Re: [RC] Nail Pricks etc - Chris PausI agree that we shouldn't be judging each other and I don't think anyone really is. There are lots of ways to approach horse ownership and horsemanship. I share what has worked and not worked for me and my horses in hopes someone else might find some inspiration for solving a problem... But I will admit wholeheartedly that I am no guru and certainly don't have all the answers or even most of the answers! I also agree that the snaffle bit is NOT the right bit for every horse in every situation. My easiest going, sweetest horse who is safe enough for children and beginners, absolutely hates snaffle bits and gets worried and stressed with one. Must be the shape of his mouth or something... OTOH, if someone is suggesting something that I truly believe is harmful for horses, I will speak up. chris --- Karen Sullivan <greymare56@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote: Responding to what Ray wrote below......having owned some extremely difficult horses that came to me as a last resort....my opinion is that nobody really has the right to judge how someone rides their horse....unless they are willing to get on and give it a try! I rode Chancy mare with the biggest ole curb bit you have ever seen....given her past history, it was the only bit I could negotiage with....and to use less would have put everyone AROUND me at risk too.....for those who insist that any horse can be retrained in a snaffle...I would have been more than willing to let then give it a go! Karen Please Reply to: Ray O'Donohue rno2m@xxxxxxxxxxxx or ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx ========================================== Frank,my friend: you might be able to get on Chico and do what others cannot.(Frosty morning:Ride him away from the cantering group and travel parallel to them,cantering slowly,stopping occasionally, with them still in sight,AND have Chico stay quiet and calm and cooperative,no rearing,jigging,side-passing,crow-hopping,propping,etc.Hell,while we're at it let's say there's slack in the reins the whole time and you are whistling a tune.)I don't say nobody can do this.But the person who can will be someone very unusual.I've often thought some little kid might have no trouble with him whatsoever.He never did any of wild stuff with me when I first got him.I couldn't ride at all,in those days. Chico taught me gently for a while,and then gradually taught me the Full Chico Method of Rock & Roll horsemanship. It's sure been interesting,and I can pretty much ride any other horse now.If I thought I could safely experiment with sticking him with a nail I would.Might try it in a plowed field one day. ==================== When you ask a Quarter horse for something he says - Sure - and when you ask an Arab for something he says - Why? - ~ Heidi Smith ridecamp.net information: http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/ ==================== ============================================================ Black care rarely sits behind a rider whose pace is fast enough ~ Theodore Roosevelt ridecamp.net information: http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/ ============================================================ ===== "A good horse makes short miles," George Eliot Chris and Star BayRab Acres http://pages.prodigy.net/paus ============================================================ The whole ride experience can be very hard, and at times you question why you put yourself through such abuse. But then you remember all those moments when you pop up over a hill and are suddenly surrounded by the most stunning views. It's just you and your horse and for a moment time stops and you can hear the angels sing. Therein lies the addiction, at least for me. ~ Leslie Beyers ridecamp.net information: http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/ ============================================================
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