Hey Jackie,

Thanks for the comment on ":the good old days". I watched that Parelli video and I was actually quite horrified at what I saw. I have never liked this training, it is bullying the horse. Notice how they always disassociate from the person at the end of the rope? They don't want to engage and when they do it;s because they have now had their mind numbed and they give up. This is not training, this is mental bullying - a wolf in a sheep's clothing! Too bad so many people have fallen for this not knowing any better methods exist. I can't watch any more of the stuff as it's upsets me too much.

Thanks Jackie.... :) He is so much calmer since I am..... this poor horse, we used to be so scared of each other he'd crash into me..... :) He is trying so hard.....

Yes I know, they can be opinionated, and old Albert, who died at 31 from congenital heart failure, was a testament to that. He could be such a pistol, but good natured and loving right to the end, he and I had such a bond, and he remains an inspiration to me to this day, cheers, Ann.

Yes, i like this be my friend part. Reminds me of Mr Rogers and his handsome and comforting sweaters. please, please ask me anything and all things. I have lots and lots of experience in training horses of all types...and I keep them sound. And i do know something of MS, but beloved brother in law has ms. I admire you so much without the benefit of having met you. And your willingness to explore makes you more fantastic.

HEllo Jackie,

Just thought I would share some of the things that have changed my life, the next book I write will be more detailed stories of the magical horses I have owned in my life that taught me so many great lessons, about myself, riding, life, and equine body work, cheers, Ann.

Hi Jackie, I re read your post and realized I'd misunderstood--that the butt muscle is another way you have of sitting the trot. You wrote:
"She also lost impulse. I did not notice much difference in her way of going with the tummy-out, though both the tummy-out and butt muscles had a little less impulse than in the Forward Seat sitting trot."
It's true that it's easier on a horses back to ride in a light seat (I assume this isyour FS) or posting. Sitting is the hardest for the horse but the easiest to get the horse to move from it's hind end. If you are shutting down your horse it may be you are trying too hard or locking your hip joints. The psoas or hip flexors should not engage as that would lock your pelvis. Also the whole ring of muscles around your lower torso will engage when you use yourself correctly for powerful, supple, balanced movement. This is true on or off the horse. Does that help?

I'm not sure I understand. I would say your butt muscles (gluteus maximux) should not be engaged--your back should be wide and your torso muscles should be engaged--as if you were coughing--or say huh loudly on the exhale--or someone were about to slug you in the lower belly. If you tighten your butt you'll pop up. The periformus group of muscles (attach from tailbone area to top of femur) are also loose or else your thigh and knees will turn out.
This is silly, I'm answering but cannot see your comment to respond. Does that clarify? your horse should feel freer in his movement. Usually this lower ab breathing , bracing the back not hollowing makes people less tense and gives them support. I think it helps you be ride with offense not defense. ok Now I'm going to reread your post.

i ride in shows. only one is mine.

Your welcome Jackie, I do think you will like the book, lots of good old fashioned advice. Very much the Fort Riley school witch I know you will appreciate

Hi Jackie, I am real excited about everything you said..... My first lesson lead to in hand work and Oliver and I were a little bumpy in our road, so Steve made me go back to disengaging and flying straight again and not letting the youngin get too out of hand.... then, right when you asked me, I discovered the tummy out thread.... I read yours first, but I am going to go and read that next, when me and Steve and Oliver are ready for backing.... my trainer goes nice and slow with us and I didn't climb on yet, but I'm not scared anymore so that is a big plus and if i wanted to just sit and breathe and do tummy in and out, Steve would help me with that.... ") Thanks for helping me!!

yeah she can sometimes be a little crazy but what can you expect she is doing really awesome. at the moment i am haveing back spazims so my sister peyton (barnmice name pey) is working her for me and they are doingvery very well

Hi Jackie... Merry Christmass... how was your Christmass? My sons (two oldst ones) came home for the big day and we had alot of fun just talking and playing games...it was a good Christmass only ones missing were my youngest son's family and my new Grand Daughter...but next year they'll try to make it...the baby will be not so new. The colt's doing real good,he has accepted me as the one not to push around. He gives when I push on him instead of like before were he would go ridget and ready to fight. much more cumb now not so rammy and agressive.( like an elderly lady said to me one day..."I feel sorry for those who can spell only on way")....please excuse my spelling. :) when I go out to clean the barn I turn him loose in the correll but I can't keep him out long enuff to finish cleaning his stall. He's in and out half a dozen times, I have to push him out of my way. with this cold weather I have'nt been doing to much with him except handle him but even that has made him alot nicer to work around. Have a Happy New Year. :)

yes arabs are very pretty i used to know one his name was magic but he dies i only rode him like once or twice he was so grumpy but yet sweet and funny. then i have a saddlebred mare angel who is now retired with no job, we dont want to give her to the humane center we just want her to have a happy home!

awwwww your horse is soooo pretty!! how long have u had him. oh and thanks for the comment on my pony, we had a really bad lesson yesterday he wasnt willing to slow himslf down. we were trying to go over 2'6 but it wasnt working im about to upload the pics!

Hi Jackie just stopping in to look wats new

You made my day again Jackie...THANK YOU...William

Hi Jackie,
I didn't know that about the seasonal changes in attitude, thanks! IWhile I am not going to give up, I am starting to wonder "What did I do wrong to get here?" I'm new to him and new to natural horsemanship, so I am learning everything as I go along. I am learning, though, that it's not always me and it's not always him, and sometimes it's neither or both! I will definitely remember that for the spring, and it helps a great deal to be prepared for it! :)

No, I am not disabled, but at the same time, I do not even to ride competitively, I just like those sites, as well as I have a beautiful girl here, whom I would like to train for eventing, although it would have to be under a much younger rider than myself. I do not have disabled riders, but I would like to start a program where we are for disabled riders. I have been asked by my physiotherapist, and according to him, there are few and far between for such programs at our neck of the woods, which got me thinking about providing such service. I would like to know what is involved in getting all this started, as well as the courses I would have to take, as I don't want to embark on any venture without finding out the facts first. Any help you can give me would be greatly appreciated.

Jackie THANKYOU...you are a catalyst for us all...William