Letters of the Month

LETTER OF THE MONTH:

February 2007

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!

Sincerely,

Missy Axton-Wryn, WNHP
Natural Horsemanship Center of Oregon
Estacada, Oregon

LETTER OF THE MONTH:

February 2007

Hi Sylvia. I love your Whispering Way 12-Step Total Training System DVDs! I am in full swing with training my senior thoroughbred with your program and she is doing so well! We are working on head yielding, backing up, and coming forward. Pressure, then release! I can just about take her head down to the ground now. The backing is still a work in progress, but each time, she seems to remember and gives me another step back. The "volume of pressure" is lower now when she lifts her head, takes notice and then begins her journey back. This will be so great when trailer loading her from a safety standpoint! It was wonderful to meet you a while back and see your lovely barns and farm. I think of you each and every time I trailer load my mare or watch the videos. No questions yet but I am sure one or two will follow down the road. Many thanks, stay warm and think SPRING!! Best,

N. S. - Easley, South Carolina
 

LETTER OF THE MONTH:

February 2007

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

LETTER OF THE MONTH:

February 2007

Hello Sylvia,

I don't really per se have a question. I have been visiting your web site for several months and actually we have talked over email a couple of times. I just wanted to take a moment and thank you so much for all the wonderful information that you share on your web site. It is just totally awesome and so helpful. I have only gotten to implement a few of the things I have read over your web site. Looking toward spring to really be able to dig in. Doing some now but just so darn cold out. I am going to order your DVD's here in about a week or two and I can hardly wait to watch them and learn even more. So basically my email was just to thank you for all of your wonderful information. I know personally I truly enjoy all the information and have learned a ton.

Thanks again and keep up all the great work you are doing - you're an inspiration

Sincerely,

T. B. - Greenville, Ohio

LETTER OF THE MONTH:

February 2007

I just have to tell you that with all the hype from so many popular trainers, they don't hold a candle to you! I receive your emailed newsletters with a sigh of relief. It is difficult to be a student of natural horsemanship when you're 100% on your own and trying to afford your horses at the same time as the education (at this point, I cannot afford anything for the education presently--it has cost me dearly to get to a "Level One" [of another program], including several head of cattle that I sold to make the journey). Nearly every day is a struggle to find information or go through training plans and problems, not to mention finding anyone that will tell you anything, let alone for free!

I always anticipate that your newsletters will be filled with an abundance of information that is given openly, honestly and for free, while still instilling the fact that horses are people too.

I realize that I never emailed before, but I'm sure there are hundreds out there that feel the same way.

It would be a dream (words could not describe) to know 1/2 as much as you do and I hope, at 35, that I will someday be a good rider as well. My horses deserve it. I feel your newsletters will assist me in this goal (though it may take me until I'm 90 at this point haha).

Thank you for allowing people like me to learn from your experience. I hope to be able to afford your program sometime in the future.

Sincerely,

C. E. - Olney Springs, Colorado

LETTER OF THE MONTH:

February 2007

I love reading your information, you are not like some of the other horse trainers, full of ego and you provide a lot of information right on your site, thank you.

A. - Morganville, New Jersey

LETTER OF THE MONTH:

February 2007

I discovered your website several months ago, and bookmarked it immediately. I signed up for the e-newsletter, poured over the "tips and tricks" section, looked at all the pics. It was a very educational experience.

At that point, I was riding a borrowed 20-year-old Spanish mustang gelding. He had been well trained, but hadn't been handled in several years. He also had that "I don't care what you want, I want to stay out here and graze" attitude (and rightly so, at 20). Your website helped me get through to him in a way he understood, and solved a few behavioral problems (like standing still to be mounted).

The really exciting part is that, on Thanksgiving, my youngest sister gave me a 3-year-old Paint mare. I'm 47 years old, and this was my first horse. SO EXCITING! The mare was green-broke and had no manners, but she was intelligent and cooperative. I've used your website for many issues, and I know she appreciates the gentle approach.

My horse and I are learning a lot, and you have been very generous in providing info that most trainers would hint at, and then "suggest you buy the DVD." Your instructions are clear and easily understood, and you're so good about offering links to more in-depth material.

I said this was "quick", but I see it hasn't been. I really appreciate your willingness to help those of us who are "green-broke" ourselves. May the Winter be kind to you and yours.

R. K. - Nashville, Tennessee

LETTER OF THE MONTH:

February 2007

One of these days I will probably be emailing you with questions about my horse. For right now though, you have already helped me by answering other people's questions [on your web site and in your newsletters], many of which fit my horse to a tee. Very, very helpful.

Thanks again and keep up the good work. We who want a good relationship with our horses really appreciate the time and effort you give to help us make that relationship a reality.

Sincerely,

A. H. - Brandon, South Dakota

LETTER OF THE MONTH:

February 2007

Sylvia, I wanted to touch base with you regarding my luck with your Equipedic Saddle Pad. I measured my mare and found out she has a rather wide set of withers. I hauled her into a saddle shop and we tried various saddles on her. The gaited tree on the Big Horn was the best fit. I think I was setting the saddle too far back earlier and causing slippage and pressure points. Upon using your Equipedic pad, those problems have disappeared. I have ridden her on several 4-6 hour trail rides, up and down some *extremely* steep slopes (no breast collar or crupper) and the saddle is staying put -- no pressure dry spots, just a nice, even pattern under the saddle. I'm extremely satisfied with this EquiPedic pad and I recommended it to numerous people...I also think your web site is one of the best natural horsemanship references out there and I have referred all of my friends and horse acquaintances to it!  Thanks,

L. N. - Dillsburg, Pennsylvania

LETTER OF THE MONTH:

February 2007

Hi Sylvia, just a little update on how things are going.

As I have used your methods, training techniques and videos on my Tennessee Walker, I am now almost complete with his training now...

He now listens to me better than ever. I took him out for our first trail ride Saturday and he did very well just like he did around the barn where he has been trained/schooled. He went into creeks, not afraid of cattle, etc.

When I first started your program, he would not stand still for mounting. I had to school him on that several times. Almost every time he would try and take off before I was ready. I let him know I am not going to put up with that. I was not mean to him, but I did let him know I did not appreciate that. Anyway, when he would start to take off before I got on, I would get off and make him go in a circle about three or four times. As you say, "make the right way easy and wrong way hard." He soon got the message and now he stands still for mounting. He does not move until I say so. I have noticed he looks at me now when I mount and waits. I think it's because I have trained him to yield his head to me so much and this is the reason he turns his head and looks at me while mounting. I do not have to hold onto the reins or anything. I grip his mane with my left hand and other hand across the saddle and up I go. He now stands  perfectly still for the whole thing...

Before I started your program, my horse had no respect/wouldn't listen to me whatsoever. And now he does! For the most part I don't even have to have a lead rope now. While on the ground (he follows), he goes when I go and stops when I stop.

Anyway, all the bonding and things I have used for the last many weeks from your program has really paid off! He did really well on the trail.

I want to thank you again for all your help. Even when my emails might be trivial. Thanks again!

Blessings,

S. L. - Tennessee

If you have a horse problem or question and you

don't see it addressed in TRAINING TIPS or if you

would like to share your success story with our

natural horsemanship training methods...

Contact Sylvia Scott

Email: Sylvia@NaturalHorseTraining.com

Back To Letters of The Month Listing