I'm a Hoosier native whose experience with horses began in the early 1970's with a dare to ride a saddle bronc at a local rodeo. I strapped on the regulation gear and with a clean break out of chute #2 - saw stars .. then dirt. Fortunately, my luck in the contest and gaming arenas was more successful.
Before long, my interest turned to the Arabian breed and to Sagamore Arabians, located in Indianapolis, Indiana. Throughout my 30+ years of experience and in addition to those wonderful Arabs, I have enjoyed working with a myriad of equines; from mules to Sport Horses as well as various stock and gaited breeds. I've benefited from an array of disciplines, including Fine Harness, Roadster, Saddle Seat, Halter, English Pleasure, Park, Dressage and performance, with a little bit of trick training on the side - just to make things interesting.
The old familiar adage, “kick ‘em to go; yank ‘em to whoa,” was, and much to the angst of the horse, still is employed by many riders. Countless horses have endured this treatment and have maintained a certain level of tolerance, but neither side experienced a true partnership, connection, or the bond of a solid foundation.
This realization should be humbling.
I felt there had to be more to communicating with horses than just kicking and pulling, and so began my first steps on the never-ending journey to find a better way for the horse. In time, I found a mentor in the accomplished horseman, Leonard Martinson.
Martinson’s long career included working with the film industry's well known animal stunt trainer and equine coordinator, Glenn Randall, Sr. Martinson’s background also encompassed the training of circus and trick horses, turning out top Saddlebreds, dressage schooling, and addressing the so-called problem horse.
I was privileged to observe Martinson and take part in amazing connections between human and equine. During this time, I also became interested in specializing in what some people considered “problem horses," which in reality are horses with people problems. I was drawn to these horses and felt very passionate about helping them overcome what they perceived to be their worst nightmare. I discovered that in slowing things down a bit for these horses, and taking time to introduce them to a new way of responding to what was being asked of them, they could learn to become comfortable with themselves and their human partner. As a result, the horse became more relaxed in mind and body and realized that their trouble spots weren't as bad as they first thought. I took on the challenge of helping horses no one else wanted to fool with -- ones who had been hit in the head with shovels, and some that were literally shaking in their own skins.
The mental and physical abuse people mete out is appalling.
In 1987, my wife Cris and I opened Chambers Paint & Quarter Horses, a breeding and training facility located in Coatesville, Indiana, where we stood both APHA and AQHA stallions.
My TURNING POINT began in the early 1990’s when I was introduced to the horsemanship methods of Ray Hunt, Buck Brannaman, and other horsemen who have shown a true compassion for, and partnership with the horse. Having ridden in and audited Hunt’s and Brannaman’s clinics, and by blending techniques gleaned from these outstanding horsemen with my own principles, concepts, ideologies and training style, I have found that working and training horses from their side of the saddle is one of the best ways to begin a satisfying bond.
Is there a connection or partnership lacking in the relationship you have with your horse? Are you new to the horse world, or do you consider yourself a more experienced horseman in search of a new direction? Consider taking a fresh look at your methods of training and horsemanship--it might become a turning point for you too, or more importantly -- for your horse. I truly believe that by pushing a horse too fast or too hard, a person misses the pleasure and satisfaction of the journey that they began in the first place. Open your mind and be honest with yourself; only then can you become receptive to using methods which can help build a stronger foundation between you and your horse.
Here at Turning Point, our methods of training and various clinics, from basic colt starting through groundwork, horsemanship, and cow working, are designed to help you find and develop that certain “feel.”
Your horse will recognize that feel .....and he is waiting
Make your journey a joy - one that's worth the trip |
