse?

I have heard it said that horses don't like horse trainers.  Buck Brannaman has mentioned this at a couple of his clinics that I have attended.  At first I laughed at the thought of this.  Part of it made sense to me.  The other half, of putting this to practice, eluded me for years.  I struggled with the idea of not training horses while I continued to do just that, train.?!

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How Patient Are You With Allowing Your Horse to Learn?

How we behave around horses speaks a lot about who we are as a human.  The way we care for, as well as treat them in general, points towards how we carry ourselves.  I have heard it said from a very inspirational Yoga teacher, Lynne Minton, that integrity is how we act when no one is watching.  I feel that dealing with horses relates very similarly to this statement.  Horses can bring out the best in a person.  Sadly though, the reverse is also true. 

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Drive Your Horses To The Next Level

Learning to drive your horses is not only fun, it helps a horse to be more willing and responsive to your cues. Teaching a horse to seek out the correct response on their own is an invaluable tool. One that I learned from the late Peter Campbell.

A few years ago Joanna and I pulled our horses down to Wyoming to attend a ranch immersion clinic of Peter’s.  We and a small group of others stayed right there at Peter and Trina's place.  We spent the week riding by day and telling stories by night.

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Becoming Fluent In Horse

So much of the way that I work with and around horses is tied to how I carry myself around them.  I carry myself a certain way around them because I know how closely they are watching.  Not to say that every little thing I do is going to induce a response.  What I am saying is that knowing what I want before I start toward my horse determines how I approach them.  

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Setting Up For Success

How we behave around horses speaks a lot about who we are as a human.  The way we care for, as well as treat them in general, points towards how we carry ourselves.  I have heard it said from a very inspirational Yoga teacher, Lynne Minton, that integrity is how we act when no one is watching.  I feel that dealing with horses relates very similarly to this statement.  Horses can bring out the best in a person.  Sadly though, the reverse is also true. 

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Spring Fever

Winter seems to be in full swing.  A layer of ice has coated many of the flat surfaces and the snow remains a generous ground cover.  Just yesterday I led a horse up to our barn for a maintenance trim.  We had to delicately make our way along the treacherous area that lies just in front of the doors.  I gingerly walked across the solid ice and kindly asked my horse to follow.  He made his way safely behind me.  I could see in him a questioning look as to why we were traversing where no horses had ventured all week. 

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Wild Thing

I have heard it said that horses don't like horse trainers.  Buck Brannaman has mentioned this at a couple of his clinics that I have attended.  At first I laughed at the thought of this.  Part of it made sense to me.  The other half, of putting this to practice, eluded me for years.  I struggled with the idea of not training horses while I continued to do just that, train.?!

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