What this section of the forum means to me!

[Marecare]

Natural Horsemanship is controversial by it's very name and draws strong feeling wherever the NH letters are used.

I still feel that many of the ideas have merit even though I also feel that those ideas have been around much longer then the people that cash in on the approach.

The one who's name I dare not mention has brought too much division between "Horseman" and "NH people" by changing the names of common and simple practices that have been around for a very long time.

I still feel that after the dust has settled that awareness has been raised and some horses have been helped.

Incomplete training and coaching,painting by the number,and step by step method training have also hurt a lot of animals and riders.

There are so many other trainers that employ what I call "Soft" methods and yet their ideas and their names are seldom mentioned here.

Many times I see names used and associated with NH and yet the person flat out denies being a part of the Natural Horsemanship tribe altogether.

This section of the forum represents a section that, from my point of view offers an opportunity to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of a method of training a horse.

Possibility a softer approach and maybe an alternative approach and sometimes even an easier approach.

I do not feel that this section is devoted to one man and his Yo-Yo game.

Please share your ideas about this section of the forum.

[corinowalk]

I think this section of the forum is like any other. It is a place to ask questions, get opinions and critique and to find out what works for some and what doesn't. I know that NH is a HOT BUTTON topic (especially these last few days!) but at the base of it, it really shouldn't be. If I were into NH, I would come here for advice from fellow people who would be more or less experienced than myself. Just like I would do in the, say, Western Riding section.

[kitten_Val]

While I like to come to this section to see if there are any new threads opened I'd be interested in, I rarely go into Parelli threads even to read (whether it's negative Parelli or Parelli "flowers and butterflies"). Because same arguments for and against go over and over again (not to mention by the same people on both sides ). Although I must admit some original posts do sound very provocative whether they are for Parelli or against.

I think there is ALWAYS something to learn from all different trainers. I really like when people are posting youtube videos and following discussion (unless it falls into fight) usually very informative.

[nrhareiner]

I personally love NH. I use it quite a bit. I have absolutely no problem with NH at all. What I have a problem with is the people who try and package it into some quick fix or one way suits all type deal. It is nothing but common seance and once people start using that the horses will be better off in the long run.

I also think that to some extent most trainer use NH. I know that my trainer if he wants to admit it or not uses it to some extent. Along with other time tested methods.

[Northern]

Originally Posted by Marecare    

The one who's name I dare not mention LOL! Ain't THAT the truth! There are so many other trainers that employ what I call "Soft" methods and yet their ideas and their names are seldom mentioned here. Yes, I'd love to hear more about Rashid, Desmond, Brannaman, Pate, etc. There are some awesome horsemen out there who are under the megawatt spotlight.

Please share your ideas about this section of the forum.

Excellent post, OP! I've often wondered the same thing.

[smrobs]

Well said, Marecare. I am usually one of the first to jump to my side of the fence and go to barking, not something I'm proud of, it just is. I guess my problem is that I hate seeing people get taken for a buttload of money. I, too, use many of the practices considered to be NH, but there are some things that are widely sold as part of the whole that I just see as silly and sometimes dangerous. IMHO, NH is nothing more than a way to communicate with your horse that is understanding and thinking rather than forcing. I hate that the whole thing has turned into more of a 3 ring circus where both sides end up beating their heads against the wall instead of actually learning from each other.

[corinowalk]

I am far from anti-NH. I actually like the concept and use different pieces from bunches of trainers, NH and otherwise. Mostly I learned from a man who was 75 when I boarded at his stable. Taught me most everything I know about horses. He used NH too...he just didn't know it.

[Marecare]

Originally Posted by smrobs    

Well, said Marecare. I am usually one of the first to jump to my side of the fence and go to barking, not something I'm proud of, it just is. I guess my problem is that I hate seeing people get taken for a buttload of money. I, too, use many of the practices considered to be NH, but there are some things that are widely sold as part of the whole that I just see as silly and sometimes dangerous. IMHO, NH is nothing more than a way to communicate with your horse that is understanding and thinking rather than forcing. I hate that the whole thing has turned into more of a 3 ring circus where both sides end up beating their heads against the wall instead of actually learning from each other.

Well said smrob.

I attended a Mark Rashid clinic last year and am due to go to another one in a couple of weeks here.

The man was a saint as several of the students were bringing horses that had a long history with carrot man and the student or the horse or both had failed.

So here they are using terminology and and mannerisms and ...the stick that darn stick,I just can't get away from that stick!

He has got to be the most patient person that I have ever met under any circumstances.

I really wanted to choke the life out of a couple of them and he just kept helping and helping.

Everything he did ...WORKED and he just kept relaxing the horse and the student until it did work.

He is just a cowboy that takes his time and tries to get it right and help the folks he comes in contact with.

A horseman.

[corinowalk]

Sounds like an awesome trainer. I think I shall look him up! Locally we have a NH guru who isn't very well respected in our area. I went to a clinic and walked out 10 minutes later. He was one of those Captain Obvious types.

[smrobs]

If he has your respect, then it sounds like he definitely worth looking into.