[cd_horton]

Horses are simple, humans seem to make things difficult, mainly to boost our own ego....there are lots of ways to get a horse to accomplish a task...but one thing remains true...horses know where the pressure IS NOT and thats what they will seek....so an applications and release of pressure will always work...some instances require light applications such as only your bodys energy...other instances require heavy applications of pressure, such as a bridle rein across the rear end....but either way the horses is looking for the release of that pressure and that is where he learns something...over time if we refine our appication of pressure and timing of release we can create a very light, supple, responsive and happy equine willing to do a job set before him.

[littlecelticpony]

This lady comes over out of the blue and starts on some 15 minute rant aboout how she's this amazing natural horsemanship trainer and could really help me get over some of these resistance issues through trust and cooperation.
It just went on and on and on... I seriously wanted to kill myself.

Hey, a Parelli woman PUNCHED me in the arm for clipping my horse's face, banging his tail, and pulling his mane. You wanna make me mad? Hit me for something like that. And tell me the REASON you hit me was cos it wasn't "NH."

In herds, there is always an alpha horse. Sometimes there is a boss horse as well.

They are rarely the same horse.

Alpha horses don't have to constantly re-establish their role in the pecking order. They earned it, and they keep it out of respect from the other horses. Newcomers may challenge it, and horses who are still growing may occasionally challenge it as they figure out their place in the herd. But youngsters will often look at their elders respecting this Alpha horse, and see that life is good and orderly, and realize that is a safe approach to adopt as well.

Excellent information.

Alphas have a signature "I don't give a care" attitude. The alpha dog in my little pack of 4 was a tiny Border Terrier....female. She'd relinquish a sleeping spot once in a while because it just wasn't important to her. Why should it be? Alphas have more to deal with - where the herd/pack is going to eat, how they're going to stay safe, breeding, etc.

It's the middle of the pack guys who are in constant struggle. The images of "alpha" in your head of the big, bad wolf with his lips pulled back as he's standing over another wolf on the ground, who's flipped on his back....is 9 times out of 10 incorrect. Those are middle-of-the-herd kids trying to scramble up the rank ladder.

[ShowJumper23]

Originally Posted by littlecelticpony

Hey, a Parelli woman PUNCHED me in the arm for clipping my horse's face, banging his tail, and pulling his mane. You wanna make me mad? Hit me for something like that. And tell me the REASON you hit me was cos it wasn't "NH."

Oh God, I'd make that woman pay. That is the STUPIDEST thing I have ever heard. Assualt because it wasn't "The natural way". Wow.

[littlecelticpony]

Originally Posted by ShowJumper23

Oh God, I'd make that woman pay. That is the STUPIDEST thing I have ever heard. Assualt because it wasn't "The natural way". Wow.

Yeah. I guess she failed to notice my set of 4 fly-guard leg wraps, my fly mask, my fly spray, how thick and tangle-free his tail was kept, how I kept the pastures free from debris - the pasture HER horse stayed in, too, mind you - and how I rotated pastures to make sure to keep the parasite and fly population down. Guess none of that mattered.

Not to mention the fact that her daughter's Parelli mare was out of control in a dangerous way.

[JBandRio]

Originally Posted by littlecelticpony

Hey, a Parelli woman PUNCHED me in the arm for clipping my horse's face, banging his tail, and pulling his mane. You wanna make me mad? Hit me for something like that. And tell me the REASON you hit me was cos it wasn't "NH."

Hopefully you don't now attribute that to the PNH program

Or heck, to any particular NH program. She was a loon, period, who just happened to be a Parelli-ite

[its.me.heather]

I love the ideas of Natural horsemanship - I also love the idea of a horse with manners and if that means using some force I am all for that idea as well.

I am not against hitting my horse if needed. I am not against natural horsemanship. I AM against all the bickering between the two.

She had no business comeing up and telling you how to work your horse. Just the same you have no business bashing all who use natural horsemanship.


I personally don't use all "natural" methods... would be nice if it was that easy for me but it isnt. However, I do have a friend who has a horse that is just freaken amazing and she is big time on the natural way.. Is it luck? Is it that she can spend hours and hours a day with her horse? Did she just get lucky and find the horse that fits her perfect? No one knows but it works for her and I tell her each time I see them how amazed I am.. We trail ride together... her bareback and no bit... me in my super heavy western saddle and twisted chain bit... (not always just being ornery).

Just accept that she wanted to help you and say thanks... would you be all irate if someone came up with ideas that were not natural?

Heather

[Crazy4Apps]

For me it depends on who training it for me to like it,so far I only found one guy that I like.I've seen him work withTONS of horses,some not even halter broke,and he always has the same result.Good broke quiet for anyone trained horses,and he uses all pain free methods,but he the only one I like,cuase I've seen such good results.

[riding_reaper]

this thread just keeps coming back from the dead.
It wont DIE!!!!
lol

[its.me.heather]

Originally Posted by riding_reaper

this thread just keeps coming back from the dead.
It wont DIE!!!!
lol

I just noticed how old it was... and how many replies there are.. geesh.. sorry for keeping that going.. I should check that first.. I normally just read the first post and respond from there... I'll learn to read more! LOL

[riding_reaper]

Originally Posted by its.me.heather

I just noticed how old it was... and how many replies there are.. geesh.. sorry for keeping that going.. I should check that first.. I normally just read the first post and respond from there... I'll learn to read more! LOL

I just dont know how it keeps coming back up but every couple of months, BAM, there it is again! lol