Hello Rick,

I just stumbled upon your videos yesterday and I am very impressed. Your contribution to the equestrian world is absolutely awesome. Your videos are down to earth, no smoke and mirrors, you show things how they really are and I really cannot find the words to express how impressed I am with your videos. It is so nice to see someone who is showing things the way they really happen instead of the videos one sees from the trainers that do TV shows and leave out the parts people really need to see. I love the way you explain the body language, your horse itching his belly in the pasture, and lots of things beginners are not aware of, the safety things you point out, it is nice of you to show people things like that, which others seem to forget to do or never think of it, and I am sure there is much more, I have only just begun to watch your videos and read your articles. I used to live in Norco, California, then moved up to Oregon. I wish you lived closer, it appears you are in California and we are in Oregon, it is always nice to meet people who are down to earth and really have a love for horses. I stumbled upon your site by accident. I was searching Clinton Anderson and for some reason it brought me to a site called VGuide, “your on line video guide” and under Clinton Anderson’s name were your videos, why I do not understand, (it does say Clinton Anderson is coming soon) but anyway, I clicked on the videos there and it was your videos, which in turn led me to your website, etc.

Well I just wanted you to know your videos are fantastic.

Heidi Henry, OR

My good dear Rick,

Those 'people' are PhDs....Pull Him Down. They are stuck in their ignorance and are hopeless. They have nothing better to give the world and our beloved horses than their anger and ignorant criticism. We, on the other hand, love learning and the pursuit of the never ending layers of the horse's profound being. It's such a gift!

You have pursued a mighty task. And done so with gusto, commitment and genuine love of sharing with us. You have placed yourself into the path of the slings and arrows of idiots. But lucky for us that you did! As we are your true devoted audience, we have gained immensely from your own journey of learning. For that, many many people are truly grateful and humbled. Our lives changes and the lives of our horses were bettered.

Everyday when a new rescued (abused, neglected and battered) horse comes into our arms, we begin with so much of our learning from you. The more we decode of the horse's language the better we make their lives. The faster we gain their trust, buoy their confidence and begin recreating them into the being they truly are. I watch everyday how horses are so relieved that we understand their language and hear their silent voices. The relief in their expressions. As if they are saying 'You speak Equus? OMG...you do and you listen to us".

I live for the passion of this pursuit. Those that continue to unlock the horse's code are truly blessed. And you are one of the mighty ones. Be replete in that knowledge that we DO care for your constant efforts.

BRAVO!

Laura Ponter

Hello Rick,

I just wanted to write and thank you for helping train me, and several other who keep horses at the stables. I not only have enjoyed watching your videos but I have also introduced them to other horse owners at the barn. It is amazing to see the changes in the people and the horses. Since watching your videos we have stopped separating all the horses, they are now in the field together all the time. We have worked on body language (the humans) and just observing the herd. We had a bottle fed filly we were worried about putting in with the herd but she is doing fine. Her mother still rejects her but the lead mare has kind of taken a liking to her and watches over her when she sun bathes.....Cuts others off when they get too close.... it is such a wonderful sight.

Before you taught me to stop being a stupid human lol I tried to lunge my sons Quarter horse. I followed what other so called horsemen said and took her out with a long lung line and a whip. Needless to say it did not go over well. She knew I didn't know what I was doing, I didn't give her proper direction which made us both frustrated and because I was told she was a mans horse I flinched every time she challenged me. I don't need to tell you she challenged every step of the way.... especially when I picked up the whip.... The so called "horsemen" also informed me that I should be ready to punch her in the nose hard if she gets out of line. Cuz thats how you teach them to respect you. Just so you know, I didn't do that. But I am lucky she didn't stomp me. I know... stupid human.

Okay, now don't give up on me yet. I have been watching the videos and learning from them. Yesterday I walked into the field with confidence. I took her to the round pen with just her lead line, no whip this time and turned her loose. Just using my body language and applying pressure when needed we finally made progress as a team. I pointed and she started moving... I never had to tap her. Never had to say a word. A few times she tried testing me by turning before I told her to and all it took was me stepping in and applying a little pressure she turned on a dime and resumed the direction I wanted her to go in. When we stopped the first time she gave me her butt with her head as high as it could go.... so I pointed, snapped my fingers and she was off again. The second time we stopped, she turned in facing me, head down and relaxed. It was such a difference. I praised her for helping me learn to be a better owner and was rewarded by her following back to the barn so I could brush her. It was an amazing experience!

