My One-eyed Pirate.

    
     At the barn we had a difficult health problem with one of our best horses.  Since some of our horses are seniors, it is inevitable that this will sometimes occur.  
     I love horses of all different ages.  Like people, in the different stages of their lives they give us different aspects of the joys of life.  I absolutely love the energy and curiosity of young horses and respect and admire the wisdom of older horses.  The older troopers that have been in competition for years and have seen the “world” can take things in stride.  I love to put young equine or human campaigners with older, confident horses, it helps them so much.
     So, when “Rosco” developed a serious eye problem last spring, I was devastated but I hid my great dismay from my client, Rosco’s owner.  As we went through the rigorous weeks trying to save the vision in his quickly failing eye, it became apparent we were fast losing ground and that Rosco was in pain.  The brave decision was made by Rosco’s owner to have the eye removed. 

      We were justifiable concerned about his ability to adapt.  But adapt he did!  Because he lost his vision gradually, the change was not great.  We of course have to slightly alter our actions so that we do not surprise him.  But amazingly, he still does a wonderful job doing trail courses.  He is still a magician loping over and around things and even his walkovers still have wonderful expression.  It has been such an advantage that he and his owner have the most wonderful relationship, one built on years of trust and teamwork. 

     So, yes, older horses or horses that have gone through severe physical trauma or injury do have a future!  But it is up to us, their owners, trainers and handlers to help them overcome their adversities.  I am constantly amazed by Rosco’s recovery and I lovingly and with much admiration, call him my “one eyed pirate”.    (P.S.  I think he should have a pet parrot!)    See you next week.  JD

Slow Down

     As I go about my week at the barn I notice many things, and as there are a lot of comings and goings at Eagle Mt. Ranch, there's much for me to observe and think about.
     Everyone is in such a hurry these days.  I must always remind my clients to change gears, sort of down-shift, when they get to the barn.  Horses do much better if they are handled and ridden in a quiet and deliberate manner.  When you get to your barn, start to slow your thought process down.  Take a deep breath and try to relax.  Slowing you mind down will help to slow your body actions. Being in a hurry and rushing around horses is a recipe for failure and at worst, is a disaster in the making.  Also, always remember that horses have to "figure out" what we want to communicate.  Give them a fair chance to absorb what you're trying to teach them or ask them to do.

     Because people are in such a hurry, they often jump from one question to another and frequently don't take the time to really think about the material they are trying to learn.  Much of good horsemanship is more complex than what it first appears.  Many times I'm asked a seemingly simple question that I find there's no one simple answer to.  Unfortunately, there are no quick and clever answers - even the most basic of things can be much more involved than what first appears.  As an example: a simple discussion of proper hoof care or even how to properly handle a hoof pick should receive serious attention.  Properly and safely bridling and un-bridling a horse is another task that is also too often thoughtlessly and hurriedly done.

      Even the way you talk to your horse can make a difference in your relationhsip with him.  Talking slowly is calming.  For instance, learning to say "wwwhhhoooaaaa..." and not just "ho!!" when riding (in most cases) and softly rubbing, stoking or patting versus furiously banging on the horse when you're pleased, can make a positive difference.  I could go on and on, but I think you get the idea.  See you next week!  JD

Being a Partner

     This past weekend I watched Joanne Salisbury ride her two National Champion and Reserve National Champion horses over trail obstacles during a lesson.  "Ex" and "Wes" were happily going over the short but tight schooling course I had set up.  Joanne and her horses just flowed over and around the obstacles, negotiating everything with ease.  The poles on the ground just seeming to disappear as they went over them.

     A while back another trainer noted that "Wes" just seemed to know where Joanne wanted him to go.  How does this amazing thing happen?  In short, it starts with small, easy steps and you very slowly increase the difficulty.  If you and your horse falter, go back, back to the basics if necessary.  (Incidently, we always practice basic things - no matter how advanced the horse or rider - its like a musician doing scales.)  Be patient, be a good partner to your horse - never frighten them horse with "too much" and don't get frustrated.  

     It takes time to make a team.  Two working as one is the ultimate goal of any horse endeavor.  It's fun to watch this relationship grow - I watch my client Gina and her horse Montego build trust and confidence with each ride and I love to make lessons that encourage success, not failure.      

     Confidence and trust make for a winning combination but it doesn't happen in 30 days.  It takes time and practice to learn the needed skills and then hone them like a well tuned instrument.  Talk to you next week.  JD

New Year

     One of the wonderful things about being involved with horses is the prospect of the upcoming year.  It brings excitement, hope and challenge into our lives.  The cycle creates an atmosphere and a need that encourages and demands ever increasing levels of improvement.  The standard is always rising.  Horses and horsemen are always getting better.

     It is the excitement of going to Scottsdale, of seeing all the new competitors and the older past champions that we have come to love and respect.  The old and the new working towards a new excellence, a new gold standard.  It's the promise of returning - yes, we will return - to Canadian Nationals in the new year. 

     Do I expect another year as wonderful as the last?  No, but I will try my damndest to make another National Champion and I will be happy with whatever happens as long as I know I've given it my best.  New Years brings new excitement and expectations..........and the horsemen's cycle continues.....    See you next week!  JD

Young People Moving On

     I received a nice and very complimentary email from a former student the other day.  This young lady worked for me and took lessons from me for several years.  She proved to be a hard worker and an eager learner, always happy and cheerful and doing more than I asked.  Unfortunately, life was not easy for her, she had many burdens on her young shoulders but you would never have known it.  She is now trying to make it on her own, finding her own way as she goes.  I am proud of her!

     As I contemplate this “blast from the past”, I am struck by her desire to achieve her goals.  To me showing horses is all about goals, not dreams but goals.  I see people in this business who try to buy their way to success.  And with enough money and enough attempts, they very often get some of what they desire.  But they never attain everything they could because the easy way doesn’t teach all you need for ultimate success.  They choose not to take the longer, more arduous road, but the shorter, quicker one  and they cheat themselves by doing so.   When my students and horses do well at Nationals and Regionals, I always think of all the work involved.  Work that was many times joyful and brought happiness but was an effort and commitment all the same.

     Let me be absolutely clear, always buy the best horse you can.  There is never a  replacement for a good horse.  They are your partner and without them you are nowhere.  Buy a horse that suits you, your needs and level of accomplishment, then find a trainer that suits you and your horse.  But don’t take short cuts because when it gets really tough, you’ll find you won’t have the skills to cope.  There is a ladder to success but you must climb it one rung at a time!   See you next week.  JD