We have been working on many different breeds of horses with a variety of issues to correct. This walking horse was a champion in the show arena and is now a trail horse. Because of his training for the class caused him to have flashbacks while mounting and moving off for the first few steps.
We have been working with Chiller to build his confidence to stand quietly and not panic in the first step off. He is improving every day and is incredibly comfortable to ride.
Cari ~ “I just wanted to let you guys know that Arabel had a massage tonight and was so relaxed after today’s session that she actually fell asleep on the cross ties. Arabel is usually grinding her teeth and pawing on the cross ties. Wow ~ what a difference already in just one session. AMAZING!!” –Karen
This young TB mare was rescued from the killers, finding a new home in a luxurious barn in NY. She had some baggage from her experience at the track and everyone was giving up on her with the exception of the one person who believed in her. Karen called us as a last resort and after meeting this mare, we believe she was simply misunderstood. A highly intelligent mare with outstanding bloodlines, she completely transformed after one session of desensitizing, we will continue to work with her and build her confidence so that her owner can enjoy safe fun rides in the near future.
We believe all horses benefit from this easy lesson in building confidence. All of our horses, young or old, go through this important lesson as a foundation to their training. .
For those of you who have been following this gifted horse, he has transformed from a known convict to a reformed athlete. You can always refresh your memory by visiting Tristan-convicted felon on our youtube channel, lexington17. Subscribe to our channel and watch him continue to progress through our training system. This is an excellent example of how the correct training can bring out the full potential in any horse very quickly.
Your horse should see you as the leader of the herd. From the moment you snap the lead rope on the halter, he should be paying attention to you and respecting your space. A common error we find is that people let their horse walk past them, on them, push into them, try to nip them for treats and ignore the handler’s personal space. How your horse reponds to you on the ground will translate under saddle. If he ignores you light tug to slow down and stay behind you while walking to the paddock, he will ignore your half halts and leg aids. Set the tone immediately, and be the boss.
Establish rules and laws. There must be consequences if these rules are broken or the trouble begins and soon your horse will take over. Remember that you set the tone for your relationship and if you want a safe, confident, respectful horse, you must lay down the law and enforce them at the beginning.
Does your horse bow to you? Is he a perfect gentleman, waiting for you to let him know when to move? He should walk quietly behind you, not running into or over you, stop when you stop and remain a respectable distance from you. If he is not respecting you on the ground, he will not respect you in the saddle. Let us know if you need help with your horse, contact Swanson Peterson Productions to schedule a lesson or attend a clinic.
Simon and I take a ride in the fresh fallen snow, staying warm in layers of high tech long underwear. The horses do not mind the cold at all. Tony has a thick winter coat to help keep him warm, Mr. T is checking him out.
The Real McCoy is an outstanding athlete with a great mind. He jumps anything you put in his path, he has excellent ground manners, beautifully trained in dressage basics and he has a charming personality. McCoy is 15.3, bred out of a quarter horse mare and sired by Makuba, a successful athlete. He will excel in dressage or eventing or jumping. Please contact us to try him.
Arctic Bright settles into his new stable in California after a long drive from Lexington, Ky where we picked him up. Arctic is a pure white TB, with pink skin and dark eyed. He is charismatic, athletic and quite the character. Here he is having breakfast in bed after the long drive. For more information, read here.
Bred in Oregon by Darlene Knight, Arctic Bright is the first foal out of the Reign Road mare Mesa Queen. He hails from the family of 1975 Kentucky Derby (gr. I) winner Foolish Pleasure.