It doesn't end there. My cousin has two minis who normally take an hour to catch so that her kids can brush or ride them. She applied what you are teaching and both minis have no problems with being walked up to and haltered. I am telling you our barn is a whole new world now. I wish I could spend more time there. Thank you so much for taking the time to do your videos and putting info up on your site. We all are very grateful!

Laura Bischer
Kountry Kidz Ranch, Michigan.

Rick....if you stop making videos I will miss that. I will go save your 400+ videos and continue to follow your website. I always look forward to your unabridged honesty. If people would stop letting their emotions fly...and? *listen* to your knowledge and experiences....they would learn volumes. I have....and appreciate you. Thank you from those of us that appreciate you and what you do....and yes....I am a woman.

BoomBoomsMama

Rick, just wanted to let you know your channel is one of only two I subscribe to. I have never once seen a horse? abused, seen horse abuse go unchallenged, or heard you endorse a single abusive technique. Abuse is so prevalent in the horse world, it is only to be expected that the few who speak out will be challenged, don't give up. Let em pull the video... just make another! Looking forward to seeing more from you, I check my homepage every day to see what is new.

waymire01

Rick My horse friends and i? will be soooo upset if you stop making videos! You have changed all of our perspectives on horses and appreciate all the work you put into your videos. there needs to be more people like you in this world!

oolmk15oo

Don't give in to the whiny shit heads. You know full well that those shipyards will never go away. Your videos are awesome and for every one person? who hates 100 love. I hope to keep seeing videos.

tomnaro

Please do not stop your videos. Have? enjoyed watching and listening to them all so far. Have continued to learn more about horses from your site and it has also made me look at other videos with different eyes! One very happy female viewer!!

JoanneLKennedy

I feel like majority of the? people who wrote here today:"If it were not for your horse videos, I would not know half of what I know, thanks to you, Rick!!!!!".Thank you for your time and caring, and keep recording; quoting "tomnaro":"for every one person who hates, you have 100 people who love"!!!!! And I agree:women and men ARE different! That's how it is meant to be; we're NOT all the same!!! That's all there's to it! :-D Thanks to you, I have a WONDERFUL relationship with my horse! THX!

MsKasia61 3 days ago

My wife and I enjoy Rick's videos very much. We have learned a lot about horse behavior through a really good viewpoint and can better understand horse behavior. Keep up the good work Rick (my wife agrees) and don't let the barn witches get to you! We would miss the vast amounts of knowledge you have to share about horses. As you have? said, its all about making life better for horses! Please keep up the great videos!

fingersdpd 17 hours ago

Hi, just wanted to say thanks!

I'm in my late 20's and before August of last year I had never seen a horse in person before. After taking two lessons my instructor convinced me to lease a horse so I could come ride whenever I wanted and could get more experience, and being a stupid woman I did. He was the lesson horse and my inexperience gave him the "saddle dance" when I saddled him up and he started backing up on his lead line or chewing it until he escaped. Everyone at the barn said he was fine before me, so my first thought (and mind you, I'm a woman) was to go to another barn and lease a different horse.

At the new barn the barn owner had a yearling that had never been handled before and she thought I should be the one to "break him" because it would be a good learning experience! Wow, there are some crazy horse people where I live!! And so this doesn't turn out to be an extremely long email I'll skip the really bad emergency dismounts and being run into trees and stuff!

After all that (in the span of a few months) I was seriously considering quitting! But I'm not a quitter by nature so I started doing some research and it lead to your channel. I spent two weeks of every single minute of free time watching your videos. And after that I found a new barn where the owner and manager have agreed to let me train my horse (I'm leasing for a while before I buy him) how I wanted to. I now have my horse following me with no lead line and can ride him in a halter when the horse trainer at the barn had a tom thumb in his mouth and still couldn't get him to stop or turn! Ouch!! But after I told them I wanted to do natural horsemanship they haven't said one word about me using a bit or I'm going too slow, they actually watch and ask me for help!!!

Ok, rant over!! Just really wanted to say thanks!!

Youtube Viewer

Hi Rick,Thank you!!!

