12-STTS Video

First of all a big Thank You to Sylvia Scott for all the efforts she put into setting up her Whispering Way 12-Step Total Training System and producing these DVD's, including the Round Pen Leadership DVD. The system is a thorough, complete foundation training program. I wish I would have had her DVD's two years ago when I had my first go at training an untouched horse. Watching the videos makes it so much easier to understand and then do it yourself. Sylvia was coaching me via email across the ocean for many months. She kept encouraging, teaching and accompanying me through all my ups and downs in training my horses in Papua, New Guinea. She's a great teacher and has an astounding ability to pick up the hidden problems - and gives her advice in an easy-to-understand way, not hiding away any "secrets." It's an unusual approach in training people via email, but it works! (-- and it's the modern age :o) !) Most amazing is that she doesn't even ask for pay for her email coaching! What you'll learn from these videos and her coaching is worth much more than the money you'll spend on the DVD's. It will change your way of thinking, about horses and people, and can bring you on the road to being a teacher yourself - for the horse and the human. Thank you, Sylvia, again for all the efforts. Without your coaching I would not be where I am now.

Just a brief note to say that I have had remarkable results with your Whispering Way 12-Step Total Training System. My American Saddlebred has come an incredibly long way in a fairly short period of time. So thank you!

Hi Sylvia. Your Whispering Way 12-Step Total Training System training videos were great! I am getting great responses and wonderful work output from both my horses! Your videos and emails are as valuable as gold! I now have desensitized my horses to bags, tarps, and just about anything I can expose them to. I must say, the tarp desensitizing has helped so much. After watching your video I put my horse to the test. I went trail riding after several tarp desensitizing sessions and sure enough on our ride, there was a huge spooky tarp covering firewood near a house. It raised up so high it nearly scared me, while my horse didn't even take notice. I am sure that if I hadn't desensitized him via your program, I could have severely been hurt! Thank you so much for all your help!

Hi Sylvia. I just completed your Whispering Way 12-Step Total Training System DVDs, along with 9 pages of notes I made. I found your DVD set exceptionally helpful and inspiring. For instance, your leadership and gentle techniques truly flowed into the horse you were working with. At no time did I feel rushed or a sense of pushiness from you that I have seen in so many other trainer’s videos.

As a trainer myself, I now have added many additional techniques to my repertoire, directly inspired from your 12-Step Total Training System DVDs (9 pages worth!). Like backing up on the tarp and backing over poles under saddle; great methods to build confidence and the brain to hoof connection. The Q&A on your web site is such a great resource, but actually viewing your methods and techniques brought so much into focus for me.

What I like most about your 12-Step System is you are teaching a logical, safer approach to handling a horse that ultimately translates under saddle. In a relatively short period of time the rider is under saddle with confidence and the horse trusting in the rider’s leadership. Getting to ride is what it’s all about and you have presented it in a way that makes sense while maintaining gentleness and patience.

I will surely be a better trainer for watching your 12-Step DVD set. Thank you so much for putting it together!

Sylvia Scott's new Whispering Way 12-Step Total Training System DVD set should have priority placement in the library of every horse owner serious about developing a solid, respectful, working relationship with their horse. From the beginner to the seasoned horse person, there is something to gain for every equine enthusiast in this set. Sylvia's ease with both horse and human communication makes her a natural, effective and enthusiastic teacher. Don't wait to order this series!

Hi Sylvia. I will try to be brief, but let me take you to the start and where I am right now with my horse.

When I bought my horse, it was mainly off of hype: his grandfather made it in the big time among the Tennessee Walkers. My horse had won several ribbons in the show ring. However, I could care less about that part of it. All I wanted him for was for trail/pleasure riding. Before I bought him I knew he needed some work done in his foundation. I could tell that the moment I got on him. So I didn't go into this thing blind. What I didn't know was he was worse than what I thought!

The first time I had him at the saddle club by myself, he was very tense/head high and I couldn't even get on him. In fact, I was too scared to try! So I loaded him back up and went home and put him up, very disappointed.

About a week later my son and I took my horse and my son's horse to the saddle club and to see what my horse would do if another horse was there. My horse was awful! He wouldn't mind a thing. He would not stop. He acted as though I didn't exist. I was very upset at this. All I could see was money going down the drain. I was wanting to get rid of him "NOW" but I knew that would be hard to do. So I settled down and decided to work on him and give him a chance.

I gave him three lessons in the round pen using your methods, and his demeanor began to change. I started bonding with him using your bonding techniques (he was yielding his head, etc.) and I could tell he was starting to settle down. I could tell that on the ground.

Yesterday my son and a lady friend of ours wanted to go to the saddle club and ride some and they wanted me to go with them. I really didn't want to, but I decided to go anyway just to see if my horse had made progress. So far he was doing well. He was listening to me, etc.

So I mounted him at the club and he did very, very, very well. I was so pleased at his progress from applying your program. He listened to me in the saddle. He stopped when I said to. I was so happy I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO FALL OFF with delight!!

A lady who was with us then got on him, went around the ring (ring is huge) and his conformation was perfect. I can see how he won all those ribbons, etc. He was out of shape because this was the first time he has really been ridden since last winter.

While I had him out, I used the one-rein stop to see if he would listen to me, and he turned his head to me perfectly and began to slow down. At that time all I wanted for him was to look at me when we were riding when I ask for the one stop rein. The foundation on the ground was already completed but this was my first time in the saddle without any practice. Again I was so happy.

This horse has changed from dark to light from using your program. I can't believe it. Formerly, he wasn't worth the gun powder to shoot him with, I thought; that's how upset I was with him at first. But now he is a real sweetheart.

Picking up his feet is not an issue now; in fact, you barely touch them and he will pick them up. Backing up in saddle: no longer an issue.

I can tell on the ground (as you teach) what his problems are before you ever get in the saddle. I will try and complete all his training this week. Huge progress has already been made.

Dear Sylvia, I would like to thank you for offering such support to all of us out here who are wanting to learn about horses and how to cope with any problems we may be having with them.

Nearly ALL of the trainers on the Internet just give a taste of advice as a hook to get people to buy DVDs and videos that may well be beyond them, and then are not interested in helping via email - they just expect one to buy yet another DVD. All ego, no personal touch.

