Author: Charles Wilhelm

I’ve seen too many people over the years get hurt because they just mounted without getting the freshness off the horse. Some people like to call lunging play but it is the running, bucking, and rearing to let off steam and have a good time. Especially during the winter when there is not a lot of turnout and a horse has been in a stall or paddock for two or even three days, it is critical to let the horse unwind.

Many trainers lead with the horse behind but I like to lead with the horse beside me. I do this simply because I believe it is a matter of safety. As with so many aspects of horsemanship, there are two philosophies about the right way to lead a horse. First, the philosophy of leading with the horse behind is based on the principle that if you are going to be the leader, you need to lead.

Someone recently said to me that she had watched me, Richard Winters and some of the other well known horsemen train and had seen the results and the progress a horse could make in one session. She said that when she went home and tried to do the same things, she had difficulties and did not get the same results. She wanted to know what she was doing wrong.

After reading my article on natural horsemanship and the use of pressure and release, I received some good comments from an individual who works with Mustangs up in the Shasta area. She suggested that we look at letting go of the pressure and take more time working with each horse. Taking the time to allow a horse to let you know when you can move onto the next step in training insures that the horse is ready.