Hello everyone!

Oh wow, I feel great! I've been working along side Jessica with ole' Jolly. I've gained a huge bit of my confidence back since Jessie has taught me what to do, for what I want. Sometimes people forget..the only horses I've been around are quiet school horses, not babies

I'll admit, I was so afraid to the point of crying (I did a couple times) but now I understand exactly what to do. She taught me the 'bump'. We use a rope halter always when working with him. She taught me to use it to grab his attention and to correct any behavior that I didn't really "agree" with.

For example:

Jolly tends to get pushy when leading....So, as soon as he gets just a tiny bit ahead...I halt, bump, and back.

When he's not paying attention? I grab his head or pull it over and begin to rub my hands all over him to let him know 'hey, pay attention.'

One thing I was slightly shocked about was...don't let your horse 'love' on you. Like rubbing or putting his head in your face for a cuddle, etc. She told me that only you love him, don't let him love you back because it's him being pushy.


Ever since I learned this stuff, I've had all the confidence in the world. I'm so glad to be comfortable around my own horse again.

Also, the man who'll be breaking him (Will) told us that we should wait about two weeks and then come see Jolly again. He's started the process of him being broken to ride. I'll post a video for sure, of my first ride on my boy

Sorry for the novel guys xD


Kara ♥

Congrats! I'm so happy you're gaining your confidence back, it's really hard to get back sometimes once it's been knocked. I bet it's really hard to wait for him to be started under saddle!

I know I am just a nasty old guy, but I want to throw a little damper in.

You say if he does not pay attention you rub his head all over. This would be considered a "reward". Behavioral science tells us that any behavior that is rewarded will most likely appear again.

Can you see the point? Yell at him when he does not pay attention and rub him when he did right.

Good luck!

Well, that could be true - but since has been working in our favor it seems he gets it the way we intended lol

When he isn't paying attention, we pull him back, bump him, then rub.

I want to wish you all the luck with your Jolly. I am sure the two of you will do just fine.Please keep us posted? As for a horse nuzzling you,putting his/her head on your shoulder ect. I don't see that as a sign of the horse being pushy.I train horses all the ti me and and had a horse lower his head and stick his nose under my arm...to me that showed trust.Anyway,good luck.

Glad that your all smiles again, good for you.
DO NOT- Wait the 2 weeks.
There is absolutely no good reason you should not be able to see your horse.
If someone told me I couldn't, I most certainly would want to know/see what they are trying to hide.
It will no way effect or harm his training routine for you to be there.
If it does, it's not a good training method.

Good post Ltc-


As for head rubbing -does depend upon the level of his own head rubbing, laying it on you, over your shoulder. If you do think of it in horse terms, the Alpha horse doesn't generally let horses do this to an extremity. He/she may have a favorite or two in the herd who does not have to "respect" him or her as much as the others, but if you are Alpha- just think about the situation if he was with other horses. If he's head rubbing- not as big of an emergency as if he were biting or kicking- BUT if he is having a problem with respect, may want to just watch him, make sure he doesn't do it alot. Yes it is sometimes a sign of loving, relaxation in a horse to do this- but it's also relaxation in the fact that he doesn't think you're going to put him in his place for it.

I do sometimes let my horses do this, but if I have one who's got a real problem with respecting me and my space, I like to let them know in every situation (until it's not a problem for them anymore and we can get back to norm) that I am still boss, and I should still be respected. In that sense, a horse that gives another horse space, is respecting that horse.

So- not telling you how to call your shots- just giving you some horsey thoughts .

SO SO glad to hear your progress!!!!! Keep it up girl and definitely post us a vid .