breaking a 5 year old mare

Question
I am buying a 5 year old mare that has never been trained.  I am an experienced rider and broke an arabian when I was in my 20's.  I am now in my middle 40's and hoping you can recommend a DVD that will help me with this process.

Answer
Hi Melissa!

Congratulations!  How exciting for you!  If you have not learned about the Buckaroo/Vaquero style of horsemanship or as I like to call it, just good horsemanship, you are really in for a treat!  I was amazed at what I had missed in my equine education!  The more I learned the more I said "if only I had known then what I know now!"  You are really on a path now!

Look at anything by Ray Hunt.  Ray is the master and the teachers teacher.  I have links to all of my favorite teachers on my website so, look at www.Laurelmountainfarms and click on the "Favorites" page.  You will find Buck Brannaman there also.  His "Groundwork"  DVD is a must for your library.  Bryan Neubert has some new stuff out as well, go to bryanneubert.com and check out his site.  

Remember, to check the clinic schedules for Buck Brannaman, Ricky Quinn and Ray Hunt.  These guys travel the country helping people just like you with their horses.  It is NOT a show.  You take your horse and ride with them for four days.  If you are really having trouble I have seen all of them take horses from people and help the horse through a difficult spot.  Ray is not able to do hands on any more, but Carolyn sure can and does!  Take advantage of these great horsemen when they are in your area.  It is worth every penny!  

Buck also has a little red book titled "Groundwork".  It lives in my barn.  It also belongs in any good library along with anything by Walter Zettl.  Walter and Ray spend time together...WOW!  These are the best of the best.  Ray's site has a link to Tom Dorrence's site.  Look at the DVD's by Tom as well.  Tom Dorrence was Ray's good friend and teacher.  Tom is gone now but his life's work lives in Ray Hunt.  Soak it up, you will not be sorry.  I only wish I had come onto this information earlier in my life.  I would have made life so much better for my horses.  I too am in my mid 40's.  Better late than never I guess.  Ray met Tom when he was in his 40's as well.  I guess this is why I am so passionate in learning every scrap of this now, I waited so long to find the really good stuff.  It is also why I am so passionate in helping other people find it as well.  

Check out all the links on my site.  Have fun!  You are into the great stuff now!  

Smiles, Denise