I think my main goal is get back regularly riding and hacking out when my eye is healed, we do have a full cross country course at our new yard but I think my days of jumping are passed!

What about you Lucas Truax ?

Kimberly Harrison

Exactly right, you can only learn by trying, the ES20 colt starting videos are gold dust to watch time and time again then take that into the round pen and give it a go, make a mess of it, go watch them again and try again and see the improvements.

I must admit i had my yearlings in the round pen working the code, taught me a lot but then I don’t produce horses to work, just pleasure and have lots of time to spend with them.

I know trainers appreciate a well handled horse to work with, saves them a lot of time, provided they haven’t been given treats, mishandled etc 

Have fun and enjoy, hitting the sweet spot is the best feeling, just know when to quit on the try! 

Happy New Year Kimberly and welcome, I know Richard Boatwright has his views on this but from my point of view as a non-trainer like you (although I do my own horses) as a yearling/2 year old prior to breaking I want the horse at least to be 

Halter broken 

Leading easily

Able to pick up feet and trim

Stand to be groomed 

Stand to have teeth checked/vet work 

Load on a trailer 

As I do show mine in hand sometimes I also will have mouthed them to wear a show bridle and bit, also have them used to wearing rugs.

I will also be working them in the round pen lightly learning the code but I take a lot longer to bring them on due to work commitments than for example Richard does.

There are some great videos here on leading and trailer work to watch alongside all the other fantastic videos.

Thanks Lucas, appreciate those kind words, unfortunately the Year has started terribly and I lost my best friend at 1.20am on New Years Day after 11 years of Loyal companionship, I will bounce back and be back annoying Ya’ll with my English ways soon.

Take care 

A nice relaxing time for all, hope you are enjoying the break and getting some riding done!

Richard Boatwright

Season greetings Richard,

Wishing yourself and Family, not forgetting Lilly a fantastic Christmas and New Year.

Had to thin the herd down and find new lodgings last month unfortunately but all settled now and looking forward to the light nights and spring 

Michelle Houle The one thing that struck me when I was out training with Richard in the round pen was although I thought my timing was good,it was way behind what Richard observed and he sharpened my timing, less is more as they say, especially with mares as I find  them much less forgiving than geldings and critical of our direction/instruction.