Horses have been part of my life since the day I was born. My father and grandfather worked with cattle and horses all their lives and I, in turn, grew up working with cattle and horses. In my late teens, I started competing in campdrafts. In 1976, when I was twenty, I began training horses … Read more
CONSIDER YOUR HORSE By Neil Davies Do you think your horse enjoys it When you tie him up to fight Do you really think he’s happy As he pulls with all his might Do you think your horse is having fun When you chase him from the ground Do you really think he loves it … Read more
All around the world, people gain great pleasure from riding and handling their horses. It’s a wonderful feeling when your horse learns to co-operate and try his hardest for you. And I’m sure that the horses enjoy the mental stimulation and the exercise they receive from good training. However, your horse won’t do anything because … Read more
You must build every horse’s confidence, every step of the way. See my Foal Handling Online Clinic here.
People often say, ‘Never say never when it comes to horse training.’ ‘Oh but,’ they say, ‘If you’re having problems, maybe you’ll need to resort to other techniques.’ I beg to disagree. No matter how much trouble you’re having with a horse, here are some things that are NEVER EVER okay to do. It’s never … Read more
FOR YOUR HORSE’S SAKE By Neil Davies When you walk into the stable Don’t try to show who’s boss Your horse won’t understand you And he’ll be at a loss Instead, just go and rub his head Be kind, and furthermore When you walk into the stable Leave your ego at the door When you … Read more
q: Do you have any opinions on if it’s better to turn horses out in mixed gender or single gender herds, or does it make no difference? I’ve always had geldings, but have been offered a mare, who has only ever lived with other mares. I could potentially keep her on her own (but nearby) … Read more
I’ve seen many big name trainers working with horses and I don’t agree with much of what they do or what they say. I don’t agree with harassing horses with ropes and flags, or letting them buck with the saddle, or chasing them until they’re distressed. Every week I get emails from people whose horse … Read more