Horses - Behavior Issues, Breaking and Training/Expert Profile


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Expertise

Questions relating to first time, or inexperienced horse owners. Other questions as needed. Questions on American Saddlebreds. Old fashioned training advice, riding advice for beginners, and general care questions. Behavior problems, with emphasis on thinking through aspects of problems that might not seem an issue at first.

Experience in the area

About to turn 55. My father was a Saddlebred trainer, and I grew up around horses. I have also worked as a Master Saddlebred Show Horse Groom, working with Dale Pugh, Art Simmons, Sonny Sutton, and others. I also have worked with Quarter Horses, and Thoroughbreds on a mare and foal operation in Alabama. I have owned for years, and currently have two teenaged geldings. I also for many years have taught riding lessons, to adults and children, working with beginners just learning, and older adults who have lost their confidence, or wanted to get "back in the saddle." I was lucky to be around many of the best horsemen in MO, and AL and learn from them, and strive always to think through a situation and work to keep riders and horses safe. Those also include the many talented grooms, and farriers I met along the way.

Education/Credentials

Some college. General studies towards a nursing degree, which derailed due to divorce. Horse skills learned through over 50 years of watching, learning, doing and absorbing as I grew.

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    K = Knowledgeability    C = Clarity of Response    P = Politeness
UserDateKCPComments
randall04/26/12101010thanks so much its been great help
Sebrina02/11/12101010Thank you! I really appreciate you helping .....
Jannette09/02/11101010Quick response!!
April08/30/1110 
Dawn07/02/11101010thank you my horse is adjusting much .....

Recent Answers from Melanie Rowley

2012-05-20 Wind sucking:

We have horses that do this from time to time, and have worked with TB's and one of those mares had no teeth left due to this.      Some feel it is major deal, others don't.  Usually a collar works best

2012-05-11 12 yr old mare:

How much experience do you have with horses is first thing I need to know.  And is this your first horse, and how old are you?  Are there other horses there too?     Did you see this horse ridden before

2012-04-24 Halter breaking older horses:

You need to separate these horses, so that they are not dependent on each other for companionship or have someone to inspire them to be village idiots.    Much of this is going to depend on whether or

2012-04-24 needing help:

I am not sure I understand why you are running him.  Is he being used on cattle or something where it is important for him to go wide open?    He may not have received enough training, on how to respond

2012-04-12 new horse owner:

First off, I recommend gelding this horse.  All of the rubbing and sitting in the stall with him is putting yourself in danger, and anyone else.  You will be unable to break him from his behaviors as long

 

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