Which in my case can be very dangerous.

My long time friend, Nancy Forsyth, a highly knowledgeable, competent trainer who specializes in Handicapped Riding and Driving, asked permission to use something I said in last weeks post in her next volunteer training session.  I was not only surprised, but honored by this.

I really just put down what comes to mind in a situation, or drives me nuts.  Nothing that I consider outstanding.

But upon thinking about what she said, that’s what I am about.  Teach what you have learned and one less horse will suffer from ignorance, and never stop learning.    So when I put something out there, it’s meant to be used and/or shared.  If I keep it to myself, what good is it; what good have I done?

I know I’ve said this all before.

My first husbands grandfather was a walking book of knowledge and experience, but sadly, he never shared his secrets.  He would help with anything, but never give you his secret mixes of healing materials.  How sad that was for me.  A lot of good remedies went to the grave with him.

So many old good trainers would train a horse for you, or solve a problem but they would never let on how they did it.  And truthfully, the ones that did let you know, really didn’t have good methods.

In the horse business there are a lot of ways to do things.  Some are right, some are wrong, and some are just different. Somethings work well with some horses and with some horses it just makes them mad.

Store everything somewhere in the back of your mind, you never know when you will need to pull something out of your bag of tricks, but by no means keep the things you’ve learned to yourself.  Sometimes people will look at you like you’re crazy.  That’s okay. They may look crazy themselves to others.  Just know in your heart that your intentions are good, and backed by solid logic and experience.  Some people will take what you’ve said and turn it around so it bites you, but that is their misunderstanding, and therefore their problem.  The truth of any situation will always rise to the surface.

If someone doesn’t like what I write, they are free not to read it.  If I can help one horse or person, I’ve done what I set out to do.

Thank you to all that write or call and tell me that they appreciate my writings and humor, even though Bob says that I don’t have a sense of humor.  I have been asked to put these posts into a book. (Not mentioning any names Louise.)  I don’t think that’s my destiny.  I don’t think what I say is book worthy, but thank you for thinking I’m better than I am.  There are so many books out there, and so many people who are more knowledgeable than I am.  I’m just a simple horse owner that has been doing this for fifty-four years, and counting.  I just want to put my experiences out there to try to help a little.

Share your experiences, not necessarily your opinions (although I do when I get mad). Whenever possible back it up with facts.  I’m always surprised when the facts agree with my experiences and thinking.  I’m glad they finally caught up to me.

Thank you Nancy.