Training Methods

I am a NH trainer. I use a combination of methods, an array of things that work for the individual horse I am working on. The comment I want to make is directed at the backing discussions. When training a horse to do something, anything, he has to fgure out what you are asking. He will choose the wrong or incorrect response sometimes often, before finding the correct answer. When the correct response happens, the trainer rewards by releasing pressure. In this case the jiggling of the rope stops. Some learn it faster than others. I teach this to EVREY horse I ride or train. It is an invaluable tool. Sometimes you are just not close enough to pull the rope toward his chest to ask for a back up. Using this technique I can ask from anywhere. My horses are so light with it it just takes a little wiggle of the rope and back they go. So the only real crazy waving involved is usually the first time teaching them.







Do I think the big name trainers have gotten out of hand? Yes. I also they they brought to light a lot about horsemnanship that main stream folks were not aware of. Things they should have been aweare of, but weren't.






My 17.3h sensitive draft cross and I have a great relationship. We preactically read each others minds. One day going to a trail he spooked. I could feel the m oment that he thought, OMG I'm going to die and Loretta is asking me to move forward. Someone has to save my life and if it's not going to be her it's going to be me. Really, I felt him close me out. Know what I did? I got down. And we walked back and forth in front of the scary yellow do not enter tape for the next hour. He was side passing at a trot to try and not get close but keep his eye on it, right next to the road. But if he had freaked and pulled away, I'd be alive even if he got hit by a car. I've had many folks tell me I did the wrong thing. I will never be convicned of that. For that horse under tose circumstances, I did the right thing.






So I applaud those who realize not every way works with every horse. Just like our children. Each have unique qualities that I beleive should be taken into consideration while training.


Loretta the natural horseman clear communication/visible results

Update

Stryker is looking much better. He loves the attention he gets at my friend's barn. Thanks Cara!




Astro will be living there for a while. He really needs work and since I am there all the time it will be easier to give him the time he needs.



Gemstone will move to my house. She HATES the ponies anyway



Loretta the natural horseman clear communication/visible results

September Newsletter

Subject: News from 20/20 Horsemanship Having trouble viewing this email? Click here You're receiving this email because of your relationship with 20/20 Horsemanship. Please confirm your continued interest in receiving email from us. You may unsubscribe if you no longer wish to receive our emails. Sept. 2010 Newsletter In This Issue Upcoming Openings Meet Mellie Update on Stryker Quick Links 20/20 Horsemanship website The Natural Horseman Blog Junior Master Horseman -For kids! Take a horse safety quiz! Can you name the parts of the horse? September Book-Horses Never Lie, Mark Rashid Last month I focused on Sally Swift and Centered Riding.  Several  purchased the book and are benefiting from Ms. Swift's knowledge. This month I am spotlighting a trainer, Mark Rashid. Mr. Rashid is a talented and gifted writer.  You will enjoy any and all of his books. It is important to remember that as aspiring horsemen and women it is our responsibility to understand the horse in every capacity.  Everything we do  with the horse we are either teaching him, reinforcing what we've taught him, or unteaching him.  Every single moment is a training moment.  So even if you do not desire to become a horse trainer, it will benefit you as a rider and a horse person to understand horse training.  If you ever desire to become a horse owner it is a MUST.  That is one of the biggest mistakes horse owners make-not knowing enough about training.  Every owner is also a trainer simply by default.   Mark Rashid  Dear Loretta, I'm sure you are looking forward to fall as much as I am.  This was one hot summer!  We have several new students to welcome: Sophia Arianna Sloan Sarah Cindy Kaitlin And several more that have returned from vacation.  Looks like September will be a very busy month here. Sincerely, Loretta Arey 20/20 Horsemanship Upcoming Openings Sunday 9/5 @ 5pm Tuesday 9/7 @ 10am & 5pm Wednesday 9/8 @ 10am Thursday 9/9 @ 4 & 5:30pm If you have not yet confirmed a regular time for fall classes, please do so as soon as possbile.  I have at least a dozen new students coming on board and I'd like for you to get your desired day and time. Herd Update Meet Mellie Mellie is the newest addition to our herd.  She is an adorable Appaloosa pony mare.  She is 15 years old and about 13.3hh. She is the first one to greet us at the gate and is always very interested in the goings on at the barn.  I am enjoying working with her and getting to know her.  She is a fast learner and is quickly picking up the ground work I am teaching her.  I also am enjoying riding her.  She has a lovely trot and canter-once she is moving.  In fact I have been practicing a lot on her since I had so much down time with my broken foot.  I've been riding with no stirrups, no reins, posting with no stirrups and doing sets of sit trot 7 steps, post 7, stand 7.  I have to practice what I preach!  And it's been giving me lots of good ideas for my students....next up, getting her out on the trail. Update on Stryker In case you have not heard, Stryker has a new injury.  Just as I was about to start riding him at a walk, he tore a suspensory ligament in his left front leg.  He is on strict stall rest for the next several months.  He is currently living at the barn with the ring.  I can keep my eye on him since I am there more than I am at home now.  He seems to be dealing with it well, just like he did with his tendon.  He sure is a good sport.  I feel so sad for him.  In December it will be one year that he's spent in a stall. About Us Thank you to all my wonderful students.  I am thrilled to share with you my passion for all things horse.  Especially the importance of having a relationship that begins on the ground.  If there is anything you'd like to see in future newsletters, please let me know.  Forward email This email was sent to loretta@2020horsemanship.com by loretta@2020horsemanship.com. Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy. Email Marketing by 20/20 Horsemanship | 231 Seneca Rd. | P.O.Box 397 | Great Falls | VA | 22066

