Could use a little help. I have a five year-old gelding that I have been working with for a few months. Great attitude, relatively quick learner (and a good teacher). Just had annual check up and no issues. Recently, he has started pawing after riding a few circles (either direction) at a slow trot. No protest when starting and none ever with ground work (both lunge line and liberty). I am a little concerned about the sweat at his whithers and him being sore there. I tried shimming the saddle a little and that helped some but still same pawing after a few circles. He’d go if I force him, but I suspect he is uncomfortable because he becomes a bit hot (nothing major) when I push. I have tried a smaller, lighter saddle and he did better with that - although I struggled.  

Other factors:

1. No change to riding location.

2. Is grazing more due to available grass (not enough to see weight change).

3. Temperature is ~20 degrees warmer when riding now.

Any recommendations? I have ordered a saddle pad with shims to adjust and am thinking a week of rest, even though I don’t see any signs of lameness/ soreness.

I want to wish all of you a very happy Easter.  We hope you have a wonderful day!

Richard Boatwright at what time do you recommend moving your horse from sniffle bit or a Bosal to a bit like the attached picture.  Also, do you have a recommendation of which bits to use?

Aubrey Isaacson I feel like such a loser🤦‍♂️.  I forgot to tell you happy birthday!!  Will you guys help me to wish Aubrey a happy belated birthday?  It was on the 10th!  

Hey Richard! I’m watching the Softening the Older Horse series in preparation to use it with a 12 year old mare I’m restarting. 

Have you had any success in using a side pull/bitless bridle doing the ground driving and other exercises? This mare is extremely unhappy in a bit and it’s something we’re going to work through, but it’s going to take some time and I’m hoping it won’t hold up our progress with this program. She’s great riding in a loping hackamore so she’s pretty responsive without a bit. I figured the side pull would simulate pressure more similar to a bit. 

I was going to try it and just wanted to know what your thoughts/experiences were. Thanks!

Market research project: 

If there were a smart phone app that listed all the clinics in your area and allowed you to sign up and pay right from your phone, would you use it?  Features would include:  Search by region, discipline, clinician, or venue.  Browse listings nationwide.  Sign up and pay securely.  Find local accommodations.  Reserve stalls and hook ups.  Sign waivers.

All right from the app.  How handy would that be?🤠

Hi Richard Boatwright - Loved the musings in your recent newletter about embracing the suck. Sent some excerpts to our three boys (21, 19, 17). Thought it all great life advice. Thank you!

Hey Richard Boatwright getting to the point in training where I want to start neck reining. I was watching the ranch rope series and just wondering if that’s the best one to watch?? If not what series should I be watching for neck reining?? Thanks in advance. 

Let's all wish Phil Mandelbaum a Happy Birthday!!🥳

Grundy and I tackled an obstacle course this weekend.  The tarp thingy was her least favorite, but she did them all and gained a ton of confidence along the way.