Written by Martin Black This article originally appeared in Eclectic Horseman Issue No.36 In the world of horse training, there are numerous devices to bring the horse’s head down, shoulders up, control the forward motion, etc. But what do we do when the head and shoulders are going up in the air, the horse is rearing […]
Written by Martin Black This article originally appeared in Eclectic Horseman Issue No.35 Every summer I witness people washing their horses. This is a very good practice; it helps to cool them down and remove ground-in dirt and salt from sweat. Horses learn to enjoy a bath as long as the water isn’t uncomfortably cold. […]
Written by Martin Black This article originally appeared in Eclectic Horseman Issue No.34 Today there are all levels and all types of horse people and horses. As horses change homes, whether it is changing owners or trainers or from one rider to another, horses can be the victims of being misplaced. When this happens the […]
Written by Martin Black This article originally appeared in Eclectic Horseman Issue No.33 The way we catch our horses can reflect a lot about our understanding of them and their outlook toward us. If we could only see through their eyes at how they look at us, how they interpret our actions, we might be […]
Written by Martin Black This article originally appeared in Eclectic Horseman Issue No.32 Of all the techniques, methods and gimmicks to get our horses to do what we want, one of my favorites has always been a cow. By making position comfortable for the horse, whether it be offense or defense, we can encourage him […]
Written by Martin Black This article originally appeared in Eclectic Horseman Issue No.31 Many times what people identify as discipline problems with their horses are really frustrated and confused horses, basically caused by the horse having an identity crisis, and or too much stored energy. Horses that are confined and isolated for extended periods where […]
Written by Martin Black This article originally appeared in Eclectic Horseman Issue No.30 The Spanish-type hackamore and bridle are both traditionally designed to operate from feel not force. When they become a forceful tool, the outcome will be reversed from the original intent. Both the hackamore and bridle put pressure on the outside, the jaw […]
Written by Martin Black This article originally appeared in Eclectic Horseman Issue No.29 Quite often I get around people who make a reference to a “soft feel” with their horse, and I know I am learning more about getting with my horse everyday. But what I see is some people may be getting a soft feel […]
Written by Martin Black This article originally appeared in Eclectic Horseman Issue No.28 When a horse is confronted by something unknown to his senses he deals with it in one of two ways: defensively if he feels confined, or if he does not perceive a threat and his attention is maintained, his curiosity provokes him […]
Written by Martin Black This article originally appeared in Eclectic Horseman Issue No.27 How straight can you ride your horse? If you think your horse can ride in a straight line, pick an object like a fence post 50 or 100 yards in front of you and another object farther away, maybe a power pole or […]