Let’s be Honest with Ourselves.

Howdy Friends!

Let’s be honest with ourselves. What, from the horse’s perspective, have we as advocates really accomplished in past decades? Thoroughbreds still started and raced before skeletal systems are even 60% mature—many broken down and discarded by age 3. Quarter Horses contorted in abnormal posture and gaits. Standardbreds and Saddlebreds twisted into bizarre posture, movement and head set. Tennessee Walking Horses still tortured beyond any ability to imagine a human could do this. Thousands of wild horses standing starving, freezing, blistering in ravishing sun in filthy holding pens. Rescues all across the country bursting at the seams with broken hearted, throw away horses. Breeders of all breeds still producing and producing. Auction houses flush with horses once magnificent, loved and pampered, now just so much waste to be discarded. People, sometimes well meaning people, care for and ride their horses in ways that break down their physical and mental well being. Poor fitting tack, harmful by ignorance or purposefully. Lousy housing, by ignorance or by design. I could, and probably should go on, and on. Let’s be honest with ourselves, from the horse’s perspective we’ve not done much. We serve the horses best by not blaming others, but looking in our own mirror. I learned decades ago in real estate sales, effort, no matter how valiant, means nothing without results. From the horse’s perspective there have been painfully few results. It’s not the horses fault, it’s not government’s fault, it’s those of us in the horse world who shoulder the blame—all of it. ~ Gitty Up, Dutch.

Horses Want to be Happy ...

Howdy Friends!

"Just like us, horses want to be happy. They have a desire to please. And they think a lot. They are better than most folks at noticing things—things they want investigate, things they love, things they worry about. We have a responsibility as owners, caregivers and partners to be there for our horses. When they ask a question that’s important to them, it should be important to us as well,..." EXCERPT from my book, "It's for the Horses: An advocate's musings about their their needs, spirit, gifts and care" www.itsforthehorses.com ~ Gitty Up, Dutch.

"What I See"

Howdy Friends!

My mare Kessy looking to me, and all of us ...

When I look at a horse I see the horse it can be, wants to be. Somehow I look right beyond the stiffness, lacking posture or inverted body carriage ... Much like a sculptor who looks at a chunk of granite and chips away all the tiny pieces hiding the beauty of the masterpiece that lays hidden beneath. The artist sees the beauty from the inside out, and reveals it to the world. That is how I see every horse I meet, and I know by chipping away at the stiffness, unbalanced body carriage and uncertainty ... we can reveal and empower the beauty, grace and splendor that lay inside yearning to be free. It’s not about training–it is about freedom and comfort of confident movement. ~ www.itsforthehorses.com

 

Gitty Up, Dutch. 

"Horse's Growth ... Starting too Young"

Howdy Friends!

After a recent lengthy discussion about “issues” with a horse I was again re-enforced in my belief in the work/teachings and wisdom of Peggy Cummings, I learned from my mentor Diane Sept. Her groundwork, exercises and posture correctness is indeed the single best route to a healthy, happy equine partner—it is the reason I’m so devoted and encouraged to help folks learn and understand how to master them. This chart indicates the growth patterns and maturity of the skeletal system of horses. It has long been my experience and belief that most, if not all, “issues” with horses are pain, discomfort or confusion driven. Many of these “hidden” issues were caused years earlier by horses started under saddle too young, and show up later. Helping the horse find correct posture, freedom of movement is, in my belief, the very best thing we can do for our horses.

Gitty Up, Dutch.

"Waltz With Your Horse"

Howdy Friends,

I like to talk to people who care about horses.

People who truly care, not for what the horse can do for them, but for how being with a horse can enrich their lives, and therefore they strive to do everything with their horse—for their horse.

People who put their horse first, the horse’s point of view, they ask “what’s in it for the horse,” and strive to see their relationship from the horse’s perspective. For those folks ribbons, winning, controlling and being boss are unimportant. It is the horse’s true contentment, health and well being that come first. And the magical thing about that approach, and horse and person relationship, is those folks win the most ribbons, have the most fun—and the least problems, health issues and relationship issues.

This past weekend I was in heaven conducting a clinic in northern VA with a group of folks who really do put their horses first. That’s why they came to my “It’s for the Horses” clinic, for their horses. They didn’t come to learn to “teach their horses to, do this or that,” they came to learn how to “give to their horses.” Because each of them understood how much their horses mean to them. They understood how much their horses give to them.

Their wanting to be there for their horses was abundantly obvious in the way each of them wanted to master every exercise before moving on. They wanted to know they got it; they wanted to see the change in their horses. They sought the softness, the healthy posture, the healthy body carriage.

They noticed as their own movements changed from a Quick-Step to a Viennese Waltz. Their horses noticed too. They soon realized that their horses noticed and thanked them. They loved and commented on the fact that they saw their horses changing. I loved seeing them change, the horses and their people.

I’ve done a lot of clinics, and I’ve loved meeting all those many horses and people. I live to see, and help create the changes in horses—and their people. It’s my passion. The wonderful people I had the pleasure of being with this weekend were among the most caring it’s ever been my privilege to work with, and their horses showed it. I was truly in heaven.

