I have a gelding that had formal training before he came to me, but was never kept up with. I had started over with him in groundwork using John Lyons Communicating With Cues 1 & 2. He rides ‘alright’ but still has lots of issues. Mostly due to my having him boarded and not always able to be out there working with him. Now we are going to buy a place so I won’t have to do that and can spend quality time with him. I’ve been looking into other trainers but it gets to be a lot. Doesn’t help when people scream "Anderson! or Parrelli!" I have no doubts about them being good but I know there is more out there. Mainly, where do I start now? Even with one of them? I need a game plan. Another question. I have a 4 yr old pony (quarter horse/shetland cross) that is 13 h(? dang. just measured him and now I can’t remember). The people that I got him from had a 7 yr old that rode him alot and he truly is a dream with kids. Spunky in the pasture, calm under saddle. But he has no training otherwise. I want to know how I can train him also. I’m 5’8 and 165lbs (working on losing weight from being sick the past year and hoping to get back down to 145) whether I lose the weight or not, will I eventually be able to get on his back or would I need extra help?
Oh yrah, my horse also has poor ground manners. Very poor. Not just with me.
Other Links
- John Lyons Nervous Horse In-Hand Training | Basic Horse Training
- J. Ross Parrelli: Lov’n Makin’ Music [Interview]
You need to see a real, living trainer. That is the ONLY safe way to do it. DVDs and books are not enough to help somebody train a horse who is not ready to do it.
I wouldn’t suggest to go for Clinton or Parelli but that is just my opinion. I have read many books and each one has helped me so much, whether it helps me know what to do or what NOT to do.
I would suggest any of Mark Rashid’s books, Bill Dorrance, Buck Brannaman, Bruce Logan (they have a forum site which is very helpful on Google Groups. If you search Pure Horse and ask to become a member). On there you can post questions and read other peoples and you always get an answer by amazing horsemen/women.
I would say it is important to get a trainer, one you can trust that will help you with your horses. It sounds like you are interested in natural horsemanship so i would definitely go on the Pure Horse forum and they may be able to help you find a trainer.
Good luck. I cannot give a specific answer to your question but take it one step at a time and always put the horse first.
For your pony question, I think you are too heavy to ride him at this point. You might be okay to ride him if you get down to 145.