I sent you an email probably a year or so ago, chewing you out because I thought you were a jerk and a bit of a chauvinist. I have to say, I have watched your videos on your youtube channel (and subscribed) and I have to say that I was totally wrong. Yes you are blunt, but people need to hear it sometimes. I'm working with a 21 yr old Thoroughbred mare & a 7 year old Appendix Quarter Horse mare and I can definitely say that your videos have helped changed my attitude about working with horses.

I saw myself in a lot of the riders you were responding to. I never thought to really think like a horse, and when I started to, I found myself doing things differently, and looking at them differently. I stopped asking myself "why did my mare just do that" and started asking myself "why not?", as they are doing what horses do.....be horses. It was just time for me to shut up and listen. I have a better relationship with both my girls now.

Thanks Rick!

Brittney, Lace, & Jesse

How are you? Im doing well...just wanted to update you on my horse Gemini. After watching all of your videos and clearly seeing how you train your horses I took it and I applied it to my own training. My horse was originally trained under a bit but I didnt understand why people thought training through pain was a good idea. I would rather be respected than feared. So I switched from a bridle with a bit to a rope halter and cotton feel lead rope. After 2 days she was performing fantastically. Another thing I ended up changing was the fact that her past owner had shoes on her because if you didnt keep shoes on the horse she would quote on quote "go lame"..... I watched many farriers like you said do in a few of your videos and I saw what they did and I could also see what they did not do. Farriers, unless they are barefoot farriers, do not trim the hooves short enough they leave the wall too high. I've found that I do a better job of trimming the hooves and putting the mustang roll on, like I learned from you, than the farrier is. You have taught me ALOT. That is just a few things that doesnt even begin to scratch the surface. I may be only 19 but im willing to admit that my knowledge of horses is soooooo little that if you asked me on a scale of 1-10 what is your horse knowledge, I would say 0.02 and that would still be giving me quite a bit of leniency. But everything I've transitioned to, I have learned it from you. So for what it is worth, I thank you. You have helped me IMMENSELY!! And I thank you for putting up all of these videos and taking time out of your day to help the people like I use to be, that think the only way to train or "break" a horse is through pain and fear. Youve given me a whole other out look on horses and how they are. My mare has taught me so much. And all I needed to do was listen. You could say you've taught me how to give to feel. And how to think like a horse and not a stupid human. Once again thank you! And thank you for not giving up and throwing in the towel. Youve just made another horse have a better painless life from teaching another stupid human what being a real horseman is.

Kali.

I just started watching your videos and reading your website. I think you are the best! My husband and I have had horses for about 15 years? or so. I've worked with trainers, followed Clinton Anderson, Pat Parelli, etc., but I'm learning the most from you. You make learning and working with horses fun. I've always wanted to have horses that were happy and willing and you keep showing me how. Also, you are REALLY funny! Youtube:Funnygirl0808

OK, just one more letter to thank you for a couple things and then I'll leave you be. :) (Don't expect a response, I know you're busy, just wanted to show how much you've helped with a couple specifics). I very much enjoyed your video talking about the totality of the circumstances. I had an experience with that not too long ago.

My oldest son and I were both given a horse and my uncle gave him a very nice saddle, pad and bridle with bit and he was just thrilled. I was thrilled for him as well until I watched your video on why tom thumbs are the worst. I realized he had been given a tom thumb, and I thought it was a snaffle. I was not happy at all and didn't want his horse mistreated, but I had to consider all the circumstances before I said anything.

First, it was his horse, and even though I'm his momma, :) I wanted to keep my nose out of his horsemanship and let him find his own way. I figured in the long run it would be better for him and his horse. 2nd, he's at an age that he needs to start making informed decisions, and 3rd and most importantly, he's a good kid and usually when pointed in the right direction, he does the right thing. So, I called him into the office one day and had him sit down and watch the tom thumb video. He was hooked (as I thought he would be) on Rick Gore Horsemanship and continued watching videos and reading on your site. Meanwhile, I didn't say anything, I just ordered a good rope halter and had it on his bed waiting for him one day after school. He now rides his horse everywhere in a rope halter. He was given the right information and made the right decision for himself and his horse.

Now on labeling a horse. His horse was known far and wide on our mountain as being the laziest horse that ever lived. That's why they gave him away, and it was a joke that my son wound up with him, because everyone would talk about how they would sit on his horse and whip and whip and whip him and they couldn't get him to do ANYTHING. (Smart horse--he learned if I just stand here, they'll give up and get off my back, and it worked for him with several owners). My son watched your videos, it clicked, he understood pressure and release and he now is the proud owner of a wonderful horse, with the most amazing quirky personality, who respects him and does as he's asked, with no whipping, and in a rope halter.

