Richard. I’m interested in your opinion on starting a 2 year old? I have an ottb (who was obviously started as a two year old….. with all the battle scars to prove it.) I also have a 2 year old qh cross that was started at 2 who is doing amazing. She was ridden under saddle for short rides <15minutes at a time 2-3 days a week consistently for a month or so. Very differently from how a 2 year old racehorse is trained (2 hrs on the walker and sometimes up to 1-2 hrs under saddle depending on the trainer.) 

There’s a lot of info out there that suggests lightly riding two year olds actually strengthens their bone development. My vet concurs. You’ve started way more horses than my vet though….. So, I’d really like your personal opinion on the topic (before I start lightly riding her 2-3 times a week myself?) 

For those of you interested in attending a B1Horsemanship clinic in the Northeast, Mr. Boatwright will be holding an event in Pennsylvania September 21-22! Contact/registration information is in the flyer. In addition to the two-day clnic there is the opportunity for 1 on 1 lessons and training the 19th and 20th!  

Good morning all,  How's your summer going?

Hey Richard Boatwright! I have a 3 year old mare who is having trouble with trailering. She loads fine and this past week has become more comfortable being on the trailer as long as the doors are open. Once we shut the doors, she starts moving around & pawing. 

Our last haul, she pawed & thrashed almost the entire drive. Do you have any tips on how to make a solid trailering citizen? I worry about her safety.  

Hey Richard. I have a horse that wind sucks. Is the a way to train it out or are chemical  sprays our only option 

We took the kids snowboarding this week.  I hated to leave work, but I'm glad I did.  Epic!

Hello Richard Boatwright - I've been working with a horse that's starting to decide she doesn't want you to hold her feet for more than a few seconds. She's 10 or so, and I think this is kind of new behavior. Do you have any videos on tips for picking up feet? Thought I've seen one in the past but now I can find it. Thanks as always!

Hi, I have a couple Welsh Pony fillies whom I’ve had since they were born - 3yo & 2yo. The 3-yo knows me very well. I’ve halter broke her and got her desensitized to picking up feet and objects like saddle blankets and bareback pads.  I’ve tried starting her myself but the problem I am having is I can’t get her to move. I’ve tried flapping & flapping, progressively waiving the flag & whip harder and harder, even snapping her a bit on the backside over & over and only at that point will she just give me a little side eye and so then I let up on the pressure to reward her but then she just goes back to whatever she’s interested in. It’s only when I turn to walk away from her completely, then she gives me her full attention and comes up and tries to rest her head on my shoulder. I think she may be too familiar with me. Do you have any suggestions for how I can get her to move away from my pressure? 

Any thoughts on changes to training plan when a 2 year old, soon to be 3 filly comes into heat during  the ES20? 

Working on the spin.

Good morning sir, I was looking to add speed to spin and would greatly appreciate any advice/ critiques 

https://youtu.be/SXqZsrD8A3g?feature=shared

https://youtu.be/naK_eQh0TcQ?feature=shared

Richard Boatwright