During the years I rode green horses I was always aware that the colts and fillies were blank slates. If I worked with them for six months and they ended up with holes in their basic training or nasty vices, there was no one to blame but me.
Once I transitioned into the world of buying and riding mature horses that were (allegedly) already trained, I realized things were different. I had to deal with problems and attitudes that someone else had created.
Wally, my Paint gelding, personifies this concept. Though he had years of professional western training he also came equipped with a confrontational attitude, horrible stable manners and an outrageous ability to buck under saddle. Eventually I figured out how to get through to him, but it wasn’t easy. I had to first learn how Wally viewed the world. I had to comprehend his set of rules. Needless to say, since I am The Queen, I abolished most of them. But in the spirit of compromise, I did permit him to keep some of them. If you’re wondering what Wally’s rules are, I have them right here, in his own words:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Those are Wally’s rules. Have you discovered your horse’s set of rules? I’m sure Wally would love to read them. Maybe he’ll discover he has a whole herd of pals out there who share his beliefs. Of course, that could lead to trouble, because they could form a clandestine equine army and stage a revolt!
Back to Life with Horses
I love the last one! ahaha
Wally does look like quite the stud muffin. I think you need to abide by Rule No. 6!
YES! I love number eight!
"See Rule #6" LOL!!
Very cute. Made my day !
loved this one Apache is just like this especially #1
Read along for a look at each horse competing in the 2024 Kentucky Derby. In…
Thanks to a rail down by overnight leader Tom McEwen (GBR) on the 13-year-old German…
In a day of heat, then rain, followed by blazing sun, the sun indeed shone…
Tom McEwen of Great Britain had a big day under beautiful skies at the Kentucky…
Read along for a look at each horse competing in the 2024 Kentucky Derby. In 2021, 17,779 Thoroughbred foals in…
Welcome to Horse Illustrated’s weekly installment of the Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, offered in partnership with the…
Imagine an entire month dedicated to celebrating adoptable horses: For the past four years, the month of May has been…
Horses in the guest ranch industry come from varied breeds and backgrounds. Learn more about them. The scenery may be…
Thanks to a rail down by overnight leader Tom McEwen (GBR) on the 13-year-old German Warmblood gelding JL Dublin, a…
In a day of heat, then rain, followed by blazing sun, the sun indeed shone brightest on the British riders…