I would like to go back to the original topic of this post and make the point that Cookie has just reminded us that even the most well trained and docile of horses can do unexpected things and that is why we should always approach any horsey thing we do with safety in mind. I hate to keep being the "mommy" here and harping about safety but I care about all of you. I think most of us are safety concious but we do have a tendency to say at one time or another " well, that's Cookie (or whatever horse) and they are so well trained that I can skip that step."
> > When I go to catch my horses, I have always taken a treat and have > > never over the years had a horse that was hard to catch. This is a > > controversial habit > > > If it works for the human and works for the horse, why not? > > It's positive for both horse and human... are there any negatives? I think as long as the ground work is laid and the other horses in the pasture understand how to be respectful, there is no problem at all. Of course, you have the old timers that feel you shouldn't food treat your horse for anything, but I think everyone here is past that. I have always felt like the treat was a little thank you to the horse for being willing to be my partner for the day. -- Laree in NC Doppa & Mura Simon, Sadie and Sam (the "S" gang) "Yet when all the books have been read and reread, it boils down to the horse, his human companion, and what goes on between them." - William Farley
