Problem Solving

The horses that come to us fall into one of two categories. The first category is horses that need a good start. The second category is horses that are started to one degree or another but have either basic handling or riding issues.  I call this problem solving.

Basic handling issues could include: biting, leading, picking up feet, shoeing, saddling, loading in the trailer and being hard to catch. Some examples of riding issues that I address are: bucking, running away, barn sour and herd bound tendencies, softness and flexion, neck reining, backing, side passing, trail obstacles and taking gates comfortably.

In most cases, when a problem arises, it is caused by the horse being asked to do something before it is capable or ready. Working with these horses is much like colt starting. I work to build their confidence so they are prepared or ready to do what is asked.