I love to be with people who care about horses.

If you’d like to participate in a Dutch Henry “It’s for the Horses” clinic and Waltz With Your Horse ... please email me dutchhenry@hughes.net

Gitty Up, Dutch Henry

"Traction in Mud of the Barefoot Horse"

Howdy Friends,
 

We’ve had over 5 days of rain now and more on the way. Streams are high, our yard, Kessy’s playground, and yup the logging roads we ride are muddy. Here in central VA we have what folks call, Virginia red clay and the logging roads are pretty much red clay, baked concrete hard in summer months, muddy and sticky in the rain. Especially this much rain!

Sadie leads the way up the soggy red clay trail.

We had a bit of a break for a few hours yesterday so Kessy, Saturday, Sadie and I set out for a fun ride. Wet leaves and boughs splashed me plenty as we tiptoed along, a light mist decided to drop in, but we were undeterred.

In wet slippery conditions I always allow Kessy to set the pace, which she’ll hold to a sensible, careful walk. We stop at the stream with 25 water falls to take in the beauty of so many tiny ponds laced with fallen yellow tulip tree leaves.

Saturday and Kessy wade in the stream of 25 waterfalls.

After the stream we move to the logging road and into an area of a few hills. Kessy navigates wisely the grade changes and slick clay, her hooves making sloshing sounds with each step. But what they don’t do is slip.

I thought as we moved along about the marvelous traction a barefoot horse has in the mud. I did not feel a single slip or slide—and yes we were only walking, but still it was impressive. At one very level place she even stepped up to a gentle running walk, not a single slip, slide or misstep.

As we went along, confident and happy, I thought back to those years long ago, before I accepted the barefoot way and all the many benefits to the horse. I thought of one horse in particular, my magnificent Spotted Saddle Horse, Diablo, and the shoes he wore—and the slipping he would have been doing today.

That was back when I was certain, and no one could convince otherwise, that horses must be shod. And yes, we did different shoes for different circumstances. I even remember putting shoes on Diablo with cogs, to handle mud like yesterday’s ride. What damage do those cogged shoes do to the suspensory tissues inside the hoof? I can only imagine ... but I can compare the better traction Kessy displayed in the slippery red clay.

Kessy’s entire foot, every inch of sole and frog can, and does, touch the ground, supporting her and me as those magnificent feet had been designed. And providing great traction, mobility and surefootedness.

Riding in the red Virginia clay is a treat on a horse with bare feet.

Gitty Up, Dutch Henry

"What We Say—to our Horses"

Howdy Friends!

What we say to our horses ... it matters. Words have meanings, we all understand that, but do we sometimes ignore the unintended consequences?

I believe politeness matters. I believe our horses recognize politeness ... and indifference, selfishness and rudeness in speech, action and body language.

We hear so much about partnering with our horses and the overabundance of techniques for gaining that partnership, or sometimes perceived partnership. Most of these discussed and sought after practices for producing partnership are centered on training the horse. I believe that just may be backwards. I’ve often written about my deep dislike for round penning, and any other technique that “teaches” the horse. From the first instant a horse meets a person they get them. And as the old saying goes, “It takes a long time to overcome a bad first impression.” But horses also analyze every step of the way, and they remember everything. Forever.

How can we achieve a deep, trusting and caring partnership with our horse? Easy, we earn it. In everything we do with our horses we should ask, not demand. Remember horses are keen preceptors of feelings, signals and vibes. That’s why what we say, and how we say it matters so very much. Don’t believe me? Try this, think of the word “stupid”—and concentrate on how your body and energy feel. Now think of the words “good boy”—and concentrate on how your body and energy feel. Big difference right?

I’m always amazed at people who act and speak rudely to their horses, I hope most of us are. Not all that uncommon though is it? What about folks who are sweet as pie with their horse, until something goes in a direction that person did not want? Then the sweetness falls from the pretense and rudeness, demands, or condescension come out and the horse is called, lazy, stupid, stubborn, unwilling, and actions, body language and vibes come with those words. And the horse hears, feels and sees them—and becomes confused ... Which person do I follow?

That confusion chips away at trust, and trust is the keystone to any partnership.

I believe to achieve a deep, trusting and caring partnership with our horse; politeness must be the very foundation on which we build. When I hold a clinic before we begin I always explain, in everything we do we will be polite, and there will be no discipline.

In everything we do, if we are polite in our actions and words our horse will pick up on that, and bond with us in a way that far surpasses any training technique that focuses on demands, and a power play.

Always conducting ourselves in a manner rooted in politeness also teaches the horse to be polite, willing and trusting. It really is that simple.

Gitty Up ~ Dutch Henry 

I invite you to have a look at my book, "It's for the Horses: An advocate's musings on their needs, spirit, gifts and care," here www.itsforthehorses.com 

"Goodbye Susana—We will Miss You"

Howdy Friends,

Sometimes I write as tears drip onto my keyboard. This is one of those times. I didn’t know Susana as long as many others have, but in the three years I’ve enjoyed the honor of contributing stories for TrailBLAZER Magazine, I’ve come to love, feel and understand her passion for helping others, helping horses and producing a magazine for horse enthusiast second to none. For thirty seven years she devoted her life to bringing joy, ideas, helpful information and stories to folks like me who believe the world is better with horses in their life. She made all our worlds better by being a part of our lives.

