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"I have recently come to know a woman who had a terrible accident on a horse."
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Dear Keith...
Friday, February 9, 2007
I have recently come to know a woman who had a terrible accident on a horse. I believe this was about 2 yrs ago. The accident left her injured alone in the middle of the woods. She was on a horse that someone told her was childproof. I told her that I believe there is no such thing. I have enjoyed great relationships with horses that seem child proof because they are so sacked out and desensitized, but as I told my new friend, safety is in the riders hands. One has to be watchful and careful, no matter what horse you are on or around.
She said her old gelding, who is now retired, has given her some of her confidence back. She now has a new seemingly very good horse. The horse was not ridden for a month, and she told me that she was able to just get on and ride with no problem. Not sure how far she rode...across the round pen or across town. However, fear is still her problem. She is having a very hard time relaxing on the horse. A good old sacked out calm horse may be good medicine for her. And, I told her that time heals. But, I still believe ground work will be her best medicine...working confidence in her and the horse. I suggested that she do ground work in the spring before even thinking of getting on. Then she may want to have someone with her or even begin riding on a lunge line. Whatever support it takes to help her relax and gain confidence.
I have no idea of the riding skills or abilities of my new friend. We have just gotten to know each other on line. I have been sharing whatever I know about horses, training basics, managing an aging horse, and cold weather care. It has been as cold as 22 below with a wind chill of 40 below...at it's worst. We have not hit the teens for about 2 weeks.
I have been sharing my experiences with her, in an attempt to encourage her. I have explained what I know about the principles of: sending the horse, basic ground work, lunging for respect, among other things. I told her I am always learning. I have encouraged her to contact a John Lyons certified trainer in her area...as I have found one near her, thanks to your web site. I'm not sure if she plans to do so. She works with handicapped people and is very limited for time to train her horse. I told her that learning the skills to communicate with her horse and become a good leader will help to keep her safe and bring her confidence back. I also explained that horses look for a leader that is consistent and trustworthy. I pray she finds a way to enjoy her horses again. I cannot imagine not enjoying them myself.
I would like to invite her to sign up for your website. How do I do that? Do you have a "invitation" type web site, or should I just give her your email address?.
Also, can I forward your emails/monthly newsletters or particular articles to her, form your web site? I would do so in hopes she would find some help from you and maybe get in touch with that certified trainer in her area. I think seeing it would spark an interest, as she said she really enjoys my letters, especially the parts about communicating with horses and training tips.
I have helped her become interested in training herself as much as the horse, and want to direct her to you. My bits and pieces of advice may be helpful. But, I appreciate the fact that orderly step by step teaching from a certified trainer would benefit her so much more. Also, access to all those past articles would be good for her, but I do not know if she even knows where to start...or what articles she should read to help her through this. I have 4 years of "The Perfect Horse" in binders...but would still rather she look to you for guidance. Unfortunately we live 1 1/2 hrs away from each other and my time will not allow me to do much more for her.
Thanks for your time. I wait your advice about sharing your web site. |
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Reply
Hi, Cathy, thanks much for your letter. Your friend can read more (and sign up) on this page: http://www.horsemanship101.com/John-Lyons-Training-Newsletter/Josh-Lyons.html/
In order to cut down on the garbage emails we all receive, the system won’t allow you or I to sign up for her; she’ll have to take the plunge. The good news is that it’s very simple.
Thanks again – hope to meet you (both) at a clinic sometime!
Keith Hosman
horsemanship101.com.
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Reply
You sent an email to me (here at Horsemanship101.com) detailing a situation with your horse. I wanted to let you know that I've recently posted several hundred of the letters sent to me – and have taken my best shot at pointing folks towards a relevant answer. I've removed last names – but if you would like your letter removed from the site, simply let me know. However, I've posted them for a simple reason: You'd be amazed at how many people run across the same issue. I'm thinking that helping one person will help many others.
This is a synopsis of the question you sent: "A horse that won't stand during a mount"
In most cases, I have not answered the letter in the traditional sense. This is because there simply aren't enough hours in the day – but also because most issues (emailed to me) are not things that can be answered in a simple email. It wouldn't be fair to you or your horse. There are thousands of books and videos already produced offering detailed suggestions of how to deal with problem horses – and I believe that people are best served by knowing which book is right – as opposed to a one paragraph, quickie answer.
Whenever possible, I've suggested relevant articles – but in every case I've suggested books or videos which address your particular issue as well as related topics you might want to consider. (That is, if you wrote about "biting" you may also want to follow remedies simply labeled "manners" in a book or video. It's sometimes hard for the "public at large" to know which is right for what situation.)
The bottom line is this: While you will not find a long-winded how-to answer from me, you may in fact find a relevant article I've posted since your last visit – and you'll certainly find the right book or video.
Here is where you will find your particular letter: http://www.horsemanship101.com/Letters/How-Do-i-Get-My-Horse-to-Stand-Still-whe-33.html. Simply cut and paste that address into your browser. (You'll need to make sure that you include the entire URL if your email program splits it onto two lines – and that there are no blank spaces if you do have to join two lines.)
Regards,
Keith Hosman
horsemanship101.com
P.S. Those of you who wrote about a bucking horse may want to check out the e-doc I recently put together; you print it out from your own computer and can be training in minutes. More info is here: http://www.horsemanship101.com/Bucking.
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Reply
Thank you for sharing my email with others. Helping others is one of lifes great rewards. And, your method of sharing information and advice is great.
I agree that a quick answer in one paragraph is not the answer. That would not be fair to the rider, who should take responsibility of training themselves to become a good horseman. And it certainly would not be fair to their horse, who needs and deserves; consideration, understanding, patience, love, and guidance that they can understand.
My friend did seek professional help in training herself and her horse. She no longer calls her horse bad names. She is thankful for the encouragement of others, and is riding and enjoying her horse. A success story.
Thanks again Keith for all you do, and God Bless.
Cathy
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