FOR ALL HORSE TRAINERS AND CLINICIANS

Ok before I start let me say I am not trying to attack.... I am not attacking anyone's form of training or teaching here. This is simply my thoughts.

I read an article this weekend by a very respected horse trainer that I have learned a bit from that had some disturbing statements in it. Now I am not going to make direct quotes but I am going to say a few things here and if the shoe fits, wear it.

Everybody is trying to use different words for the same thing so one can't say to the other one you copied me I am gonna sue. Now I understand we all gotta make our money but I thought we were also trying to get good information out to the other horse people trying to learn. Whether you use the word desensitizing, or sacking out or what doesn't really matter. If you in any way trying to get your horse used to a new situation those words probly fit period. And to say that doing these things is only good if you are never going to take your horse somewhere or do anything with them is just plain ludicrous. I agree that sometimes the bag color might change or even be a different type of object all together. However the " sacking-out" or "desensitizing" process or riding them around to get them used to smells, or what ever you choose to call it serves several important functions.

1. It gets the horse used to some things some may have never seen.

2. Probly most importantly! It builds a bond between horse and man to let them know that you are in control of the situation and if they listen you will take care of them.

To say that this very thing is not needed in any shape or form will get people hurt in the long run. Furthermore someone could indeed get crippled or killed. Then we as a whole carry the burden of that accident as a whole body of trainers and clinicians. Especially those guys out in the lime lite of the public eye.

So I guess what I am saying here is this. Pick and choose your words carefully my friends and fellow horsemen and horsewomen because someone is following you and trying to learn. Don't be an obstacle. Be a Key. God Loves you and so do I . "FOR WHAT IT"S WORTH" , Range