Miniature horse - Rick Gore Horsemanship

Question
Hi Rick,

I just wanted to give you a happy story following feedback you gave me a couple of years ago. I contacted you because my then six-month-old miniature pony was getting toey with the onset of spring and I didn't want his roughhousing to convert to bad habits. You advised that he was probably bored and lonely. I'd also been a bit concerned that my lack of expertise with young horses might mean that I'd make errors which would encourage bad habits. I took your advice and got another horse and things became so easy - the other horse became the "bad cop" overseeing the discipline and helping him feel safe and I became the "good cop". He turned to me so readily and now he's the most trusting amiable little horse you could hope for. He's just a great companion, as is his older companion. Thanks so much for your help. My pony is three now and you've helped make him content and set his foundation of trust in people.  

Kind regards
Jo

Answer
-
Glad to hear and thanks for the positive feedback. Hopefully I was not too hard on you when I told you horses don't do good alone.

Just because this horse helped you, does not mean you can just sit back and relax, as they get older and more settled they will test and be constantly evaluating you for weakness or lack of leadership, so you need to be aware of this so when they tell you they are not getting enough clear direction, you need to realize that you need to step up and be the leader they need.

I have really added lots of videos to my youtube site and my web site has grown, so I tell people all the time, if you take care of your horsemanship, your horsemanship will take care of you.  That means always studying, learning and staying on top of you knowledge and understanding of the horse.

So for your sake and your horse's sake, I would recommend that you spend some time each day watching all my videos and reading my web site from start to finish.  You will be amazed at how much you learn and you will see your horses differently and your relationship will grow and be better for both you and your horses.

thanks again and glad you have happy horses  :)

Rick

http://www.youtube.com/user/horseawareness

http://www.thinklikeahorse.org/