Your site is extremely informative and in depth on all problems we may or may not have - for free! And amazingly enough, in this age of most trainers only caring about the dollar, you give total ONGOING support and caring by email to whomever contacts you!

You worry about complete strangers and their horses, and turn yourself inside out helping them, a very rare thing in today's world!

I bought your Round Pen Leadership DVD as soon as it came out, and it has helped me immeasurably with my horses. Sometimes, pictures are needed to get a point across rather than words.

I also bought your Whispering Way 12-Step Total Training System DVD set as soon as it was ready and that was amazing as well! It is articulate, addictive to watch and fascinating to see how the experts like yourself handle things. It was just like you were here with me, advising me whenever I wasn't sure I was handling certain things the correct way! I have watched it over and over again, and get something more out of it every time! My horses are all the better for your training and I get a lot of comments from other people on how well behaved they are. I have even more people wanting me to work with their problem horses now, as well as train their young ones.

It's certainly an inexpensive way to have a world famous trainer at your beck and call!

I salute you!

Regards,

S. F. - Queensland, Australia

Dear Sylvia,

I certainly enjoyed your new Whispering Way 12-Step Total Training System DVD set. You present excellent fundamental training methods in a very logical, easy-to-follow format. Even someone who is new to horses should be able to safely and easily apply the techniques you teach in this video to work towards developing a mutually respectful relationship with their horse. Keep up the good work!

Ed Dabney
Ed Dabney Gentle Horsemanship
Monroe, Georgia

Hi! I just gave your web site address to my two yahoo groups. One is a PMU group and the other is a draft sport horses group. I was singing your praises! I love your DVDs and your web site! I am just amazed at the generosity of your excellent tips and training advice you offer. I just can't get enough of it!!!! The bottom line is--it WORKS!

I just have to say also that I was so impressed you wore a helmet in your DVDs, especially since you ride western. Western riders should wear helmets, too!! So far, I have not seen other NH trainers wear helmets and what a bad example they are setting--especially for young folks watching who are so impressionable. I NEVER mount a horse without a helmet, no matter what the circumstances. Wearing a helmet has saved my life more than once.

Just had to say thanks! (again :)

S. N. - Oak Ridge, North Carolina

Hi Sylvia. Thanks for getting back to us so quickly and email communication is great. Thanks so much for your ideas and links to your web site. We will work on the new techniques. They make a lot of sense. My son's Spanish mustang was supposed to have been somewhat trained with rides on him when we picked him up two years ago. When we arrived, having traveled fifteen hours to get him, the horse did not have any rides on him, he was sick with some type of respiratory thing and was so skittish that I didn't want to take him. The guy was able to halter him, but carefully. But my son, an adult, still wanted him, so home the horse came. To this day any time you move an arm fast or turn fast or anything like that, the horse jumps. You can touch him sort of, but he flinches and has never gotten used to or liked to be touched. I thought about releasing him at a horse sanctuary, but my son wants him. Anyway, when the horse first came here our farrier told us to run him around until he joined up. It didn't make the horse any better, worse in fact. And of course now I know that it was the "mindlessly running him around thing" [that you talk about]. Then I looked up [another leading trainer's] round penning info, tried his join up, same results. So we were at a loss as to what to do with him. We also checked out [another leading trainer's] stuff. That wasn't very understandable. Then I found your web site. Wow, it is great. You explain things so well and so fully, and natural horsemanship training is making sense now. I have wanted for so long to learn this, but it never made sense until I found you. Your DVD's [we just purchased] are fantastic and explain everything so well. Thank you for sharing this information with all us horse lovers. I was thinking back to when I learned to ride and none of this was ever taught to us back then; it was all about how you sat on a horse, not about the horse itself and how it processes things. I have told all the horse people I know about your web site and your wonderful DVD's. You are doing a great thing for horses and their people! Let me know if you ever are out in the western states for a training clinic or expo, as I would love to take part and/or at least meet you. Thanks again!

M. K. - Pocatello, Idaho

Thanks so much, Sylvia! I appreciate you a lot. I've asked you so many questions and you're so faithful to respond quickly! I've got your DVD series and am enjoying it, keep it up! Thanks again!

V. R. - Ardmore, Oklahoma

Your Whispering Way 12-Step Total Training System 3-DVD set is fantastic in its thoroughness, practicality, & instructional value! I am working through it & once the weather gets better, I will start at the beginning with my beloved horse. Warm regards,

M.D. K. - Herndon, Virginia

I am kind of proud of myself - seeing where I was a couple of weeks ago (very frustrated). I can't thank you enough for all of your help. I am pretty sure if I hadn't come across your web site and your Round Pen Leadership and your Whispering Way 12-Step Total Training System DVD's and email support, I would have given up. So I can't thank you enough for everything. You have made this a lot easier and clearer for me.

T. B. - Greenville, Ohio

I've been using your Whispering Way 12-Step Total Training System for 5 days and it's WONDERFUL! I'm working with a 2-year-old horse who is just a sponge! I can now pick up his feet, lateral flex, put his head down to calm him, and he actually lifts his tail when scratched under the tail! I'm amazed! I could just go on and on! Thank you Soooo much, Sylvia Scott, for a Great DVD and Great information!

N. R. - Chiefland, Florida

Just because we are excited, here are some pictures of our new colt. Mom was a rescued horse they wanted to put down. We rescued her and spent months fixing her up. The other three horses were also rescued. The four belong to my grand children; the new guy is mine. P.S. I enjoyed your Whispering Way 12-Step Total Training System and Round Pen Leadership DVDs, and we are using them to retrain all four horses.

