Letters of the Month

LETTER OF THE MONTH:

January 2008

Let me start this by stating that I am green in the fact that I have not quite tapped that horse psyche thing. I try to find enlightenment in all different kinds of trainers, like someone looking for religion. You have captured the perfect way to dummy it down to those of us less knowledgeable. I bought your Round Pen Leadership DVD and now I'm about to purchase the rest of your program in your Complete Package. I know you're busy, but I just wanted to let you know you are truly appreciated!

L. M. - Parkville, Maryland

LETTER OF THE MONTH:

January 2008

Sylvia, I have to tell you that I am so happy I found your web site and subscribed to your newsletter. I really look forward to reading it every month. Thanks again for such a wonderful newsletter!

G. - New York

LETTER OF THE MONTH:

January 2008

In the fall of 2006 I took in training my future mare. I was working for a breeding barn as a trainer in order to own the mare, since I lacked the funds. Anyway, the owner took her to a show on a cold rainy day and insisted on giving this mare a bath. She was a long yearling that was only now being taught to tie and be handled by people. The owner had basically just let her run free like a wild horse and all of that before me, but that is another story. Since I did not own the mare yet, all I could do was say I didn't feel this was the right time for her first bath, it raining and being dark and about 40 degrees F out. Well, the owner insisted again, and she tied the mare and the mare broke loose several times, just freaking out. After that, I had a pull-back problem to deal with. Anytime this poor mare was tied she would just pull straight back until she broke loose. I tried the Aussie tie ring to no avail. I got her desensitized to tons of stuff, but even though she was broke to stuff, she'd just not stand tied. I didn't know what to do. All I knew was that 90% of this woman's horses had this problem and I didn't want my future one to have it now, too. I'd never experienced a puller before working for her.

I then came across your web site. I read your advice on pull-back horses and I set up a training program with the mare based on it. What I did was reeducate her on pressure cues. I.E., how to drop her head on poll pressure and so on. I also made a huge belly rope like you showed and used that in conjunction with the be nice halter, which by itself without the belly rope did not discourage her from pulling back. She was tied strictly with this combination for a month while also being reeducated. Then I moved to a normal halter but kept using the belly rope for another two weeks. Then I only used that combo if I was doing something I thought might invite a pull back. Now she stands tied with just a halter and normal lead rope. She has had a couple times where she has come to the end of her line, but has just moved forward to release the pressure. I still use the belly rope occasionally as a reminder or if I am going over something very new, just in case. Now the mare is mine and in a better facility where I work out of and I am so happy I stumbled across your web site. You've made my and my horse's training more enjoyable. Thank you!

B. A. - Runnells, Iowa

LETTER OF THE MONTH:

January 2008

I found your web site five minutes ago, and you have already helped me! Thanks!

K. H. - Gallatin, Missouri

LETTER OF THE MONTH:

January 2008

Hi Sylvia. I just want to thank you for the information you provide. I ride recreationally, usually have at least one horse in training, teach kids good horsemanship and riding, and hope to begin a breeding program in the next few years. I've always been in favor of gentling rather than breaking, but your web site and newsletters have helped me be an even better natural horsewoman. Thank you very much.

M. G. - Jewell, Iowa

LETTER OF THE MONTH:

January 2008

Hi Sylvia! I just wanted you to know about my new venture, since you played such a huge part in the direction my life has taken. It seems like a million years ago that I first sought your help in retraining my thoroughbred. Looking at him now, it's almost easy to forget how far I've come with him. Now I am striving to start my own business in Arizona helping save ex-racehorses. You were one of the only people who supported and helped me with my horse, and without that whole experience with him I would have never discovered my dream and purpose in life. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! Take care and Happy New Year!

J. A. - Glendale, Arizona

LETTER OF THE MONTH:

January 2008

Dear Sylvia, I am an animal communicator and wanted to write and say thank you for sharing so much valuable information on your web site and promoting natural horsemanship. I'm currently working with clients who have a horse that is showing aggressive tendencies toward the wife (none to the husband) and trying to assist them with ways to resolve the problem so that they can keep the horse. I'm trying to ascertain why the horse is behaving this way from the horse's perspective and have been looking for resources to help them deal with this problem from a training standpoint. I'm going to forward them a link to your site and also recommend your Whispering Way 12-Step Total Training System DVD set.

I'm so encouraged to have someone like you to refer clients to in cases of problems where the owners are trying to resolve issues so that they may keep the horse instead of selling. Only prior to finding your web site I haven't felt confident in recommending anyone who can help with a "horse whispering" technique.

So thank you for providing such a service, particularly via the Internet since I have clients all over the country. I will not hesitate in recommending you and your products to clients. Kind Regards,

I. K. - Internet

LETTER OF THE MONTH:

January 2008

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

LETTER OF THE MONTH:

January 2008

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

LETTER OF THE MONTH:

January 2008

I am a thoroughbred race horse trainer and want to create a program designed for race horses. [I just ordered your Training Videos Package]. I also noticed on your web site that you didn't have recommendations for [another leading NH trainer] which is the program I nearly chose until I read and read again your style. I'm looking forward to improving my NH skills as I just received five of the most difficult two- year-olds I have ever worked with. They have already scared off two of my staff. Can't wait for your videos!

T. B. - Evans, Georgia

LETTER OF THE MONTH:

January 2008

Sylvia, just a note to say many thanks for your informative web site. I have owned horses for many years and thought I was well informed. However, through your comments and tutorials I have learned some valuable lessons. I also have a healthy respect for your training methods. Growing up on a farm in Texas, we have used our horses for working cows, trails, parades, and just for the fun of riding. With that said, you would think I knew something about horses. Well, I'm learning a lot reading your comments. Keep up the great work!

S. C. - Texas

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