Those same people that laughed now just stand there with their mouths open in disbelief. They ask is that the same horse? They also ask where is the bit, don't you need a bit? To which my son replies: We don't need no stinkin' bits!! (I think he's doing a Cheech & Chong impersonation). Anyway, they see for themselves that wonder of wonders, maybe, just maybe it wasn't the horse all along, maybe it was them.

On behalf of our boys, as always, thanks for showing us a much better way.

Zeus (and Festus's) Mom

Hey Rick,

My name is Ariel and I'm from Canada. I just wanted to say I am so touched by your videos (also very amused) and your rants just make me wanna jump up and scream "YES YES I SEE IT TOO!" Heres a big of my story, I used to show mainly western pleasure and some games, but as a teenager I was metaphorically kicked in the face when all the girls at shows would beat their horses, use way to much leg/spur rein/bit and I was never placed because my western pleasure horse didn't lope like a retard doing a trot in the back and lope in the front and my horse didn't drag it's fucking nose on the ground. My horse walked with his head level at a natural pace and even though the rulses forbade those "peanut rolling" and "troping" I never placed. So I gave up, I stopped showing and I spent more time just with my horses, with my friends and my adopted mom Kim.

I just have to say that I learned more from my horse being around him and working with him on the ground in the saddle and just lazying around in the field than I ever could of learnt from being taught by some prissy high level snotty bitch.

So thats my story, and you inspire me and show me that what I'm doing is right. I'll continue to watch your videos and follow your web site and heres a quick picture of me on my palomino quarter horse Copper and Kim my wonderful adopted mom on Chante our horse of undetermined breeding haha but the best horse we've ever owned at our local christmas parade.

Thank you,
Ariel

Dear Rick,

After visiting your website, I felt compelled to send you mail. I read the whole "email debacle" from the woman using an alias to harass you.

I have watched/sampled a ton of your tube videos. I have to tell you, that I actually "get" "learn" from your videos.

I hope you continue to do instructional videos. It would be a loss to the horse community if you decided to stop.

I am constantly reading, watching videos trying to educate myself. Therefore, I appreciate what you do.

Keep up the good work.

Kimm Irwin

Just found your website and videos---please don't stop because of some psycho(s). You're helping me more than anyone else that I've paid or not paid for. I am a 44 yr old female and I can take what you dish out because I'm an adult ( and you're correct about most women--not all, but most:) I would rather have someone tell me the truth---hard as it is to take sometimes--than lie or sugarcoat it. By the way I hate pink, purple, magenta, etc. colored tack---blacks and browns for me and most of the women who don't show would agree with me. Thanks for everything you are giving and fu*^ those psychos (pardon my french).

Beverly
owner of a Beautiful BLM Mustang and a Beautiful American Quarterhorse

Rick,

Just wanted to let you know I find your videos and web page a ton of help, I am a new horse owner that kinda accidently happened, I was on craigslist and saw an ad for 2 unbroken mustang horses for $150.00, I have a few head of dexter cattle and thought why not round out my little ranch with horse’s, I had no idea what I was getting myself into, To make a long story a little shorter, It’s been 3 months since I brought them home and now I feel like their my kids, I don’t have a round ring yet but still spend as much time in the field with them as possible, Thor the gelding is still very shy and will not let me touch him except when I hand feed him then he has no problem eating out of my hand, I’ve been trying various things to get him comfortable with me and he’s made slight improvements, Buster the stud is another story, he loves attention and follows me often (he had just a little training when I bought him), It can be difficult at times to work with just one of them as these two love each other’s company and love to “horse around”, you can tell that from the bite marks on both of them, They basically lived in a dirt floor enclosed ring with the previous owner and seem very happy now to have running room and grazing out in the pasture. They do love to play.

I’m not looking for any advice from you and just wanted to let you know I agree with most everything you say about handling horses (just seems right), I’m the type of person that would rather have my animals want to do something for me rather than using tack or force to get my way. Anyway I could talk about these guys for hours, hopefully (I’m not in a big hurry) I’ll be saddle training in a few months. Keep posting that good horse sense for us would be cowboys.