J. S. - Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

Sylvia, thanks so much for your program. I adopted a 5-year-old Quarab gelding who had little to no human contact. He is my first horse and I wasn't sure I made the right decision in getting him, but we had a connection from the minute I saw him. With your Whispering Way 12-Step Total Training System program we have in a matter of weeks gotten him to actually want to be with people. The first time the rescue facility went to get him, it took 3 hours to catch him and another 2 to get him into a trailer. It's been amazing to watch the change in him following your 12-Step Program. Now I don't have to catch him; he either just waits for me in the pasture or even sometimes comes straight to me! Sylvia, I can't thank you enough for your fantastic program!!! I've taken this completely untrained 5-year-old Quarab gelding and in just 2 months I am now able to put a saddle on him and ride!! The most amazing part though is the bond we've formed with your techniques. I read every book and watched every horse show I could before I bought your program. What stood out about you was your emphasis on our bond with our horses and your conviction that we can indeed do this ourselves. My horse and I are forever in your debt!!! Thanks again for a great program, web site and all your help! You are amazing!!!

R. M. - Lowell, Indiana

Thanks for being here! Your Round Pen Leadership and Whispering Way 12-Step Total Training System DVD's are amazing teaching tools and you are a clear and concise trainer that I have found very easy to learn from.

If you have a mailing list of upcoming clinics that you allow auditors, please include me. Any chance I get, I try to go to clinics to absorb the good, and remind myself to not "do" the not so good.

T. G. - Marshall, Virginia

Hey Sylvia, I watched your Round Pen Leadership and Whispering Way 12-Step Total Training System videos last night. Your videos are very practical and really take the ego mentality out of horse training. You truly present the Natural Horsemanship concepts in a way that anyone young or old can understand. As you say in the video "you can do this!" I really walked away with the understanding that anyone can do this!

Chris Mitchell
Christopher Mitchell Horsemanship
Salem, Alabama

I am so excited with the Whispering Way 12-Step Total Training System program I purchased recently from you. My horse is a 4-year-old Saddlebred and is my first horse. I volunteered at a horse rescue for a year to learn all I could before getting a horse and I learned a lot. My horse had been gentled and had good ground manners, but had not been ridden. I worked with her and her previous owner and started riding her before she was ready and I learned a very costly lesson: I took a fall when she spooked and I broke L1 vertebrae, cocyxx fracture, and severe neck sprain. I am healed now and much wiser. I then ordered your Complete Package (which contained your Whispering Way 12-Step Total Training System DVD's, your Round Pen Leadership DVD, your Natural Horsemanship Halter/Lead Combo, Training Wand, and Training String) and started her training all over...and now my horse is calmer and I am more confident. Thank you so much for this program; it really works and I would recommend it to anyone with a horse!

C. W. - Chase City, Virginia

Dearest Sylvia, I recently purchased your Whispering Way 12-Step Total Training System for my 12-year old daughter. She is a Level 2 [another NH trainer program] student. I bought her the [other trainer's] program when we bought her horse. It has been wonderful for them, but there was that special something that was missing. And then we found you! (We purchased her first horse six months ago. He is now 6 years old and has one brown eye and one blue eye.)...

We have absolutely fallen in love with you and your methods. This horse was in Hurricane Katrina at the young age of 3 years old. The breeder lost everything. The story goes they found this horse on a tiny mound of land surrounded by water. As fate would have it, he made his way to central Florida. Apparently the place he arrived was extremely cruel to him. He has scars on the back of his ears from their clipping techniques. He seemed to trailer load great. The first time we tried we understood why. He had been forced to load, he was absolutely terrified of the trailer. Because of the two of these incidents this horse was also absolutely terrified of blue tarps and clippers.

We had tried so many approach and retreats and a lot of sessions with other Natural Horseman Trainers with no success. This horse always seemed to be a nervous wreck after each session. However, we have been using your techniques for the past three weeks since purchasing your program and the difference is absolutely amazing! This week he paraded around with the blue tarp draped completely over him, and this morning, he walked across the tarp eight times, head lowered at ease. What a miracle! After struggling for six months. You are such a blessing!

We are still working on the "at ease with the clippers." We are using all of your bonding techniques and approach and retreats. This is a horse that was so ear shy when we purchased him that no one could touch his ears. After the purchase we found out that they had to drug him to clip him. The first time we turned on the clippers he got very wide eyed and began snorting. When I saw the scars on the back of his ears I understood why. We absolutely refuse to twitch or drug him to clip...I now have printed out some of your clipping advice from your website.

Thank you for everything that you do. As my daughter has said during the last three weeks every time that she and her horse pass through a threshold, "I love Sylvia!"

Keeping it natural,

K. & R. R.
Winter Haven, Florida

Hi Sylvia! I watched your Round Pen Leadership and your Whispering Way 12-Step Total Training System DVDs (you are absolutely incredible!), set up the round pen, and am ready to get started on the training. I can hardly wait! Your instructions were very clear and easy to understand.

J. K. - Fairview, Tennessee

Dear Sylvia, Thank you for your Whispering Way 12-Step Total Training System program. It has made my daughter and me feel like professional horse trainers and has turned our horses into great obedient friends!

S. S. - Luthersville, Georgia

Hi Sylvia. I have a 5-year-old Percheron cross PMU mare I adopted this spring. When I got her at the beginning of April, she was frightened, mistrustful, and willing to get hostile if she felt cornered. She wouldn't let anyone within 50 feet of her and had major issues with ropes. She also foaled 3 weeks after I got her, and since I didn't want to have the baby pick up on mommy's issues, I didn't try to do any "training" in particular with this mare while she was nursing. Instead, through lots and lots of undemanding time, I gained her trust to the point she could be caught, groomed, tied, led, etc., safely. Anyway, now her baby is weaned, so I've finally started working her and your Whispering Way 12-Step Total Training System DVD set has been great at helping me keep this "wild" horse relaxed while starting her.

