to look or not... last chapter :)

["D&M Arabians" <knever@eatel.net>]

Thanks to everyone who replied to this email!! If I haven't replied to you  personally give me a chance and I will.

 

The general agreement is: to let the horse look if they want to, stay calm and cool yourself,  some horses "just gotta" go look and others are more comfortable giving it the Eye and taking their riders advice and passing it on by. When doing arena work horses get to look and then reminded that they were 'workng'....

In the replies I received {your horse/s maybe different}

stallions were more apt to go up and check things out... going as far as stepping on, pawing, tasting or picking up an object <<gotta be Arab>>>   :)

geldings were more happy going on down the trail giving IT the eye and going at various speeds... <grin> one liked to look

mares were  50/50  group they did both of the above....

 

The wisest { everyone had good advice now...} advice sent to me was by Ellen and with her permission I am posting her letter to RC, I think it would help a lot of newbies and a nice reminder for the ones who have been there done that {grin}. It would seem that the best thing for anyone is to Know Your Horse... his life depends on you out there on that trail... and yours depends on your horse...

 

>>

Reading and research are extremely valuable in furthering our equine education, however you must take everything with that "grain of salt".  An article, a book, etc. are only the author's option!  Horses and people relate individually and you should find out what works for you and your horse.  Whatever method you use keep in mind that with the next horse a different method make have to be used.  Keep an open mind, observe 1and listen and encourage though the best method for that individual.  You must be a teacher who learns the best way to bring out the best in that individual horse.  Don't do something just because someone else thinks that's the way.  Horsemanship is building the trust and bond with an animal.  We all learn differently, so do the horses.  Good luck, Ellen.<<

 

Happy Trails!!!

Debi & Knevermore

Louisiana