My equestrian guru has to be Mrs. Patty. Mrs. Patty owns the stable that I keep my horse. Although she doesn't show anymore her equine knowledge has not disappeared. She knows so much about everything having to do with horses. I am training a young horse, and she is the one that I go to whenever I become stumped. I truly admire her.
I usually turn either to my riding instructor, who definitely knows what she is doing, or I go to my big basket full of magazines. There's usually some answer to all my questions with how many wonderful articles are in all of the magazines I have!
My equestrian guru is a man who has experienced with horses alot in his life. I also get valuable information from a woman who raises goats and horses. Finally, as much as possible, I try to study professional information from Stacy Westfall. Thank God we have these good trainers!
My Guru would have to be 3 different sources. 1 would be from my awesome teachers at my barn, including my Aunt and my "super teacher". The 2nd source would be one of my favorite professional trainers out there like Clinton Anderson, Monty Roberts, Stacy Westfall, and others. And then the 3rd source would have to be Horse Illustrated!!! I always look in my HI magazines to see if I can find the answer to my problems first. Then if I can't find it there I go to my awesome trainer and my horsey-loving-Aunt for help!
I always consult my barn owner. He is about 70 years old and I swear her is a horse whisperer. He has this way with horses and I always turn to him if I can't figure out why my mare is lame. He also can help with other things such as training issues. He can b so much help, and it must also help that he has been around horses almost all his life. Thank you so much Ernie!
I am lucky to have several people in my life to turn to when I have horse emergencies my best friend that has a lot more experience than I do, my farrier for the medical and hoof problems and my neighbor that is in his 70's(?) that has more knowledge than I can ever dream of. For SERIOUS injuries and medical emergencies I call the vet.
I used to go to an older lady who I learned almost everything from, but lately I go to my friends here on horsechannel.com! They are always there for me and I trust their advice. But I usually go to 2 or 3 sources to compare advice. That seems to work best. Sometimes I combine their suggestions for the best results.
I learned a long time ago, that when it comes to horses, everyone has an opinion. For me, if it is a medical issue, the voice I listen to is our VET, if I am having a training issue, I want the advise of a qualified trainer. I don't want trial and error.
Whenever I need any sort of help with horses I always ask my grandma for her advise and expertise. She is always there for me with ways to help me with my yearling colt, Lucky. Whether I need help training him or simply need advice on how to care for him, my grandma is right by me ready to help me or give me advice on what to do. She has years of experience with horses and I always look forward to hearing what she has to say.
when I need help I pray... and head to the nearest library! I also ask my amazing trainer who never ceases to amaze me with her horse sense!