T. G. - Thaxton, Virginia

Thank you so much for all of your excellent advice! I rode my horse this morning after viewing your Whispering Way 12-Step Total Training System DVDs once more. As I saddled him up, he didn't flinch a bit. I got on and yielded his front quarters and hind quarters, just as you said, and he did great with that! I walked him around in the arena. I did one-rein stops and "sit, blow, whoa" two-rein stops along the way. Then I picked him up to a trot. I trotted him around and did a one-rein stop again. I reversed and did the same on the other side. After that, we trotted in and out of the cones. He rode like a dream! He was so controlled, even I was shocked! His headset was great! He loves the John Lyons headstall, bit, and reins that you recommended! And so do I! We rode for about an hour. As for the clipping, he is getting better. We wormed him this morning and he didn't throw his head, back, or balk at the tube. We have been using your desensitizing methods. It took about 10 minutes, and it was all done (lots of head-lowering, licking, and chewing)! My horse has changed so much since I have been studying your program. He just keeps getting better and better. And so am I! It just amazes me how great you are with horses and how much you have helped us. May you be blessed ten-fold for all that you do for others. Much Love,

R. R. - Winter Haven, Florida

Hi Sylvia. I have bought your Round Pen Leadership and your Whispering Way 12-Step Total Training System DVDs and have really found them very helpful. My horse (13-year-old thoroughbred) and I are making great progress. He had been classified as mad and not fit to be around humans, but with your techniques he is slowly coming around!

J. v.Z. - Cape Town, South Africa

Hi Sylvia. I have both your Round Pen Leadership DVD and your Whispering Way 12-Step Total Training System DVDs and have watched them over and over again. I really enjoy them and I've learned a lot!...Also, thank you for your helpful coachings and lengthy email explanations along the way! I really appreciate it and will try them all. I will let you know how it goes and keep you posted of our progress. I must say that the fact that you were willing to offer email support is quite unusual and is what convinced me to try your videos. I really like your "down to earth" approach - it does help me feel that this is something I can do. Best wishes and thank you again!

C. H. - Earth, Texas

Hi Sylvia. I can't thank you enough for your wonderful products. [We bought your Whispering Way 12-Step Total Training System DVD set, your Round Pen Leadership DVD and your Natural Horsemanship Halter/Lead] I have returned to horses after many years - rode as a teen but not much after that. I'm now 53 and have been taking lessons again. We decided to buy two wonderful haflinger geldings 6 months ago. They are great - but being aged 3 and 4, we wanted to start with a program like yours to establish us as the leaders. And it is working so well! You and your work are just great for novices like us! Thanks so much!

P.S. Your monthly e-newsletters are also terrific!

J. T. - Millmont, Pennsylvania

I bought your Whispering Way 12-Step Total Training System about 1 month ago and have been using it with my “problem” horse. I like it a lot! After using “other” NH programs, your approach seems to work well with this horse. I basically started from the beginning with your program like this horse didn’t know what a saddle was. Everything is going really well (your DVD set helped me a lot to keep him calm or calm him down really quickly). Thank you so much.

M. C. - Crozet, Virginia

Hello. For my birthday, my husband gave me your Whispering Way 12-Step Total Training System, as well as your Round Pen Leadership DVDs. I absolutely LOVE them...Thanks so very much!

P.S. I love the online newsletter - keep up the good work!

W. G. - Starkville, Mississippi

Hi Sylvia. I just wanted to tell you how great things were going after only 2 DAYS of applying your Whispering Way 12-Step Total Training System DVD program!! (I've only watched the 1st DVD of 3 so far--can't wait till I get to the rest!). He's like a different horse already! I'd been using [another trainer program] with the horse I had been leasing and when I got my new horse, I started him with it. We got to Game 4 in that other program and then I got stuck. He just wasn't responding in so many ways:

1. He was nervous on the cross-ties (dangerously) pawing when he got upset;
2. Didn't like being groomed;
3. Stopped standing at the mounting block for me;
4. Head was always high when I was leading him and when we would ride outside the arena.

Then I started doing your steps in your program. I did your bonding technique where I put my finger in his mouth and lower his head and then I'd put my arm over his neck. I used your leading technique to keep him 6 feet back with some slack in the rope. I yielded his head on the ground and in the saddle.

And here are the results already!:

1. He's much calmer on the cross-ties now and when he does get nervous, I lower his head, etc., and he calms down immediately;
2. He's still a little shy at being touched on the right side, but definitely getting better [that will be covered in the remaining DVDs I have yet to watch];
3. I lowered his head/finger in mouth before I mounted him and he just stood there quietly;
4. He stays 6 feet back with slack in the reins, head down, when I lead him. If he does come too close, I just send him back like you teach--he learns really quickly;
5. When we rode and his head came up, I stopped and yielded his head. When we started again, his head was down and he was relaxed!!

The most important thing is, I feel connected to him again! I felt like we were so caught up in tasks earlier that I lost our relationship and he is a really sweet horse. I know [the other trainer] says it's all about the relationship, but I found it really hard to keep our relationship through their tasks... Your stuff was really what we both needed! I am really excited and confident that I can have the relationship I want with my horse!! Your program is really great!! Thanks again,

P. S. - Groveland, Massachusetts

Sylvia, All I can say is thanks again for all your help and always being there when I need you! What a blessing it is to experience your honesty and concern in the horse world. I purchased your Round Pen Leadership and Whispering Way 12-Step Total Training System DVDs and have to say both have made a great difference in our horses. I’m so glad I discovered your web site over a year ago; it’s been a true blessing! Thanks again.

S. S. - Luthersville, Georgia

Hi Sylvia, I have adopted a six year old "green broke" paint mare from a local horse sanctuary and we've just started your training program [I bought your Complete Package]. In just a short time, I have seen many positive results in areas that needed improvement!

K. C. - Shingletown, California

Hi Sylvia. I bought your Round Pen Leadership and Whispering Way 12-Step Total Training System Program (in your Complete Package) and am using it on my 7-month-old colt. He’s doing wonderfully! Thanks!

D. M. - San Diego, California

I just put in my order for your Complete Package. I have a 16-month-old appaloosa filly. Thanks for a tremendous web site - with all the information that is on there - free of charge - how could I not buy what I need from you!!!!

J. W. - Argyll, United Kingdom

Hi Sylvia. I bought your Whispering Way 12-Step Total Training System and Round Pen Leadership DVDs earlier this year and have been working with my 3 ½-year-old quarter horse gelding using your techniques. He has been doing great! I think very highly of your training techniques and have really enjoyed and learned from your videos. Thanks,

A. T. - Knoxville, Tennessee

Dear Sylvia, I have just finished watching your Whispering Way 12-Step Total Training System DVD set for about the 4th time. I love how you not only demonstrate baby stepping the horse through the training process, but it conveys the tutorial to the human in the same way. The way the volumes are broken down into lessons makes it clear how each lesson is building the foundation for the next step. The more often I watch the DVDs the more I pick up on the nuances in body language - human and equine. Since that is how horses communicate - through body language - it is so important in the natural horsemanship training process.

