PSA-Sitting on a Tied Horse, Don't Do It

There are few things that make me cringe more, than to see or hear about someone getting on a tied horse.  

In my opinion it is absolutely one of the most dangerous things you can do (or let your kids do).

But why is it so dangerous?  

Because,

Life is unpredictable (I once had a tree fall out of nowhere while riding).  

Horses are very large, instinctive, and reactive prey animals (even you're bombproof 30 year old).

If and when a horse spooks, not being able to move freely often adds to the intensity of the original spook because not only are they scared but are now unable to get away.   

Physics.  When a 1000lb animal suddenly hits a rope tied to something solid you are in a position to be; rolled over on/stomped in the frenzy, or be thrown head first into a tree, trailer, etc on the rebound if the rope doesn't break. 

So the next time you consider getting on (or putting someone else on) a tied horse, remember that your horse needs you (to feed him) and you can't do that very well from the hospital bed or worse. 

   

What I Really Get Out Of A Clinic

I started the 3 year old Mozzie Man this month.  We are a few rides in due to life and rain but I am already seeing the foundation that attending clinics all his life has provided.

At 3 years of age he knows how to spook responsibly.

He knows how to spend the day tied, away from his friends, work around strange horses, and stay overnight in a pen or high tie.

Because of the clinics and the challenges they present (every time) he knows how to work through an obstacle.  

Because of clinics he has confidence in people and seeks/listens to their guidance.

Because of clinics he can quickly refocus on a task after an upset/distraction.

Because of clinics and his exposure to dozens of spooky things he is confident and bold approaching new challenges.

Because of clinics I have a fairly well seasoned horse for his age.

But what about clinics makes them so beneficial that I excitedly go back time and time again?

Because you get do it "all" at a clinic.

Because you get to catch, load, travel, arrive at a new location with lots of other unknown horses, log hours of riding time in a training environment, do group and solo exercises, take a lunch break and tie (or pen) for it, and do it all again in the afternoon. Stay for the night in a new place among new people and animals or haul home, and get up and do it all again for two days or more.

Because what I really get out of a clinic is a chance to do it "all" in a encouraging and understanding environment.

Because I've found that doing it "all" always makes a better horse.

Hitting the Reset Button

One of the neat aspects of the herd environment is the fluid nature of leadership.

Leaders can emerge in a matter of seconds and can be knocked back down just as quickly.

And those who are leaders are to be tested regularly.

In this dynamic environment you have a chance, every single day to effectively hit the reset button in your equine relationship.

Every day you head to the barn you are walking up to a new relationship.

How you present yourself and what you allow sets the tone for your relationship that day.


Every day is the right day to take a stand and reclaim your horse life.



If you are looking for a chance to hit the reset button in your own horse life this spring please consider attending one of our horsemanship clinics.  Please visit KnP Training for dates and more information.