August Newsletter

August 6, 2010 In This Issue Housekeeping Duster Sadly, Duster is no longer for sale.  During the selling process we discovered that she has a fairly serious lameness issue.  She is sound to be in the paddock or pasture, but not for riding.  Currently we are looking for a good home for her where she will be loved and spoiled.  Please let me know if you know of anyone who would like a nice companion pony.

Dear Loretta, Welcome new students! Rachel Lynn Fatima Z Shayna Sophia Ariana Jennifer Below is a list of some new policies.  Please be sure to read through the entire list.  Thank you.   Sincerely, Loretta Arey 20/20 Horsemanship   Housekeeping Unfortunate, but necessary In an effort to operate my business as efficiently as possible, I have instituted some new policies.  Arrival:  Please arrive a few minutes prior to the start of your lesson.  Pulling in to the barn and parking is not typically part of a horsemanship lesson. :O)  I have been and continue to be very generous with my time about going over the hour scheduled for lessons. Please understand, if you are late in arriving I may not be able to give you the complete hour + that most have become accustomed to.  Weekends especially are very busy and the entire day can get thrown off when a student arrives late.  If you would like to schedule a lesson for an hour and half or two hours, please contact me. Footwear:  Some sort of boot with a heel MUST be worn.  When students first come for lessons I inform them (or their parents) that a heel must be worn.  It is a SAFETY measure.  Rubber rain boots with heels are NOT allowed.  It is simply not safe. If your child has already had 3 or more lessons with me and is still wearing sneakers, all future lessons will be conducted on the ground until proper footwear is obtained.  Inexpensive boots can be purchased at the Saddlery in Great Falls, or through my Amazon store on my website. Payments:  When purchasing multiple lessons at once (4,8 or 12), a discount applies. If the lessons are not paid for AHEAD of time, the discount WILL NOT apply.  The reason I offer 'sets' of lessons is to offer you a discount for prepaying.  Payments are due at the time of the lesson if not prepaid. To summarize: Discounts apply for PREpayment. Cancellations:  Please give at least 24 hours notice of canceling your lesson.  If your cancellation inside of 24 hours cannot be filled, you will be charged the full price of the lesson.  I am usually able to fill openings fairly quickly, especially on the weekends.  However, filling an opening within 15 minutes of the lesson start time is not possible. I  am sure that your doctors and dentists have a 24 hour cancellation policy, please give mine the same respect.  Returned Checks:  There is a $35 fee for any check returned by the bank. If your check is returned all future payments must be made in cash.   Horse Update Scottie:  He is doing great!  Allergies are much less of a problem this year.  He even has a lovely mane and belly fur. Stryker:  Also doing great!  As far as he is concerned he is no longer lame.  Now that my foot is better I will be riding him at a walk.  L.S.D.  Long, Slow, Distance is what the vet prescribes. Gem:  Is doing much better.  My farrier put special shoes on her front feet to help alleviate her heel pain.  We can tell she likes them because she is moving her front legs and feet better.  Her right stifle is still very sore.  We are going to try acupuncture next. Astro:  Is coming along nicely.  Thanks to my student, Alyssa for riding him and being very patient with him.  The more practice he gets the better he will be.   Piero:  What can I say?  Always perfect Piero!  I recently found out that Piero was born and bred on the well known Farnley Farm!  He is of the Farnley/Shenandoah line, hence the registered name of Shenandoah Piero.  Oh, and he is actually 12 years old, not 11.

Loretta the natural horseman clear communication/visible results

Top 10 Purchasing Guidelines

Loretta’s top 10 Questions to ask and things to do, notice and look for when reviewing a horse for purchase.

1.     Are his eyes clear?  His coat shiny?

.      2.   Are there rings on his feet? Cracks? (not good)

3.   3.     Does he seem interested and friendly?      Is he jumpy?

5   4.     Watch how the owner handles him. i.e.  is there a chain over his nose?

6   5.     Does he willingly comply?

7.  6       Touch him all over.  Don’t start at his head, some horses just do not like that.  The shoulder or neck is a good place to start.  Run your hands on his whole body.  Back, legs, hind end.  Watch for his reactions.  Does he twitch or move around?

8   7.       Ask about ground work and manners.  Watch how he reacts and moves when being led, etc…

9.   8.       Does he stop when she stops walking or does she have to make him stop moving?  

9.  9.  Where does she hold the lead while handling him?

T  10.     Try to lift his tail right at the top of the dock.  Watch his reaction.  It is a sign of trust if they willingly allow you to pick up the tail.

Loretta the natural horseman clear communication/visible results