I have used your system on my horse (who was trained by you) to reinforce what he has already learned, because he is a young horse who will constantly test me. Every day we do a couple of the lessons to reinforce my status as his lead mare in our herd of two. If we have trouble with something, I go right back to that DVD, review and repeat the process then the next day with success.

I have also used your system on other horses, and their owners end the sessions with such big grins on their faces, because they saw their horse transform right before their eyes!

Thank you so much for giving me these clear communication tools. Anyone can successfully adjust their horse's attitude and have him/her accept the leadership following your methods on this DVD.

Judi Ludwic - Blacksburg, Virginia

Hi Sylvia. I love your training program (Whispering Way 12-Step Total Training System and Round Pen Leadership), and I have followed much of it in training a dominant 10-year-old Arab. He was gelded at 7 years old; I have had him 10 months. I had hoped to have him mounted and rideable by now, but have had to work at my job extra hours, leaving no time to work with him. But he has come a long way from when I walked him home from his previous owner's. He never thought anything was wrong with plowing me over then, but he now respects my space, backs up over ground poles with as many hooves as I request, and will jump small jumps when I point to them. Thank You,

M. C. - Temperance, Michigan

I just finished watching your DVDs for the 2nd time (Whispering Way 12-Step Total Training System and Round Pen Leadership). That was fabulous for me to see! I learned so much. My new gelding arrives next week. Wish me luck! Your DVDs were very clear to me, and I look forward to beginning communication with and playing with my new horse.

T. S. - Austin, Texas

Hi Sylvia! Your courses are absolutely wonderful (Whispering Way 12-Step Total Training System and Round Pen Leadership) - very easy to understand and apply! My horse and I completed your course in three days and we both feel wonderful. I feel a little like Dr. Doolittle now! I can actually have a conversation with my horse! He is relaxing more and more each day and we are having a great time building our vocabulary. As you show, I also found that explaining the cues to him from the ground prior to using them from the saddle eliminated hours of confusion and frustration for both of us. What a wonderfully simple yet effective concept!

M. H.-S. - Bradenton, Florida

Hi. I absolutely love the content of your videos (Whispering Way 12-Step Total Training System and Round Pen Leadership). It has really helped me and my mustang. I recently helped save a young mare and her colt from the killer and mom is halter broke and that's about the extent of her training. I need to keep reviewing your wonderful videos 'cause I forget easily (child of the 60's). Thanks,

M. R. - Fort Collins, Colorado

I received your Whispering Way 12-Step Total Training System DVD's last Monday (thanks for the super-fast shipping) and got to work on them right away. I used them on my 6-year-old appendix mare and my yearling filly, with some pretty great results. I love your concise approach. I have a photographic memory, and it was so easy for me to get a picture in my mind to go with every step once I got out to the arena because you did not muddy it up with long explanations and endless jabbering. (I have owned, studied, and tried to implement the NH methods from [two other leading NH trainers], but always got bogged down or had trouble remembering what to do because they take too long on each topic for my liking, and seem to do a lot of talking as well.) So, I am happy to report that over the past week, I have gotten my 6-year-old mare through the 12 steps completely (1 time - working on each step until it was pretty good, then moving on), and my yearling through to the point where you would begin saddling [later when she's older]. Both have done very well, and my mare pleasantly surprised me when, only about 10 minutes after the desensitizing with the plastic bag was complete (on ground and in saddle at walk, jog, and lope), the neighbor's pack of dogs came through the woods and up beside the arena and barn area, making lots of leaf-rustling noises and causing my dogs to bark and chase them. I was on my mare at the time, walking through serpentines in the ring. Normally, she would have tensed, perked her ears hard, lifted her head, tuned me out, and possibly reacted in a mild spook. She did NONE OF THIS! She kept walking the serpentines willingly and focused on me. She looked in the direction of the ruckus a few times, enough for me to know she acknowledged it was going on, but remained calm and focused on me instead of becoming distracted and reactive. Wow! That is one of the reasons I initially bought your DVD's, and after only 1 session, there was major improvement. I am a believer! Since then, she even wears a tarp over her head fine. I did the same things with my filly 2 days later, in the pasture they share. The filly did well, after working through some fear, and the 6-year old mare watched without being bothered. She was curious about the filly with the tarp over her head, but was not freaked out by it. I was thrilled. Thanks for your help!

A. B. - Rocky Mount, Virginia

Hi Sylvia. I recently purchased your Whispering Way™ 12-Step Total Training System DVD set and have started at the beginning with my new 7-year-old Swedish Warmblood mare. She has been ridden in the past, has had one foal last spring and I know very little about the first years of her life. She is a very big (17.3 hands) spirited girl and I'm quite sure I am "overhorsed" at this point. When I initially got her two months ago I rode her almost every day, just around our small acreage, gradually increasing her distance away from the barn and her one 17-year-old pasture companion. After a few weeks she became increasingly difficult to control, refusing to go ahead away from the barn, trying to rear up and continually balking. At that point I knew I needed to get back to basics with her, ground work etc...Thanks for your help and the great and clear videos!

J. W. - Springfield, Oregon

Hello, I purchased your your Round Pen Leadership and Whispering Way™ 12-Step Total Training System DVD set and am happy to say they are a big help!

M. L. - Lebanon, Tennessee

Hi Sylvia. I want to let you know that your Round Pen Leadership and Whispering Way™ 12-Step Total Training System DVDs helped me take my extremely unconfident, untrusting young Missouri fox trotter with a severe "eye changing" problem (first time I'd heard of this was on your DVDs) to his current state of confidence, trust and relaxation under most circumstances. Before learning your natural horsemanship techniques, I never believed I'd be able to ride him outside an arena (and without a big knot in my stomach). We've just now started riding out on trail, and he is relaxed enough to gait without a bit which I was told by the "experts" probably would never happen (he couldn't even gait with one a few months ago). It is not that issues still don't pop up, but now I can "read" my horse's behavior better and can deal with the issues that arise. Right now that often involves getting out of the saddle and working through something safely on the ground when needed.

