JessandCharlie
Well-Known Member
Thanks for your kind comment, really made me think about things! What I'm basically saying is are they a good idea and I think in the end, without gadgets, I will have a much better outcome and be proud of what I've produced myself. So thanks for your comment x
You're very welcome I totally agree, stick with it and the results will be much better, not to mention more satisfying
Re napping, kicking etc. Have you had his back done? Kicking out is sometimes related to ulcers, which are common in racehorses. Might be worth scoping? Or keep him off all cereals (if he's fed any) and feed lots of hay, which tends to help
Soft hands are great. A good friend of ours, an ex-jockey once told me a story about when he started out. He was hacking head-lad at the stable who carried a hunting whip. His horse spooked, and as it did, my friend was thrown back slightly, and caught his horse in the mouth. At the same instant the head-lad cracked him across the hands the said hunting whip and told him that his horse's mouth was something he should earn and he never, ever wanted to see anything other than soft hands, be it deliberately or by accident.
That stuck with me. Earn your horse's mouth, don't demand it
Good luck!
J&C