Seeing the World from the Horse’s Point of View When I brought home my jumpy, suspicious, depressed mustang I thought, “ By this time I know all the right things to do—this will be a piece of cake.” I soon found that he couldn’t care less what I could ‘do’ with him. He would do […]
Health is more than simply the absence of illness. It is the active state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being. —UN World Health Organization Signs of health Energy flow Ease, freedom of movement Eyes clear, shining, open Coat smooth, shining, satin feel Elasticity, suppleness Positive attitude Flowing lines Smooth gaits Lightness Straightness – alignment […]
The ‘body language’ spoken by the shape and movement of a horse’s body tells more than his breed. It shows us the story of his life: past and recent accidents, where and how he lives, even how he’s ridden. Inherited or Acquired? Body shape, or ‘conformation,’ is both inherited and acquired. Bone length, thickness and […]
A straight back – isn’t that what we want for a good strong horse? It depends . . . on our definition of “straight” and also on our idea of structural and muscular strength. During capture wild horses are subjected to tremendous stress and often, injuries to their spine (as well as to their mind […]
When his true nature began to appear – courageous, proud and flamboyant, graceful and gentle – we dubbed him “Senor Paso.” But when he arrived one winter midnight after a 700-mile journey, he was a frightened, confused little horse. I wanted to cover my eyes when I saw him walk. Senor Paso’s hind pastern joints […]