P. P. - San Jose, California

Hi Sylvia, I live in the U.K. and have purchased a number of your training aids and your DVD program from your web site, all of which have been invaluable.

I wanted to tell you about my success story with a 4-year- old Arabian mare that I have trained using your methods. She came to me from a friend 5 months ago who owns a stud farm. The friend was hoping I would have the time available to help her mare. The mare had experienced a lightning strike which had killed one of her companions and caused her to jump from the field in fright. Unfortunately, she jumped into woodland that contained sheep wire to stop smaller animals from entering the paddock. Because the strike happened at night, she was caught up in the wire until she was found in the morning. Her injuries were extensive and particularly severe to her hind legs. Veterinary treatment and dressing the wounds continued for a whole year. Luckily, she remained sound, but came to me with the physical and mental scars from this experience.

When she arrived, I couldn't approach or touch her legs. There had been so much treatment history and she was obviously afraid of her legs being handled. She would kick out with the hinds and run over you if you lifted the fronts.

I was planning to back her, but needed to fix all these problems first. I searched the Web looking for foot handling solutions and found your web site. Not only did your methods help me with this issue, but it led to my developing a keen interest in your whispering way techniques.

Your halter and training string have been used extensively and I can now lift and pick out all four feet.

The farrier has been able to trim all her feet, but I must admit we do struggle a little with the hinds because she is still afraid to allow him to hold these for longer periods. However, each time it becomes a little easier.

I have worked with her on the ground exploring all of your techniques starting in the round pen at liberty and then moving through your twelve foundation stages. I finally backed her last week, which was quite an emotional experience, especially because of the journey we had taken together to finally reach this stage. I really couldn't have made it this far without your videos, training tools and web site Q&A. Thank you very much! Kind Regards,

M. A. - Harpenden, Hertfordshire, United Kingdom

Sylvia, I bought your Complete Training Package back in December to help me train a 4-year-old colt...I really have enjoyed your DVDs and I also think the training tools are top rate. Thank You,

A. H. - Rock Springs, Wyoming

Hi Sylvia. Recently I purchased your Whispering Way™ 12-Step Total Training System. I have been working with my 6-year-old green broke mare with great results! She is really responding to the Whispering Way!

K. F. - Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

Thank you for your wonderful website. I so much appreciate your generosity with answers and information (and your DVDs are great too!). You've been such a help to me, you have no idea :) Thank you!

B. T. - Ellensburg, Washington

Just thought I'd share this with you. We have a 7-year-old formerly spooky Arab. We have completed your Whispering Way™ 12-Step Total Training System program and he is doing very well. Today, while turning him out in the geldings' field, a plastic bag came rolling and leaping across the entry paddock. Our boy stopped, looked at it, watched it roll on by, and he kept walking calmly. Meanwhile, there were 7 other geldings on the other side of the gate. The biggest and badest of the bunch saw the same bag, totally freaked, jumped up in the air, spun around, and caused all the others to get upset. Our boy calmly went about his business. I was watching this from the van as my 14-year-old daughter lead him to turn out. I was holding my breath when I saw the bag coming. Our horse knew what it was because we had desensitized him (via your program) a few months earlier.

Thanks for the great program you have developed, and the Q & A section of you web site!

Best Regards,

D. & M. C. - Virginia Beach, Virginia

Hi Sylvia, I own your Round Pen Leadership and Whispering Way™ 12-Step Total Training System DVD's and they have been a tremendous help starting my young horse!

T. M. - Oneida, New York

We recently purchased your videos (Round Pen Leadership and Whispering Way™ 12-Step Total Training System). I looooove them!! I saw a difference in my mare the FIRST time I round penned her using your techniques!! I have watched other horsemanship videos, but I have to say that yours are the easiest to understand. I love how you break things down into "baby steps"! It is amazing what you can do with your horse when you speak their language!!! Thank You Sooooo much!! Keep up the good work!!!!!!!!

J. E. - Jackson, Georgia

I liked your videos so much [Round Pen Leadership & Whispering Way™ 12-Step Total Training System) I'm ordering them in your Training Videos Package for my friend in Las Vegas! :)

S. R.-P. - Nederland, Colorado

Sylvia, I have a 7-year-old quarter horse mare who suffered an injury to her DDFT in the left hind in December 2007 and is currently in rehab. She is coming along nicely in the healing process, but her exercise is limited to 30 minute handwalks per day. She is stalled with a 12x18 attached paddock. As you can imagine, handling her suddenly became quite a challenge!

She came to me with a number of "holes" in her training which became more evident when she was out of work. I purchased your Whispering Way™ 12-Step Total Training System DVD set and we have already made some real progress. She no longer runs me over when I get her out for her walks. We have mastered the head-down cue, intimacy, and she plays a great "red-light, green-light" game! We have just begun the basic desensitation exercises since she has decided that there is a lot to be afraid of outside her stall.

I have her standing quietly both tied in her stall and in the cross-ties for grooming now. She picks up her feet great and we are beginning re-training for bathing, one quiet step at a time, since she never bathed well. We also pulled her shoes and she is being trimmed by a Natural Hoofcare trimmer. For the first time since we've owned her she doesn't need to be drugged to have her feet done!!! She NEVER liked getting shod!

Thank you so much!

G. A. - Napa, California

Hi Sylvia. I bought your Training Videos Package (Round Pen Leadership & Whispering Way™ 12-Step Total Training System DVDs) last year and have come to you with questions many times and you have always given me good advice. Both my gelding and my filly are doing great on your program and I can really see a difference in our relationship. We are all making great progress!

A. T. - Corryton, Tennessee

Hi Sylvia! I am using your Round Pen Leadership and Whispering Way™ 12-Step Total Training System DVD set program to train myself and my kiger mustang, as well as the Q&A section on your web site, and I am really enjoying your clear, specific instructions. I am a teacher in my fifties, living my dream because of people like you who believe that we can all communicate with horses - it just takes lots of patience and horse time. Thank-you!

