Richard Boatwright It is almost spring here in Indiana. The horses are fresh and as we start riding again I am looking for groundwork exercises or exercises to just see where my horses minds are at before I get in the saddle.
I am watching your snaffle bit series currently and loving it but what exercises or checks do you do to help ensure your horse has gotten the fresh off before you get on?
Is there a video on teaching flying lead changes on here, I looked around the video library but didn't see anything. Maybe I'm missing it. That is one area on my horse that I'm currently struggling with. I've watched several videos and listened to a few other trainers but curious if you touch on that here.
First “RIDE” 😍
I’m figuring out this filly more and more. She learns so fast that if you’re not getting in then out, you’re actually creating boredom. So I get in, take 2 steps forward, then get out. WOW Richard, I finally feel like I’m building a foundation of skill that I can take anywhere. So grateful. You are one of a kind. Thank you. 🤩
A quick update on my 2 colts (now geldings) I've had them in for a little over a month, they've come leaps & bounds from when they first arrived. Completely untouched and feral. They had their first trims last week and my farrier was very impressed! They did amazing. I work with them daily on everything and anything I can think of. They lead, tie , load, stand for farrier, bathe, hobble, and are now use to carrying something around on them ... a light cooler or blanket without panicking. I had them tied the other day for an hour and a half and they did excellent. Didn't actually mean to leave them tied that long! I lost track of time working with my others. Glad to know they have some patience instilled in them. I'm pleased with their progress and receiving a compliment from my farrier was the cherry on top. His exact words were I have clearly set these colts up for success. Made my day because I tend to question my abilities too much and sometimes doubt myself. I need to quit that! I'm excited for their futures. I have a 2 yr old coming home next week I had sent off to a colt starter for 60 days so he's going to be my next focus... continuing on with the progress they've made. (Colt undersaddle is my 2 yr old, they started tracking the dummy on him) the other 2 are my yearlings. Next on my agenda is hauling all these colts around with my seasoned horse to barrel races and ropings to get them use to different sights and sounds. First time since I've bought my 4 horse trailer that all slots will be filled! Ought to be fun haha!
When your off billet tears through several holes at once, you get to buy a new helmet! She was doing great, trotting a single ground pole, when seemingly out of the blue she bolted. She went left at the gate, and I didn't. 😂 I saw the torn off billet afterwards - maybe that's not what caused the ruckus, but it certainly did not help. I'm getting too old for this junk, but it's a long way from my heart and nothing a little ibuprofen won't fix. 👍
Sorry about commandeering the community, but I have so many questions and no idea what I am doing. My question is about the colt starting series. With the neck rope and the snaffle: sometimes you run it through the curb strap and sometimes through the bit. Could you explain what you are looking for in each method, when and why you would use these methods, and when the horse has the concept well enough to move on? I kinda get when the rope is through the bit that we are looking for give and softness to that side, but all I can figure about the strap is that it is a first step to feel and give to the bit. Would like to know what you are thinking and looking for.
Please and thank you. 😀
QUESTION/SUGGESTION: Could you add an "Equipment List" video or description to each training section/video? Example, in the Magnolia Video 2 you introduce a neck rope and mention it is 1/2" double braided poly but not how long it is. Not a huge deal but I had to search back to even find the above info. Great program and I appreciate the breakdowns! Thank you.
Hey there! I’m coming back to the B1 program after some time off and am loving all of the series. Just wanted to say thank you for the great content!! Can’t get enough of it and am excited to start using it with one new horse, and tune up the other guys. Thank you again!
Really enjoyed the rollback videos! I will have to watch those 8-10 more times to sink all the information into my head! I have a couple questions:
1) Did you ever use the fence to help teach or clean up the rollback? I know if you are too close to the fence when you try it you can unbalance your horse and/or lose forward motion. The steps I learned were in the same order: stop, ask direction, open leg, switch pockets. Just wondering your about thoughts and experience.
2) What point in Caddy's (sp) riding training did you think she was ready? What was she doing well that it was time to take it to the next level?
