Horses - Behavior Issues, Breaking and Training/Expert Profile

Expertise

I am a student of the Horse. How to deal with "problems" and find SOLUTIONS with real QUALITY that RESPECT the HORSE is my goal for this site. It has been my great fortune to be able to focus the last 12 years studying the Buckaroo/Vaquero style of horsemanship, this is what the Natural Horsemanship movement is based on. Ray Hunt, Buck Brannaman, Ricky Quinn and Bryan Neubert are my teachers and mentors. I continue to study and ride with these great horsemen. I am happy to offer help in starting colts, re-starting troubled horses, helping you find a "better way" with horses and sharing with you what it means to be a student of the horse. Western show disciplines; Showmanship, Trail, Horsemanship, Western Pleasure, as well as Hunter Under Saddle and Three Day Eventing are my passions. I enjoy sharing my 30+ years of experience with all levels of horse owners; children, amateurs and serious competitors. Please visit me at: www.laurelmountainfarms.com

www.Laurelmountainfarms.com

Experience in the area

I have been answering questions on this site for quite a while now and I will NOT tell you what you may want to hear. If you don't like my answer, don't ask me again. It seems that when I have to be blunt and REAL with folks to keep them and their horses out of trouble SOME of you are offended by that. That is for you to sort out. I knew I was going to be dealing with some very inexperienced owners and that is fine, however when you ask questions that need a blunt, honest and real answer you are going to get it. I will reject questions when I feel the questioner is just not ready for the answer, when I feel that they are not ready for the necessary changes and will not listen. Folks, most often is problem is YOU. YOU have to be willing to look in the mirror and CHANGE. If you are willing to listen to what I have to say, even when it is something you don't want to hear, then ask me. I will try and answer all questions respectfully, but if you need a good swift kick in the pants, you WILL get it.

Organizations

American Quarter Horse Association, USEA

Education/Credentials

Learning good horsemanship is an oral tradition passed from master to student. At an early age I started riding with noted clinician Richard Sharake at Horsemanship West. Although I have ridden with many top flight trainers and instructors, Ray Hunt has been the most influential and has had the greatest impact on my horsemanship. To be a student of the horse and to in some small way pass along the gifts Ray has offered to me, is my greatest educational accomplishment.

Awards and Honors

I have campaigned horses to many State and Regional titles. My horses and I have earned 14 AQHA High-Point All-Around titles, won multiple AQHA year end high point awards, and have qualified for the AQHA World Show.

What do you like about this subject?

From the time I saw my first horse at the age of two, horses have been my passion. You are welcome to visit my website at: www.Laurelmountainfarms.com

What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?

I am a student of the horse. As long as I am living, I will continue learning from the Horse and sharing.

Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:

"You have to give something you never gave to get something you never had." Ray Hunt

Something controversial or provocative about this subject

Punishment never works. It sets up a war with the horse that the human can never win. You have to be aware of the horse and what is coming. Take care of what happens, BEFORE what happens, happens...Ray Hunt