Jimmy

Hello Rick. I'm a 11 yr old girl who's been riding for 5 years, and i just wanted to say hi and thank you for helping me and everyone else understand horses better. i dont have my own horse, but i will and i'll be sure to keep everything you say in mind. i know you probably dont have time to read this, and you probably dont care xD but thanks for everything you do, keep doing it, you help me a lot and you reinforce what i believe in. i agree with everything you say.

Hey Rick,

I just wanted to say 'thank you' for putting all the videos and information on your website, I can honestly say that it has been the most valuable resource for me.

I recently purchased my first horse...a gorgeous Chestnut Thoroughbred Gelding who is an ex racehorse, but the previous owners have spent a lot of time with him. I have been taking lessons from different people and after using your information I have become much more critical of the ways people teach and the things that people say.

I have been adamant that my inexperience would not effect 'Aggie' and that he would be cared for in the best possible way. Without your website I would not have had the confidence in myself. I have taken from your videos that just because I'm not a top level eventer bla bla bla, doesn't mean that I can't have excellent horsemanship skills.

I have spent more time just 'with' Aggie, getting him used to me and enjoying some time together than actually riding him, although I have been riding him too.

I was able to pick up very early the signals that he wasn't happy. Our first ride together, hew showed all the signs of being aggitated...head high, prancing etc and as a result of my heavy hands I marked his gum...never again! I was pissed off with myself, if I'd paid more attention to him I could have relieved some of the pressure that I was causing, which resulted in me using my hands too much... vicious cycle that I was determined to break. Next ride I made a concerted effort to keep my hands super soft and guess what... he ran off through a fence!! Nah!!! Just joking. I was soft, he was soft...AMAZING!!! Every ride since I have been soft...he has been soft, even when he has had a high head and been a little nervous (stupid cat jumping out of a tree, who would have expected that).

Another thing that you helped with...When I saddle him up I noticed that he was getting a little 'cinchy' as some people call it...So I thought, 'ok, he hasn't been like this before...what did I do differently to make this happen?'...So from then on I did his saddle super loose to start with, and gradually eased it up...guess what? He's still cinchy!! Nah, he has gone back to being asleep when he gets saddled up. How cool is that!

Look I know that none of this will surprise you and I'll be impressed if you got through my drawling on, but I just wanted you to know that I appreciated your advice. Also, I'm not offended in any way by the 'f bomb'...love your videos.

Oh, btw...I have a couple of pink brushes (please don't hold that against me)

Cheers,

Steph Towse

Just wanted you to know I wrote a positive response about you in reply to some negatives that were posted in a horse Training blog.

It was about your video on teaching a horse to stand still. They were "so upset" that your horse was rubbing you. I replied that I appreciated your layed- back approach, that you mentioned that the horse was doing it and that you could correct this if you wanted to at the time.

I also said that I am much more upset by horse trainers that have to dominate every little thing a horse does, and that use abusive methoads and are rough with their horses.

Sometimes when a horse is being a bit of a pill with me, I just laugh......you need to have that attitude sometimes.

I like your web site.

Mitzi Summers

I was born and raised around horses and was taught the old cowboy ways and these people are still doing it and passing it on .. watching ricks videos i have revamped my training techniques and it has been worth every min of it!! I have been told I have the best horses and people are now asking me questions so I give them Rick's website and tell them good luck!

Thank you rick!!! you're the best :)

Lindsey H.

Hello

I came across your videos on YouTube and love your calm and laid back techniques. We have a 16yr old Arab and a coming 4yr old Arab/Quarter Horse and we use natural training techniques similar to yours. For example, we ride in rope halters or hackamores, not bits. We all have fun and the horses are both very well behaved. People are amazed that the young guy can go out on 10+ mile trail rides solo or with others without a problem. Yes, he sometimes picks up a bit of a buck when transitioning to the lope, but he is a happy boy and feeling good... never spiteful or trying to get rid of his rider... always wanting to please.

Have a wonderful day and keep up the great work.

