Posted by Phil Armitage on September 27, 2002 at 22:53:33:
In Reply to: Re: The Need For Education posted by Gary on September 27, 2002 at 14:34:35:
: : : : Hey Guys and Gals-
: : : : I have a client that I'd like to keep because:
: : : : 1) He's the Prosecutor and I never know when I might need a favor.
: : : : 2) They're nice folks
: : : : 3) They pay.
: : : : But... I've been doing their work for several months now and I can't seem to ge the point across that they need more than rope halters on their stock to get them to pay the respect needed... at least when I come to visit.
: : : : Mostly the horses are just distracted but they have an overall lack of respect for authority... not mean, just impatient and overbearing.
: : : : What is the most effective way to educate clients in the ways of proper training without my having to repeat myself over and over?
: : : : I mean, these are obviously educated folks but it's almost like it flies right over their heads!
: : : : They are a bit green but have had horses for many years... just not improving in their education.
: : : : I know there has to be more owners like them out there.
: : : : Thanks,
: : : : Scott
: : : Scott, actually those rope halters are exremely effective as training device IF the handlers know how to train. It will not matter what other devices they place on the horses, if they are not "hands".With the wrong prson at the head of the horse you wil always find yourself strugling with resisant or bully horses, and may even get in to more of a pickle if the incompetent handler uses a 'restraint' device.
: : : If they were my clients I would strongly suggest they invest in training for themselves and their horses.
: : : There are many terrific clinitians available who can show them how to get the horse's respct and learn how to use those halters effectively. Twenty minutes or less in a round pen or on a long lead rope and rope halter, with the right teacher can change a horses attitude a LOT.
: : : Patty
: :
: : Scott,
: : Some never learn. For years I had an associate who traveled with me. It was her job to hold the horses and keep me out of trouble. At the same time she would try and educate the owners. After 10 years she burnt out. Gave up, quit the business, had enough. the bad part was a lot of the men would take the horse away from her, like she did not know what she was doing. that really burnt her up. Can't count the number of times I would tell the guy or the owner let her hold the horse PLEASE.
: : Ray Miller
: That's why horseowners should be required to take a test or certify to Own horses! That would thin out alot of the Dinks in this business! JMO Gary
Ray is right, some people never learn. There is a growing number of horse owners that do not understand that there horses need to learn "Manners". Alot of people think they need to baby talk too there horses and let them get away with alot of little things, so that the horse will like them. This is a big misunderstanding of the horse. Horses only trust and respect dominance and confidence and consitant rules. When people act timid and inconsistant with there horses then the horse is dominant and can become disrepectful. When I say "Dominent", I do not mean abusive I mean letting them know that you are the boss and there are rules and they will obey them. If the owner is not the Boss then it will make things difficult for others to work around there animals. You can send them to clinics and trainers, but they have to continue when they get home. I believe either a person has this ability or doesnt, it is hard to teach this to people. Thats why your best clients are real horsemen/women.
Some rules that I teach my horses.
1. Pick up there feet on the word up.
2. Stand still on the ties.
3. Don't bite
4. Don't kick
5. Keep there mouths and head away from your space, this can only be achieved by not hand feeding.
6. No eating while working, especialy while I am shoeing them. No eating in the ties at all!!!
7. Do not lean on me.
8. Do not pull your foot away from me, unless I caused it by making them uncomfortable.
Here are some pointeres for the handler and Farriers:
1. Be firm and confident, but be kind and understanding also.
2. If flys are bothering them, fly spray them.
3. If a horse is acting up rule out discomfort or pain.
4. Maybe the horse needs to urinate, if they fight you and there usually good, put them in there stall and see if they needed to urinate. Some horses will not urinate in Ilseway.
Anyways, goodluck
Phil