“Hi and happy Friday from Charlotte, NC! Your story touched me deeply. I wanted to share a little something…hope you don’t think it’s odd of me.

I have never had the privilege of owning a horse of my own. When I was a child, I volunteered my time at the horse stable down the street from my house every day! It was a home for about 30 horses. The hard but most rewarding work was thoroughly enjoyed! I had the chance to get to know the owners of several horses and eventually they asked me if wanted to take care of them! If i did well, I could tend to them when they were not able to come into town. Well, I could not have smiled any wider!!! I learned everything I could, my brain was a sponge! They taught me how to ride as time went on too. To me this was the best! I’ve always had a great respect for horses, honestly for all animals. And I do believe that they can sense things in people. They know who to trust! As Julie said, by showing them patience and giving them love….well in doing that you get it back in abundance! And at that young age I learned that each horse is different!! Just like people! I am overjoyed even to this day at 46 years old when I get the chance to be around, ride or even see horses. I always get out if my car to look and call then over.. Sometimes they come! I wish that I could work with horses again….it’s we’re my heart is. It is my dream to learn and do what you and Julie does with horses. It’s hard work but well worth every minute. Who knows? Maybe one day I will get the chance to work and be with horses on a regular basis! Sincerely, I love and enjoy to Pay it forward….it feels wonderful… working with horses would be doing just that each day!! it’s not a give and take…..it’s a give and give for both horse and person.

Sincerely,

Jenn”

“For years my first horse, a cuttin’ quarter kinda gal, terrorized the neighbourhood. We frequently rode sans bridle, halter and saddle. It seemed like I would just about get everyone trained, then someone new would move in the area. Mom, or some other neighbour would get a call about a child being run away with on a horse who’d lost its bridle.

I took the horse to the Chicago area barn I was working in. The owner’s son/”trainer” lost $50 bucks in a bet about honest jumpers: I bet him the horse could jump a 5′ fence wearing only her halter. He set up two standards and a single rail at 5″. The mare was only 14.1 hands tall and could run right under the bar, so it was kind of a dirty trick. But it also showed his ignorance of a horse he’d supposedly “known” for 6 months. I told him we would to a figure 8 course of fences – with change of lead, then come down over the 5′ rail.

And then I dropped the halter off her head. Because the bet was all about honesty in the horse, after all.

Well, the horse did the smaller fences, in a figure 8, with flying lead changes, then came around to address the single rail. For a pony to jump over her own height is a pretty good deal. But to jump a rail she could run right under, or run around or completely avoid because she is wearing nothing was quite spectacular. It really infuriated the bettor – who actually refused to pay up!

His mother would sustain much the same fury when we decided to leave the barn. She turned out some 30 school horses with my horse, in an indoor arena. Every horse turned out had a halter on, except 1 single horse. Guess which one. Now I have learned where her son gets the “dirty trick” gene. She had tried to purchase my horse, and I wouldn’t sell; this was her way of encouraging me to change my mind!

I went outside, hitched up my trailer and opened its back door. Then I went back into the indoor arena, wherein were milling 30-odd horses. The owner was smirking as it was hard enough to catch up a school horse turned out in the arena on a day off. That was why they all had halters on – and mine did not! And she had no problem standing at the gate to the outside tossing dirt clumps to get them going.

As horses began to pick up swirling speed, I just stood there. As my horse cruised by, I called her name. She stopped and stood while I jumped up on her. Then she picked up a nice little canter down the arena, jumped over the gate to the outside – causing the owner to jump out of the way – and walked into the trailer, where I hopped off, closed the back door, and off we drove!

Thank you for this happy memory!

Cheryl”

Hope enjoyed those. I did. Please keep ’em coming.

Best

Al

Horse whisperer link here

And now onto the buck who sent this in.

“While horses may not their love back in the same way humans do, they form strong emotional bonds with people, often exhibiting behaviors resembling affection and loyalty. Horses are naturally social animals with complex emotional and social structures, typically forming strong bonds with other horses in their herd. When they develop a connection with a human, they often display similar attachment behaviors.”

“One sign of affection in horses is their body language. For instance, a horse that trusts and feels comfortable with someone may nuzzle them gently, follow them around, or rest its head on their shoulder. Horses also show signs of relaxation around those they trust, such as lowering their heads, blinking slowly, and even sighing. These are subtle but meaningful ways in which horses express that they feel safe and content with a person.”

“Scientific studies also support the idea that horses can form bonds similar to attachment and in a way love you back. Research has shown that horses are able to recognize their humans and even appear to show signs of stress when separated from those they trust. Additionally, horses have been observed to synchronize their heart rates with those of their favorite humans, suggesting a deep, calming bond.”

“Horses also learn to understand the emotional cues of humans, responding to voice tones, body language, and mood. This sensitivity often leads people to feel a mutual connection with their horses, which can be deeply rewarding and comforting thinking there horse really do love them back.”

