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.  

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!