Informed Bitting

I loved this video! It didn't cover a wide variety of bits, but it did give me a really good knowledge base of the horses mouth and how it works. I think anyone who is getting into horses, or has their first horse should watch it. I learned a lot about how to make sure the bit fits the horse, and what to look at in the horses mouth to make sure that the problem the horse is displaying is indeed from the bit. I like the big point that Hilary makes, that a lot of people don't listen to... if you're not a good rider, the bit in the horses mouth will not make you a better one. (Not word for word, but you get the idea.)

My thoughts about bits are similar to my ideas at work. I want my students in the least restrictive environment, but where they are successful. Same thing goes for the bit. I want Denali in the bit that is best for her without being restrictive. My trainer thinks I should try a Kimberwick. I like mine thought, and think that I'm going to continue to use it. I need to be a better rider, it's not my horse. We currently use a French Link Boucher, and Denali seems to go well in it.

At the end of the video she mentions the second video and what it entails. Sadly, giddyupflix does not carry that one.

What kind of bit do you use? What made you pick it?

Movie Review -Gentling your Spooky Horse

When I got home from work tonight I had my first video waiting for me. That was quick! Giddyupflix.com is based in Washington, so hopefully it will be a quick turn around with the videos.

The video that I watched was called Gentling your Spooky Horse. It was a good video, but I knew everything that it talked about. I'm not trying to say that I know everything, but it was a basic video, and I learned the basics of natural horsemanship a few years ago. It was interesting to watch them working with a weanling. Especially since the weanling was better behaved than a certain Thoroughbred that I know. I wonder if Denali had any sort of imprinting done when she was a baby? Or if she was like a lot of TB future racers and sent out in a field to grow up and pulled in when it was time to go into training.

There was another "feature" in the video about the Dually halter. Does anyone out there use this type of halter when training? Just curious as to what you think.

Hope everyone had a good week. I'm really glad that it's the weekend. My little guy who's mom died finds out on Sunday that she passed away. I lost it tonight while my husband and I were out shopping for groceries. I think it finally hit me. My heart just breaks for the little guy. He was so good in school today. His mom is proud of him, I know that.

First Movie on it's way

I rented Gentling Your Spooky Horse from GiddyupFlix.com. I'm excited about the idea of what I learn from Monty Roberts. I have always enjoyed reading books by him, but again I can't sit still very long to read much more than that. The info on the movie says the following:

From weanlings to adults horses, this DVD demonstrates how to use desensitization to cause your horse to accept such potential "predators" as platic bags and balloons.

Imagine how a wary young horse perceives seemingly treacherous objects such as stable blankets and crunchy tarpaulins. Sit back, enjoy and learn how Monty gains the horse's complete acceptance.

For the first time, Monty will demonstrate how one of his students is able to work with his Join-Up concepts. Watch as he coaches his student through the gentling of a spooky horse using the silent language of gestures he calls Equus.

Observe the use of safe and easily obtainable aids that help raw horses accept grooming and handling, prepare for vaccination and working, and create a horse that is a pleasure for the farrier to trim and shoe. Learn about the methods Monty uses to accomplish all these goals in an environment of acceptance and trust without the use of force or pain.

Have more fund with your horse by enjoying routines that take a horse from wild and spooky to relaxed and happy. A happy horse means happy owner!

I think I'll post the movie's I'm watching as they come in along with what I think of them. This one should be here this weekend. I'll let you know what I got from it after I watch it. I did a lot of Natural Horsemanship with Denali when I got her, and that helped me to feel very connected to her. I'm hoping to be able to do that again. My first trainer did lots of Natural Horsemanship, and I learned a lot from her, but it's been a while. It is so much fun to read through all the movies. Again, if anyone has any suggestions for me let me know! :)

TGIF!