“So, while a horse may not “love” in the same way humans do, they can definitely show signs of affection, trust, and attachment. These behaviors are clear indications of a bond that feels close to love, as far as we can understand it in animals. With proper care, kindness, and consistency, a horse can form a loyal, affectionate relationship that resembles a form of love, deeply valued by those who experience it. Horses show love differently than us, but they show that they love us back in a different way.”

Next up

Horse confidence.

The post Horses really do love you back… appeared first on Natural horse care and training tips.

You may not realize it, but when you groom your horse you’re bonding with him. Not only will your horse accept you. He’ll find comfort and safety around you. He’ll look to you as his leader.

What we do out of the saddle will always affect our performance in the saddle. Grooming shows there’s more to our horses’ care than simply keeping him healthy and clean.

Jim”

And now hear what Dan says on grooming.

“Horse grooming is an essential part of equine care, both for the health of the horse and to strengthen the bond between horse and rider. Regular grooming helps maintain the horse’s coat, skin, and hooves in good condition, while also providing an opportunity to check for injuries, irritations, or signs of illness. Beyond the physical benefits, grooming is a calming and bonding experience, allowing the horse to feel relaxed and connected with its handler. Dan”

“Special attention is given to the horse’s mane and tail, which should be brushed carefully to prevent pulling or breaking hairs. A detangler or conditioner can be applied to keep the hair manageable. The hooves are cleaned using a hoof pick, removing dirt, stones, or debris that could cause discomfort or injury. Dan”

“Grooming also provides a chance to check the horse’s overall health, including looking for signs of irritation, sores, or swelling. This routine also helps prevent skin conditions such as rain rot or fungus by keeping the coat clean and dry. For the horse, grooming often feels good and can be a relaxing, almost meditative experience, especially when done with calm, gentle motions. It is a vital aspect of responsible horse care that enhances both health and well-being. Dan”

So now you know why grooming is so important but does your horse trust you…

The post Why grooming is so important appeared first on Natural horse care and training tips.

It was a harder time for the working horse, and Old Billy undoubtedly lived a hard life. He was a barge horse, pulling cargo along the sides of canals. A horse pulling a barge can pull 50 times as much cargo as a horse pulling a cart. It was barge horses that pulled society through the Industrial Revolution. They were used right up to the mid-20th Century.

I sometimes wonder if easy living is partly to blame for our horses’ comparatively short lives. At Peak Forest in northern England, barge horses still pull tourists on riverboat trips. Maybe they hold some of Billy’s secrets?

Here’s what Jack has to say.

“The average lifespan of a horse varies significantly based on breed, care, and environment, but generally, horses live between 25 to 30 years. Some may live beyond this, reaching up to 40 years or more with exceptional care. However, just as with other animals, genetics, diet, physical activity, and veterinary care heavily influence a horse’s life. Jack”

“Breeds play a significant role in lifespan expectations. For instance, smaller breeds such as ponies often have longer lifespans than larger breeds. Ponies frequently live well into their 30s or 40s, while draft horses, which are larger and more physically demanding to maintain, tend to have shorter lives, often 15 to 20 years. Common horse breeds like the Arabian, known for their endurance and strong genetics, frequently reach 30 years or more under proper care. Jack”

“Daily lifestyle and level of care also impact a horse’s lifespan. Horses that are regularly exercised, kept at a healthy weight, and receive balanced nutrition tend to live longer. Proper dental care, regular veterinary check-ups, vaccinations, and parasite management are essential aspects of horse health that contribute to longer lifespans. Environmental factors like climate, stable conditions, and even social interaction can also affect their health and longevity. Jack”

“Horses that experience less physical stress, particularly as they age, typically have fewer health issues. For example, working horses, which might experience joint strain or other physical injuries due to hard labor, often have shorter lives if they don’t receive adequate rest or recovery periods. Jack”

“Overall, advancements in equine veterinary medicine have improved the lifespan of domestic horses. Owners who provide quality nutrition, monitor their horse’s health closely, and offer safe, comfortable living conditions can maximize their horse’s potential to enjoy a long and healthy life well into their 30s or beyond. Jack”

Next up

Tips and horse care to keep your horse going.

The post Average horse lifespan? appeared first on Natural horse care and training tips.

Jaime Jackson observed wild horses. The way many of us look at our horses’ hooves was transformed.

Pat Parelli and Monty Roberts observed wild horses. So many dropped the whip, and saw better results for it.

And Pete Raimey, who specialises in founder rehabilitation, said this. “I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the finest horses, for the finest horse owners in the world. Understand that after two minutes with the wild ones, I knew that I had never seen a true horse.”

Why in 1919, did the American Government issue a bulletin dealing with ‘wild or worthless’ horses? And why today, are there still those who call wild horses “garbage”?

200 years ago, there were 2-5 million horses on the American Plains. Today there are fewer than 50,000. It’s a steep drop. And as wild horse numbers fall, our ignorance can only rise.

And now onto Gordon.

“Learning to ride horses without the guidance of an experienced teacher can be challenging and even risky. Although there are countless online resources, books, and tutorials available, horseback riding is a highly nuanced skill that involves both physical coordination and understanding horse behavior. Self-teaching can lead to gaps in knowledge or bad habits, which can be difficult to unlearn later and may even be unsafe.”

