>>>> Good for you Susan! This is the same reason I will be doing my own training of Shadow. I know that he won't be sent away to a trainer and come back ruined b/c he was forced into something prematurely, ridden in a severe bit or w/ a heavy hand, or simply w/ cues that I don't know, then he gets confused by my cues. And fortunately, he gaits naturally, tolt and RW, so I won't have to send him somewhere for "gait training." That's a relief!!
I think most people know that, while I'm certainly no professional trainer, I am very hands-on in the training of my own horses. But, I just thought about something that I want to make clear. I think it's totally noble and great that Susan and Robyn want to start their own horses. I'm all for it. BUT, on the other hand, if someone isn't comfortable starting their own, that shouldn't become a goal they feel they MUST do. There ARE some good trainers out there, ones who can be trusted to quietly start a young horse, soundly and safely. If someone would rather go to one of them, that's a perfectly acceptable route to take too in my mind. It should be about finding the best options for each horse and each owner. If someone is NOT confident about doing it, personally, I'd rather see them let another take care of it, because their lack of confidence may affect the confidence of the horse. I think we all have horses to enjoy them...and if some particular task is overwhelming, then there should be no harm in seeking help. There should be no pressure to do anything you aren't comfortable with...Do what's kind, gentle and best for you and the horse - and there are many ways to accomplish that. I'm lucky that I have the best of both worlds. I do most of the initial training - groundwork, etc. - of my own horses. But, I also have a knowledgeable and gentle trainer in the immediate area that I've known and trusted for years. I'm lucky that she makes "house calls" and will come to my farm on an as-needed basis. When I first met her, I left the "hard stuff" up to her, but over the years, our roles have morphed. When she comes over now, we more typically work two horses together, each serving as a "spotter" for the other. I'll never catch up to her experience, but I try to compensate by KNOWING my horses better than anyone else, even her - just as Susan described with her Andi. When we start horses, I try to work around her available time, because I think it's important to have an experienced person watch the horse for signs of discomfort (physical or mental) that I might not see while lying across the horse's back or while mounting. Anyway, that's just what works for us. I hope everyone will find the method that best works for them and for their horse, as long as the method is safe and gentle. Karen Thomas, NC [EMAIL PROTECTED]
