I was going to post a video but can’t figure out how, so here are a few snapshots from some successful ground driving. This exercise has made a huge difference in this mare! She’s much softer when riding and it’s helped her understand backing 100% better. I think we’re both more confident knowing we’ve worked out a lot of kinks on the ground before doing it the hard way under saddle. Last pic is after a great ride. 

the back cinch caused my horse to buck so i took it off. It wasn’t a big deal because we were just training in an arena. Now she is advancing and i need the back cinch. Should i put it on and just let her buck?

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?🤠

My mare wants to go straight into a trot , canter when I first mount. What am I doing to cause this? Do I need to round pen to run off a little energy at first?

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!  

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?

Could use a little help. I have a five year-old gelding that I have been working with for a few months. Great attitude, relatively quick learner (and a good teacher). Just had annual check up and no issues. Recently, he has started pawing after riding a few circles (either direction) at a slow trot. No protest when starting and none ever with ground work (both lunge line and liberty). I am a little concerned about the sweat at his whithers and him being sore there. I tried shimming the saddle a little and that helped some but still same pawing after a few circles. He’d go if I force him, but I suspect he is uncomfortable because he becomes a bit hot (nothing major) when I push. I have tried a smaller, lighter saddle and he did better with that - although I struggled.  

Other factors:

1. No change to riding location.

2. Is grazing more due to available grass (not enough to see weight change).

3. Temperature is ~20 degrees warmer when riding now.

Any recommendations? I have ordered a saddle pad with shims to adjust and am thinking a week of rest, even though I don’t see any signs of lameness/ soreness.

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 

I want to wish all of you a very happy Easter.  We hope you have a wonderful day!

Had a Great few days with the horses since I returned from SC.

I’ve taken Sarge the Friesian back to basics with speed control and moving forward on command and it’s paying dividends as things are getting softer and less pressure to get desired results, a little ground driving which went really well but until I’m happy with this momentum I’m keeping that in the locker.

Stan the youngster is flying along, started the ground driving and he really is taking to it well, moved out of the rubber bit into a French link snaffle and he’s becoming really soft, slight hesitation and resistance in one eye and we are patiently working through it and each day I’m seeing an improvement. 

Due to the imminent arrival of a foal into the herd I’ve let Seeta the young mare go to pastures new, she really was a disruptive force in the herd, all the horses are much more relaxed.

even managed a few rides on the old girls, ditched the mecate for Richard Boatwright’s flat rein set up and wow they are so good to ride with, thank you for the extended length on them Richard, very thoughtful and definitely needed. 

If you don’t have a set, get some is all I can say! 

I did get them for the wife’s horse but she is not getting them now 🤣🤣

Well maybe a set for Christmas 

Hope your all making good progress