Kacey

Hi Rick,

I 'm new to the horse world and have been watching your videos religiously! I love the way you are with Buddy and your belief in the horse's comfort first, understanding and thinking like a horse and not trying to use pain or intimidation to control them. I have an American Saddlebred 6 year old gelding who has some funny quirks. I just today went out and bought a rope halter for him and tossed my nylon halter with buckles. He has been ridden yet still green broke and we are working on some ground manners since his previous owner walked around the pasture with this horses head on this mans shoulder. I love that "Curly" is affectionate but he's bumping into my face alot with his nose.. He loves to lick me which I think is really cute but his is also giving me love "nips" and biting his lead rope. I'm going to use your idea of just a circle around his neck to lead him around with tomorrow as in your video. His is constantly nipping me all over but not hard, almost to say hey "I'm just being funny." Is this normal behaviour? He turns his head all the way sideways and starts licking me and then here comes the nip on my clothing. He is like a puppy. Just want to know if you had ever experienced this with a horse?

I'm using all of your tips and techniques of teach and release. So far everything has gone well. You explain it in a very understanding and calm way. I also love how you interact with your horse and how he makes you smile and crack up sometimes. Your videos are really helpful and it is refreshing to see someone stand up for horse's feelings and be concerned with their well being! Remember, it's never the horses fault, I love that!

Stephanie Kline
Central Kentucky

Hi Rick,

I have to first thank you for a remarkable website that is packed with so much wonderful educational information that both my horse, pony and I are benefiting from - thank you so very much.

Your discussion on understanding herd behavior is one of the best and most illuminating - and there is just so much I like in all your information, writing style, and the user friendly way you've put all this great educational stuff with hyperlinks and all that I will be resourcing your site for a long time - thank you so very much.

Thanks you,
Beth,
in Virginia

Hi !! We have just bought a five year old baby from a riding school ,she frightened the life out of my daughter by bucking her off while cantering ,then she tried to bite her on the chest! Then she started turning in the field when approaching her and swishing her tail ,with ears pinned back !ahhh WELL I have to say I love this man he is fantastic ,since I've been looking at video's and taking directions my Annebelle is turned completely for the best. WILL keep watching from Ireland!

Liz P. / Ireland

Hello from Southeast MI- I just wanted to send ya an email saying you have an awesome website. I was looking for videos on U tube on how to flag a horse and found your video on sacking out. You have a lot of info that I can use and it helps me to have a starting point. Also, your website gives tons of other info that I can use too. I have notice most trainers I run across on the internet don't give the public much info unless it is about buying a book, video or having you come for lessons. So, thanks for the helping hand, because people like me need all the help we can get. Have a blessed day, Jessi :^)

Hi rick wow i think you are amazing! If only all people who owned and ride horses were like you. I have been riding and owned my own horses since the age of 5 i am 23 and from england. I have a 12 year old gelding and a 20 year old smaller gelding. I love them bothe so much, they are my spirit, without them i would be no where or nothing. They are turned out 24 7 and have a shelter and are very happy. my younger gelding was so nearvouse and spooky around me and i couldnt understand why. Thanks to you we are now starting to trust each other and i do alot of ground work with him. He is now very willing to come and say hello to me where as before he ran a mile, I didnt realise how much i didnt have a clue and i didnt understand him. I have read alot of your advice and still continue to read your amazing site. I didnt realise how ignorent and un understanding i could be, my horses must of disliked me before i read any of your site lol. Now they are bothe happy to see me when i arrive and even whinny and trot up to me almost as if to say its great your back! :) Thanks to you I can now walk under my horse touch him anywhere without a halter or rope and he stands there happily. He used to run when i approched him. I use to take things way to fast and didnt understand him, running after him untill he gave up caught him tacked up and rode out a very nearvouse horse................... how un understanding and mean i have been and you have made me realise this thankyou. He lets me leed him around just by touching either side of his neck and follows me. I am quite happy to take all the time i have with him. I understand that the slow way is the quick way and i have alot more pacience and am willing. Thankyou so much you are a true saint. thanks

Hallo...

Im a swedish women,, just loving horses and live with horses. I just sat down and was looking for pages/ photos of side pulls for my horse.... And all of a sudden found your page..think like a horse..i was stunned. Started reading and could not stop. What an interesting page and i was amazed how much facts you managed to deliver...

I started with western riding for about 10 years when i bought myself an ex- jumping horse...he was ridden on complicated bits and reins and i didnt know much of all that so i took them away...and so started my problems but i tried to find free solutions for him...and found the western way of riding. And i guess you are not surprised- IT WORKED ON HIM... I got myself a marvelous horse both inside handling and riding.Winnie reached the age of 20 before he past away.. since then im stuck with the western way of riding ( and living)

Got myself a ex wagon horse this time.. only 8 but been comp. a lot early ages.Took his bit away And riding him only on sidepull now. I have a totally different horse,,, easy handling

Thinking of letting him go bare foot now after reading your page...

