14th September, 2012 One to One

One to one, tailor made sessions with horses and their owners seem to reap the greatest rewards. In the last couple of months I have been to see two Shire horses and their respective owners for a one, one to one session on groundwork. This sets the horse up with a set of ground rules and simple boundaries, easily established, that then last forever. This little set of manners works both ways because it means that the owners doesn't inadvertently encourage the horse to push and shove.

Both horses have since been to shows where their behaviour was exemplary.

May in the Grand Parade

Meeting another Shire Horse

"May has certainly become a more mannerly horse since our groundwork session, and she has a greater respect for our space. It sometimes lapses but that's just baby forgetfulness!! We had a successful day at the Romsey show, although unplaced in her class, which was strong, and she needs a bit more show condition, she was super all day and so very well behaved. She didn't bat an eyelid at anything, and met everything from donkeys to the hunt!! And we even did the grand parade with all the other heavy horses in the main ring and was amazing :-)" SH

Murphy at Ellingham Show

"Yes, I have been practising the groundwork we learnt with you. It gave me so much confidence in fact that I took Murphy to the Ellingham show in August. He was so well behaved, I entered him in the Shire Gelding class, and he came 4th!!!!" AS