May 30Never too old by Don JessopThe horse lovers I know, grow older and wiser in all the best ways. But occasionally I hear someone say they’re getting too old for working with horses. This is where I encourage better language patterns. The phrase “getting too old,” simply isn’t valid. You’re never too old. It’s possible…Horses2 min readHorses2 min read
May 23It’s called horse whispering by Don JessopI’ve been called a horse whisperer before. Many of my colleagues get the same label. It’s an honor really. But over the years I’ve made it clear, I’m not the whisperer. I’m not the one speaking in subtle, inaudible tones. The horse is. I can hear those whispers. That’s what…Horses3 min readHorses3 min read
May 161,2, we can do, 3, 4, not anymoreHave you ever been frustrated with your horse when it seems like he or she won’t do something you’re pretty certain they already know how to do? Well… first of all, don’t forget to add this to your reading list. “One thing you should never do with a horse.” Now…Horses4 min readHorses4 min read
May 9Too busy to ride by Don JessopI know the feeling. You have too many irons in the fire, so riding takes a back seat. Well… I’ve got the remedy. Here’s the remedy, and don’t hate me for being so blunt… STOP COMPLAINING. Yep. Just stop saying all the stuff you say about how you “don’t have…Horses3 min readHorses3 min read
May 2Over-sensitivity in your horse? by Don JessopHow to train an over-sensitive horse. NUMBER 1: Don’t be sensitive about their sensitivity. When you react to their reaction, you demonstrate you cannot be trusted. This is the most important piece. Your negative response or any signs of frustration toward the over-sensitive horse is defined in human terms, as…Horses3 min readHorses3 min read
Apr 25Give credit where it’s due, Don JessopIts best to Give credit where credit is due And one day the credit may just go to you Not because you bested the people before But the effort they gave made room for more The haters and lovers are due for some too Both deserve credit for the talent…Horses3 min readHorses3 min read
Apr 18The horse chooses by Don JessopSomewhere in your program you have to have a place for this phrase: “the horse chooses…” If you don’t have a place, you don’t have a partnership, you have a dictatorship, and no one likes those. Recently my colleagues and I sat at a round table to discuss where King…Horses3 min readHorses3 min read
Apr 11Absolute musts, no exceptions. By Don JessopIn my career with horses, I’ve been bucked off, ran away with, bitten, stepped on, squished, kicked, and whatever else you can think of. I wish none of those things happened, but… because they did happen, I’m more aware than the average horse person. I’m aware of the signs a…Horses4 min readHorses4 min read
Apr 4Horse shopping do’s and don’ts by Don JessopColor, size, breed, personality, age, confirmation and soundness… they all matter. But what matters most? What are the priorities and how do you find out the less visible traits in your potential new horse? Do’s: Do get really clear on your goals. Outline the horses desired training level to compensate…Horses3 min readHorses3 min read
Mar 28The fourth “F”The fourth “F” doesn’t refer to a four letter word that starts with “F”. It refers to a list of things scientist from around the world have collaborated upon to help people understand horses. The first three have been on the list since the beginning of modern horse behavior science…Horses2 min readHorses2 min read