Have a roughly 11 year old mare that has no life in her feet how can I get life back in her feet?

I have a coming 3 year old filly that I started last spring. All I’ve ever rode her in a a ring snaffle bit. I was wondering when to switch up bits or do you necessarily have to? I haven’t really had many issues with her just wondering on when to switch or change bits

Hi Richard Boatwright and all - I work with a few horses we use in therapy sessions with kids, and I'm looking for advice with one of them...a 12-15 year old Arab with we don't know what kind of foundation. Owner has him in a mechanical hackamore, says he doesn't take to a snaffle. So....

He longes ok walking and trotting both directions, saddled, with either a bridle or rope halter. But when I ride him he will do everything he can to avoid going to the right. He's hard to keep going forward, always will stop and look at my left foot. Even longeing to the right he's often  paying attention to the left. He does this with other riders, and I haven't seen this problem with other horses.

Owner thinks it's something with a weaker right shoulder, but my theory is he's afraid to trust not seeing his left side.

Anyone have similar experiences or insight? Would appreciate any thoughts on causes and exercises to help fix. Thank you!

I have a five year old mare that I took to gather cows last fall, things were going good until they weren't! I lost all speed control that she was very good at. I have the control at home, but then I ride her to the sagebrush, I lose the control and she gets excited and hot. What can I do to regain the control away from home? 

I'm struggling with a 3yr old gelding that has a problem with standing tied by himself.  We're about 30days into his training. He doesn't set back, he paws and moves around so much that he gets himself all sweaty and worked up. I've been making him move his feet and try again but he just doesn't want to stand by himself, if I bring in another horse he's fine. I'm just wondering if I'm doing something wrong or am I just dealing with a horse that has anxiety issues?  Any advice is greatly appreciated.  Thanks!    Ernest

Riding Goals Anyone?

What's everyone got planned for this year? Any new horses you're starting or skills you plan to add to the old ones?

Hello - I am not a horse trainer by profession but I do believe I’m training to some degree all the time (for good or bad lol). I just got my first yearling - well I guess he turned 2 today - but I was curious to know what you think is helpful for a client to have done with their horse before having them started under saddle? And what things would you rather the client not mess with at all? I’m excited to learn with my colt but also don’t want to make a mess of things. Thanks and Happy New Year!

Hey Richard!

I just wanted to share some wins. I’m a friend of JT Timmons and also one of his clients—he’s the one who told me about your program. I think he was about to fire me because my horses were not great at standing still for him. 😅

So much of horsemanship isn’t explained well. Even after riding for 30 years, I realized I just needed someone to clearly explain what to look for and how to get a horse there with me mentally. It’s not rocket science, but there are lessons that need to be scaffolded for the horse/trainer, and I don’t think many horsemen explain those concepts clearly. Your program has filled in a lot of holes I was never taught.

I’m thrilled to say my horses now stand quietly (and JT hasn’t fired me). But the biggest win was yesterday: a Thoroughbred gelding (who has done upper level eventing) who used to spin badly on the trail when riding alone—very buddy sour, lots of tension—after putting him through 15 days of round pen and long lining work- went out for a quiet three-mile ride. No tension, stayed between two reins, completely content. If that’s not a win, I don’t know what is.  

I ride mostly Thoroughbreds, and the stress, tension, and “dullness to the aids” they come off the track with is real. I truly think your program is a must for anyone with an OTTB—it teaches softness and makes them genuinely rideable. And let’s be honest… it’s no fun not being able to turn a horse going 30 miles an hour.

I’ve also got three youngsters that I finally feel confident starting, and my 12 year old daughter is having an absolute blast teaching her Quarter Horse your program. 

Just a lot of wins over here, and I wanted to send my gratitude. Hopefully I’ll get to meet you someday.

happy new year!

Conoly Sullivan 

Eremos Farm

merry chrismass happy new year from brittany in france 

Gday Richard, Ben from New Zealand here hope all is well. There use to be a video on how to get your horse turning naturally on the hind quarters, it may still be there but I can’t find it. I was wondering if you might be able to direct me to it please or if you had time post another video on it . I found it really helpful and would love to watch it again . Cheers Ben