Howdy all, on the back of my recent visit to ride and learn from Richard he helped me work on ground driving in detail and we worked through the process to help me get a handle on effective ground driving, I thank Richard Boatwright for this, I know it is basic stuff but essential for making the horse a success.

It got me thinking what do you want to see in terms of videos and subjects in the library that is not already covered? (It probably is but you’re not found it yet as the library is extensive!) 

Suggestions might help Richard for future reference, I know how busy he is but I also know he is passionate about the program and helping as many people as he can and records new content on a daily basis. 

Fire away with suggestions 

Also mention which series has helped you the most and is your go to currently for help and inspiration/instruction.

For me the Nachees colt starting and also Stardust softening the older horse collection has helped me massively 

So tomorrow is my last day in South Carolina before I head back over the pond to Blighty, reflecting on the past week or so spent with Richard Boatwright at the B1 HQ.

What a fantastic trip over again and I can’t thank Richard enough for his time, patience and willingness to explain in detail all aspects of the ES program and share his knowledge on Horsemanship. 

I leave more enlightened than when I arrived yet again with a fire inside me to do better for my horses and just be a better person to be honest. 

Big thanks to Richard, Lilly and of course Gus who Richard entrusted to me for the duration, I hope I have not ruined him too much! 

Watching him rope today made me realise what a great horse he  is when in the right hands and what a poor rider I am! 

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.  

Looking for experience and advice on sheath cleaning. Does anyone train the horse to do it or do you just have the vet drug them? Is there any non-rinse product that is safe for sensitive horses?  Asking for a friend.... 🐎

Just bragging. I’ve posted about my 5 year old orphan foaled mare who I bottle fed and who was acting violent and just had a lot of feelings. Today be conquered the arena in the open space. Our goal was to just walk around, do some halts then we could be done. She was excellent! No drama. The last few months she’s able to really learn to rely on me for support when she’s frustrated. She is regulating her emotions better and just plain has a better attitude about working. She’s still sassy, and has her days but she’s been completely willing. She is also coming back to me, when she’s upset. Which before we’d blow up, and about fall on the floor. So the program is working, extra slow for her but she’s trying on her time! Thanks Richard!

Also anyone have any tips to standing tied on our own? We no longer paw, but we dance around and scream because we’re alone. She gets herself all worked up. Hobbles, chains, feed, standing all day, nothing seems to make her chill. Let me know!