Just wanted to thank you for a lovely page and lot of good moments reading all of you... We thank you... Prince Quikly and me... Jane

GREAT HUGS FROM SWEDEN

I have been reading the info on your site and it all makes so much sense to me. I know that the communication break up between us is my doing and I'm working on it. I hope that by brushing up on my skills and by spending a lot more time in the saddle, I'll get better. I think I might need to brush up on my balance as well. The way you describe it makes me think twice about how I go about things... I think too much about my posture and not enough about what signals I'm sending to her.

I'm defiantly going to keep reading your stuff. You seem to know exactly what your talking about. The more I read, the more I understand about my situation.

Thank you for steering me in the right direction, I appreciate it.

Hello Rick,

Its been awhile and I know you have probably received thousands of emails since I talked to you last but I want you to know how much you have helped me. Until I found your web site I always thought I was the "boss" and the horse should always do what I want him to do. I have studyed your websit and since then I have learned to think like a horse. I cant believe how much this has made a difference in my life. I have my colt Rocco who I bought after my last horse died, then I bought Whiskey who is a mountain horse but was a handfull too. I started working with both of them and to make a long story short, Rocco (my colt) I ride in a halter, we have a mutal respect for eachother. Whiskey who tried to buck me off when I first bought him, I now ride in a bosal, he was ridden in a tom thumb. I have studyed many trainers, Clinton, Pat, Craig, Chris, they all have their goods but I really like how you think. I dont care if my horses come up to me and wants to be by me, they follow me around the pasture like a loyal dog. I know they wont hurt me and they know I wont hurt them. They want to be with me. I work them on the ground and we gain respect for eachother. I am actually friends with my horses, its a great feeling. Thank you Rick, you have been a big impact in my life and I know others feel the same way I do. I have sent your website to many of my friends, you are a true horseman.

Jim

Rick,

I just wanted to give you a personal thanks for the information you post on the Equestrian Life Web site. I love your site: Think Like a Horse.

Debbie Akers
Vancouver, Washington

hi, my name is stephanie wall. and I have been all over the internet scanning many web sites to learn about everything about horses. as a young kid. we had 4 horses. but, I was a kid. I pet them,brushed them, and fed them carrots. but I didn’t know anything about taking care of them. or riding. as a teen I went to the local horse stable. but, I got on a horse, rode them with no correct way of riding, and they walked along until they went back to the barn. I am an adult noe. moved to the country. I decided it was time for us to have a horse. so I found one. and rescued her. she was under fed, tethered,and none of her shots,dewormings, etc were done. we brought her home and worked on relationship, feeding her, getting her weight on. after her weight was on we saddled her no problem. got on her, no problem. she walked around a little no pronblem. welllllll, after she started feeling very good. she decides at 4 years old. she is not gonna walk anymore. so she just stands there. well, a few different people got on her. and of course none of us knew what we were doing. I needed a web site that would explain everything I needed to know in a lot of detail. so a beginner as I am could learn exactly what it is I need to do and see it done. do you know, you are the only person I have come across online that does this? I am so amazed at what im learning from you. I cant stay off ur videos. so simple, explained in so much detail even dummies can follow u. and I can afford it. cause the other sites are seriously bull crap. today alone, I learned a lot of things im going to do with her. I read about walking up to a horse without being invited and being rude. things to gain trust. which is a must with rescue horses. tips on saddling, and the leg commands is the big mistake we are doing with our horse we cant get her to go. and I think she needs more work. but im gonna try this and see if she responds better. if not then I think maybe she needs finnished out. as a beginner owner I love ur site. I hope to see so much more on beginners and there horses. for me I get nervious, or caushious around them. waiting for them to do something. and when u say think like a horse. it kind of was. oh, duhhhhh. I guess I do exspect them to know what im wanting or saying. im hooked and im here to stay.

sincerely,

stephanie wall.

Dear Rick,

really enjoyed your website. I myself am a professional trainer, trained in Germany direction dressage and have trained with classical people in other words a dying breed BUT there has been a revolution as people have seen that the harsh training methods are not bringing the success wanted. Hence the oldies are now loosing their circus rider status and have become some what popular for which I am thankful for.

Thank you

Rebecca Miller