“One of the most important aspects of horse riding is developing “feel,” or the ability to read a horse’s body language, mood, and reactions. This skill typically takes time to cultivate and is greatly facilitated by an instructor who can interpret these signs and teach riders to respond appropriately. Without a teacher, riders may miss these cues, which can result in miscommunication or unsafe situations with the horse. Additionally, teachers can provide guidance on posture, balance, and handling techniques that are essential for effective riding but are often subtle and hard to self-correct but I see why people learn without teachers. The price can be expensive but sometimes it’s worth spending a little to learn and master horseriding.”

“Are we still intent on learning without teachers? Safety is another critical concern. Horses are large, powerful animals, and even small errors in technique or handling can lead to accidents. Experienced instructors teach not only riding but also safe handling practices, which are just as important as riding skills in preventing injury to both the rider and the horse. A good teacher can identify areas of improvement and correct mistakes immediately, which is often far more effective than trying to learn from a video or written instructions alone.”

“Ultimately, while it’s possible to make some progress alone, learning with a qualified teacher offers the benefit of guided, safe, and efficient skill development. For those serious about learning to ride well and caring for horses responsibly, the expertise of an experienced instructor remains invaluable. Hope this helps but Are we still intent on learning without teachers? Gordon”

Next up

Horse health questions.

The post Are we still intent on learning without teachers? appeared first on Natural horse care and training tips.

I’ve come to think of us natural horsecare people as the hippies of the equine world. Are we not ‘fighting the man’, who insists on metal shoes and even firmer discipline? So you’ll see why I smiled at this page…

http://horses.about.com/od/grooming/tp/Decorate-Your-Horse.htm

It won’t strengthen your horse’s hooves.

It won’t improve your horse’s behaviour.

But it will show you how to deck your horse out, ready for Woodstock 1969.

If you’re a horse loving hippy, shout and scream about it. Afterall, isn’t it healthy to remember why we keep horses in the first place? We enjoy it, right? Let’s not forget to have fun.

And now onto Jeremy.

“Releasing your horse’s inner hippy” is about embracing a more natural, relaxed approach to horsemanship that prioritizes the horse’s emotional and physical well-being. This philosophy encourages creating an environment and training style that align with a horse’s natural instincts and social needs. Rather than rigid training methods or heavy reliance on equipment, this approach is about fostering a horse’s trust, curiosity, and sense of freedom.”

“To start, giving horses regular time to roam in open pastures is essential. Horses are natural grazers and herd animals, thriving in environments that allow for social interaction, movement, and grazing throughout the day. Allowing them to live in a more natural environment, ideally with other horses, helps reduce stress and promotes healthier behavior. Many owners find that the more time a horse spends in a low-stress, natural setting, the calmer and more cooperative they become.”

“Training with gentle, positive techniques rather than dominance-based methods is another key aspect. This means focusing on cues that the horse understands and responds to naturally, using treats, encouragement, and praise to reinforce good behavior.”

“Barefoot hoof care, bitless bridles, and even minimal tack are other “hippy-friendly” choices that many horse owners embrace. These options prioritize comfort, helping the horse move more freely and naturally. Some owners also incorporate alternative therapies like massage, aromatherapy, or acupuncture to support relaxation and well-being.”

“By taking this holistic, “horses inner hippy” approach, owners can create a lifestyle that lets the horse’s natural personality flourish. It results in a calmer, happier horse that feels more relaxed, connected, and willing to bond, creating a deeply satisfying partnership. Jeremy”

Next up

Horse care tips

The post Release your horse’s inner hippy! appeared first on Natural horse care and training tips.

But I was also reminded of Xenophon’s words…

“Riders who force their horses by the use of the whip only increase their fear, for they then associate the pain with the thing that frightens them.”

That lesson is from Ancient Greece. It’s hard to believe, during a time of such brutal and blood-thirsty warfare, horses could be trained with such kindness and understanding.

Later came Genghis Kahn, whose army is said to have massacred 18 million people. But having seen the slaughter on these bloody adventures, their elderly horses would retire to fine pastures.

Far more recently was World War I, yet still a unique bond was shared among the human and equine troops. This was described in General Jack Seely’s book My Horse Warrior. The General and his horse lived and fought together, through some of the 20th Century’s most horrific battles. Both made it home, and lived to old age.

Towards the end of their lives, the General and his horse rode together with over 100 years between them. In My Horse Warrior Seely wrote…

“The soul of a horse is a great and loyal soul, quite unspoiled by the chances and changes of human kind. Above all it is a courageous soul, and an affectionate soul. But let there be one cruel blow from a grown-up man, and you may have ruined your horse’s fine soul and spirit forever. It is my dream that those who read this book may vow never to beat a willing horse. Warrior has never been so beaten, partly by good fortune, partly because it takes a brave man to beat him.”

Perhaps one day you’ll be locked in a debate, with somebody who insists a frightened horse performs better. You now have a fine argument to throw back. Tell them about the men and horses who’ve truly witnessed brutality.

The post War horse appeared first on Natural horse care and training tips.