L. P. - Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada

Dear Sylvia, Thank you so much for giving us the 3-part Whispering Way™ 12-Step Total Training System. I just finished Disc 3 and am moved to a place of humility and patience and trust and belief in my horse.

I began riding 6 years ago at the age of 52, leased an older Arabian mare, and got into the sport of endurance, completing 2 50-mile rides on other people's horses. One hundred and six days ago, I bought my own very first horse, an Arabian who turned out to be hotter and spookier than I “bargained” for. He has excellent manners, is sweet, smart and willing. He is light and sensitive with some incredible training on him, with regard to groundwork and dressage-type moves. But he has definite holes in his training with regard to confidence and fears. I would say he has lots of technical skills, but very few emotional skills.

I should have realized, too, that our relationship was one big hole! In my impatience to get to my endurance goals, I did too much too soon and ended up on the ground, badly injured. Someone called him “green.” I said, “He’s 9 years old, how can he be green?!” And I thought, smugly, “I’ve been riding 6 years, how can I be called green?” But yep, he is emotionally green, and green on green made black and blue. (I fell on the cell phone in my back pocket—my butt was black and blue for 4 weeks in the shape of a Nokia 6102!) Funny thing, too, is he knows the one-rein stop and we had practiced it some, but not to where I knew to use it during his spook. If I had, I would not have landed on the ground. Now I have a scar that is healing and itchy. Every time it itches, it’s a reminder to go back to basic training, as I’ve now learned in your videos, even (especially!) when I’m impatient to get to that 50-mile ride!

Anyway, thanks again! I’m going out to be with my horse and practice now! (Oh, one other thing: 2 days after I fell, the clock in my car stopped. Another message about throwing away the watch, taking time to train.)

P.S. Yours is the only horse training video I have ever bought—for various reasons I am not attracted to any of the others as a total system. But I loved your essays and Q&A on your website. Every time I Googled a horse issue like “canter leads” or “spooky,” I ended up on your site. So I wanted your video. You have a refreshingly unique, intuitive, practical, easy-to-understand, and yet eclectic approach.

B. K., MD - Woodside, California

Hello, I just received your Whispering Way™ 12-Step Total Training System DVD set and realized I’d now like to have the rest of your products. I really like your training DVDs and am anxious to start my 3-year-old on this program! Thank you!

T. G. - Simi Valley, California

I have recently purchased your Whispering Way 12-step Total Training System DVD set and have had great success with applying the techniques with my own horses and clients as well. Thank you so much for your enormous contribution to the pursuit of Natural Horsemanship.

P.A. P. - Edgewater, Florida

Hi Sylvia. I am emailing you from Derbyshire in England... I am a great fan of yours and am currently working through your Whispering Way™ 12-Step Total Training System DVDs with my two-year-old gelding...The natural horsemanship training with the two-year-old is going well and he is learning to yield to pressure and back up...

Many thanks for a great website!

P. R. - Derbyshire, United Kingdom

Hello Sylvia. I wanted to thank you for opening my eyes to a whole new world. Your web site and DVDs have helped me better see things from a horse's perspective. I feel like I have more "feeling" and connection with them.

I found your web site quite by accident. I am a member of an email group, and your web site was given as a resource for horse training. I was amazed at how much I learned from the round penning section there. It was fantastic. I tried the methods and they worked. I had to learn more, and purchased your Round Pen Leadership and Whispering Way™ 12-Step Total Training System DVDs. I am now training my 2-year-old Morgan filly with great progress.

When you say that "You Can Do This," it's really true!

Sincerely,

E. R - New Lebanon, Ohio

I received your Whispering Way™ 12-Step Total Training System DVD set and Training Wand on Monday and have viewed the entire set already!

Sylvia, the pearls of wisdom I was able to catch during the viewing of these lessons where wonderful! While I have studied [other leading NH trainers], I felt for me, some of their techniques are a little too forward (if that is the right word) to be able to obtain the results/relationship I was looking for with my horses. Hence, lead me to continue my search for additional training help, not just for my horses but for ME as well.

You have done my heart good, Sylvia, and have given me the confidence, along with the rational understanding (a human thing) to help my horses be the best they can be, on a level we can both work with. To nurture is an inherent female trait, and with a huge populous of women returning to their love of horses after rearing families, careers, etc. (like me!) your techniques give us the permission to do just that: nurture while training.

Your campaign of "YOU CAN DO THIS!" is as true as it gets!

Thank you again for your focus on teaching a very important component in horse training!

D. M. - Windsor, Connecticut

Your web site is terrific! I purchased your training DVDs (Round Pen Leadership and Whispering Way™ 12-Step Total Training System) and they have been so helpful and easy to follow. I'm amazed at the results. Thank you!

C. F. - Elizabeth, Pennsylvania

Hi Sylvia. I have just received your Whispering Way™ 12-Step Total Training System DVD set. I've spent a small fortune on various other Natural Training DVDs and have found yours to be far more informative. Thank you very much for your time and knowledge. I have found your web site and DVDs have provided me with so much more knowledge and therefore confidence in myself. I'm a 53-year-old learner rider/handler with a couple of bad past experiences which resulted in serious injury; still my lifelong passion lives on and I so desperately want to fulfill it.

R. A. - Perth, West Australia

Hi. I am 13 and I have been using your Whispering Way™ 12-Step Total Training System program to train my 2 1/2-year-old filly. I am really amazed how well it has worked. Thanks for making that DVD program so I could train my horse with natural horsemanship instead of the other [old school] ways. I have seen the way other people train horses and I always want to cry for the horse's sake.