I’ve often described TrailBLAZER Magazine as a coffee table book, so splendid were the pictures, so thoughtful the stories. So exquisite the look. So valuable the information on those glossy, beautiful pages.

Susana, and Bobbie Jo were the first ever to offer me a regular column in a world-wide magazine to tell the stories I call, “People and Horses Helping Horses and People.” Together we celebrated dozens of people who are devoted, like Susana, to making the world better for horses and their people. One of the highlights of my life has been working with the team at TrailBLAZER creating each “Heartbeats” story. How can I thank her for that?

The final issue Susan and the team were working on at the time of her passing is available on trailBlazer's website here. 

Susana’s in Heaven today, reunited with horses she’s known over the years. Sadly her magazine comes to a close now, but because of her dedication, wisdom and heart, many folks like me will continue to enjoy a life made better for knowing her. Goodbye Susana, we will miss you.

God Bless~Dutch Henry

"Welcoming a New Horse Home"

Howdy Friends

In recent weeks I’ve had several emails from folks who have purchased a new horse and quickly became saddened, frustrated or disenchanted. All had statements along the lines of, “He wasn’t this way when I rode him there,” or “This is not the horse I bought.” In every case the horse had been tried at the seller’s location and had been “perfect.”

It was 6 months before Kessy welcomed a hug ...

We’ll not talk here of the many topics of what might have been done to better understand the horse, or seller, or situation before deciding to purchase the horse—that as they say is like closing the gate after the horse has galloped away. And perhaps a topic for another discussion.

Rather let’s examine the new situation the horse finds himself in at his new home. With his new people—from the horse’s perspective. Perhaps it would be helpful to read my post, “There’s more to our story,” CLICK HERE. 

Whatever was the series of events that brought the horse into a new owner or caregiver’s world, he is here now ... Seen from the horse’s point of view, this is a huge upheaval. Magnificently upsetting. Remember horses are very much creatures of habit, as am I. I even wrote several times about the value in being “routine.” Horses love routine, let’s not debate or spend time on that, but trust me they do.

Suddenly the horse is torn from known habitat, friends, animal and human, perhaps family, and finds himself in a completely new world.

Consider you are loaded into a cargo truck, driven for some period of time, then unloaded, deposited in a room you’ve never seen, find yourself surrounded by people you don’t know, and who speak a language of which you understand only a few words.

Then you’re asked to perform the task they think you know how to do, as if nothing in your life has changed—even though they make all the requests in a language you cannot comprehend. When you fail, they get frustrated, eventually angry—they blame you and the connection you seek becomes distant. You begin to stress; you realize quickly you had better not trust these new people. Perhaps it would be best to not try. Perhaps you should rebel?

Add to this many horses have had a cascade of “new people,” or “new homes.” Perhaps the horse had been purchased by a dealer who had only days or weeks with the horse. Constant breakage of the horse’s routine has left him uncertain, sometimes frustrated. Sometimes rebellious in an effort at self preservation. And through it all, his trust in humans is challenged, weakened, perhaps broken.

We should remember that horses remember everything. All their people, homes and friends—animal and human. They miss their routines, their friends, their old life, just as we do. When we bring a horse into our lives it is our job to help them cope. It can be wholly unfair to make demands of them at this time.

Some horses adjust in a few weeks; others may take a year or more. Sometimes when a new horse is purchased it is not kept at the owner’s home, it is boarded. Boarded horses must often adjust to new and strange activities, sometimes many different handlers, and often only see their “owner” a time or two a week. Think of the upheaval for the horse then. Just imagine you find yourself in a totally different world and are expected to know, understand and comply with all the rules, standards and laws ... while you struggle to grasp the new language.

I believe it is imperative to ask nothing of the horse until you create the beginnings of a bond, partnership or relationship. Start with the exercises I so often write about, they give to the horse while asking nothing in return, except they enjoy them. You can find them in my book, “It’s for the Horses,” CLICK HERE. Sit with the horse at least an hour a day, do nothing but enjoy each other’s company. Reading to them during this alone-time can be remarkably healing and rewarding.

The first order of business, I believe, is to help the horse understand his new surroundings, his new people, his new job and routine. Welcome him into his new world with all the compassion, love and care you might a brand new baby just coming home from the hospital. 

Or a foster child about whom you know little of their past and is terrified or disenchanted.

To make demands of a new horse too soon can be so damaging to the horse’s ego and self esteem, and trust, as to far too often prove irreparable, and the horse may once again “go down the road.” I once had a horse who at the age of 9 had had 11 owners on the registration paper! He took over a full year to begin to gain his footing.

Buying a new horse is possibly the most exciting thing we horse lovers can do, it is our responsibility to make it just as exciting for the horse. Take it slow, is my advice, shower them with love, kindness and support—forget the training, competition and demands until they tell you, they are ready. Patience will always be rewarded with trust, I promise.

Gitty Up ~ Dutch Henry 

View the book trailer for "It's for the Horses" HERE