So you want to do-it-yourself?

"Cruiser" @ Congress

Trained & Shown by a Non-Pro

You can do it too!

A message for Mary...

I got your message and I am sorry to hear about your trainer...I hope she beats the odds!

I wanted to give you some encouragement to move forward and continue Cruiser's training with confidence...One of the biggest differences between a trainer personality and a non-pro personality is: The trainer will get on a horse and push that horse for more every day, whereas, the non-pro will get on the horse and ask the horse if they can do more that day. Most non-pro's get stuck here because of their lack of confidence of "doing it right". There is no "right" way to train a horse. There is point A and point B. If you want to get to point B, you have to work at it. It might take you longer than others because your timing isn't quite as good or because you have to solve training issues you've never solved before that trainers accomplish as second nature.

One of the most important things to remember when you make the decision to train your own horse(s), is that when you issue a command, you have to be prepared to win. This concept has always made tremendous sense to me when dealing with confrontational people and competitive situations as well. Know where to start, have a plan to escalate reasonably as needed, and always have the capability to win the battle. Or stay out of it. With most horses, owners have the physical capability to win. What they lack is the mental fortitude and plan. And winning isn't just about disciplining the horse into submission. It's better to win through motivation, so the horse repeats the desired behavior because they want to rather than because the expect reciprocation (a treat) or they fear punishment (a correction).

Ultimately, it doesn't matter how you win the battle, (ethics considered of course) as long as you get to point B. Your methods and skills will improve relative to your amount of experience. You will make mistakes, I promise, and you will be a better rider/horseman for it.

Just remember your goals and every day work toward them. And ALWAYS end on a good note.

Happy Trails!

Leah