B. S. - St. Paul, Alberta, Canada

Hello Sylvia, Thank you for your Whispering Way™ 12-Step Total Training System DVDs. They have helped me start my 2-year-old paint and now a 6-year-old PMU mare. I would watch your tapes and go into the round pen and work with my, then, 2-year-old paint and if things didn't go like I expected, I'd come back in and watch the tapes and see where I went wrong. This 6-year-old quarter horse/paint has not been ridden. She seems to have right and left eye reversed and responds only to your techniques. I tried a local lady to come in and work with her while I go to Iraq shortly (as an electrical inspector); after the 3rd lesson, twice scared into the round pen fence, then she sent her and whipped her as she went off; at that, I fired her on the spot. She said she was [another leading NH trainer/clinician]-trained. This was trying to gain respect and get the halter on. [Following your techniques] the next day, after a half an hour, I had the halter on, leading beautifully and accepting the blanket (she really is a sweetheart), but she lacks confidence. Right now I have her accepting the saddle from both sides with cinch strap lightly pulled up, but not cinched yet; I stand above her on my two-step and lead her in on either side; she ties beautifully. I use a slip ring. She backs up willingly now, stands for farrier, trailored well bringing her to my place, about 3 months ago...Thank you for your time and your training videos!

R. H. - Augusta, WV

Hi Sylvia. Some time ago, I ordered your Whispering Way™ 12-Step Total Training System DVD set and have used it with great success. My biggest challenge is thinking like a horse. But, I have a very well behaved gelding now.

S. M. - Lecanto, Florida

Was so happy with your Whispering Way™ 12-Step Total Training System DVD’s! I really wanted something that could get to the point and keep my attention, and I am thrilled with my order. I watched all three back to back and now am reviewing again. I am recommending you to all my friends. Your products are affordable and worth every penny. Just disappointed I didn’t order more, but will be putting on my Christmas list! Also plan to send some to my niece for Christmas. Thanks!

M. - Internet

Thank you for your [Whispering Way™ 12-Step Total Training System & Round Pen Leadership] DVD's and the time you take with them and us. My horse has become the pride of the new barn. People are always commenting that they forget he is a stud because he is sooo well behaved and respectful. I am truly grateful to you for helping him become this amazingly calm stallion.

T. D. - Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada

Hi Sylvia. I have your Whispering Way™ 12-Step Total Training System DVD set and I'm really liking it. I live in a small town in Iowa, and I haven't found anyone that is open to this kind of training, so I really am happy to have your input. This is the first time I have ever had horses, so I'm learning as I go.

M. - Iowa

Hi. Just wanted to let you know that I'm really liking your Whispering Way™ 12-Step Total Training System DVD set! My pony has some major trust issues from mis-handling in the past. He's gotten TONS better after only about 3 sessions! He let me hug his head from the back and rub his nostrils yesterday and got OK with the tossing the rope around his head pretty fast.

Turns out he doesn't like the "sharing air" bit - but he seems to think that playing "tickle" on his lips is great for bonding, so we do stroking and that. The "feathering the tongue" and stroking under the tail is helping relax him a lot, too.

So far he's got some major eye changing issues that we're working on, and is really goosey about his hindquarters; you can touch them - but if anything touches them suddenly he really tucks that butt and gets tense. So we are working on just gently moving coils of rope back and forth.

Anyway - I'm happy I found your videos. My overly sensitive hot house flower seems to be responding to your methods really well!

K. T. - Spring, Texas

Dear Sylvia, I love your Whispering Way™ 12-Step Total Training System and Round Pen Leadership DVDs. I really like your method the best!

D. S. - Bend, Oregon

Hello, I am loving the Whispering Way™ 12-Step Total Training System DVDs and the Round Pen Leadership DVD!

M. K. - Mt Prospect, Victoria, Australia

Sylvia, I really have enjoyed your DVD's (Round Pen Leadership & Whispering Way™ 12-Step Total Training System) and they have helped me so much with my two horses. I have gotten back into horses after many years away and my confidence level had greatly diminished. Thank you.

C. P. - Pittsboro, North Carolina

I bought your Whispering Way™ 12-Step Total Training System DVD set on e-bay, loved it, and am now anxious to get your Round Pen Leadership DVD.

I. M. - Greensboro, Maryland

I have thoroughly enjoyed your DVD series on Round Pen Leadership and Whispering Way™ 12-Step Total Training System. Thanks!

J. A. - Kendall, New York

Hi Sylvia. I want to thank you for producing your training videos (Round Pen Leadership and Whispering Way™ 12-Step Total Training System). I have watched them over and over and always learn something new. My horse and I have been working together since June of 2008 and we have just moved into trail riding after lots and lots of ground work. She is just terrific - brave and powerful and very responsive...Thanks so much.

M. W. - Hampton, Virginia

Hi Sylvia, I purchased your Round Pen Leadership and Whispering Way™ 12-Step Total Training System DVDs and I read your web site frequently, too -- I have learned so much from your site. Currently, I have a 4-year-old Arabian mare who is a little on the timid side. I think she might have had some abuse when handling in order to get things done quickly. I have followed your program with success and we have overcome many obstacles. My Arabian trusts and respects me on the ground, and she is going very well under saddle...

I cannot tell you how thankful I am for your program. I have only owned horses for 4 years (a childhood dream), and I didn't feel that I had the ability to start a horse from the ground up on my own. I knew she was the wrong horse for me when I purchased her, but there was something in her eyes, and I figured because she was so cheap, I could afford the training she required.

I sent my Arabian to a couple natural horse trainers and was told by both of them that she was too spooky to train and would never be very reliable under saddle. Using the techniques that your program teaches, I have seen dramatic changes in her since I brought her home and decided to undertake her training myself. We have been on 10 trails rides together to date and she has been nothing but reliable under saddle. In fact, most people assume she is a seasoned trail horse, and I have to remind them she is still green. On occasion, she has led because another riders' "seasoned" horse would refuse to go through the mud. I am developing a wonderful bond with my horse and she truly is becoming the horse of my dreams.

Again thank you for your program as it has enabled a green trainer to keep her green horse despite the experts' advice! :)

H. N. - Longview, Washington

I really enjoy the way Sylvia lays things out so methodically [in her Whispering Way™ 12-Step Total Training System DVDs]. My favorite part of the training has been teaching my horse to put her head down. Thank you again,

E. B. - Andover, Minnesota

All in all, my horse is doing amazingly well [following your DVD program], and what a difference from just a few weeks ago...I am glad I got your series, and others at my yard are watching me now and wanting to do some of this too. I'll keep going and look forward to more successes!

K. B. - Liphook, Hampshire, United Kingdom

Sylvia Scott's Horse Training Tips

Sylvia Scott's
Horse Training Tips