Please DO NOT open this post unless you want a very strong & Controversial Opinion! Warning!

Caution! Warning! Strong Opinion!

From my Archives 2015

Hi everyone,

Here is the background story, to the main email.

I wrote it in reply to this one sent to me, by a Craigslist member named Leslie:

"Okay you've made me curious. Are we talking swimming pool noodles? Or milk jugs tied to the straddle or who knows what the hell they were thinking with some of the "training" gimmicks. Liberty training?!! I have just spent 6 months watching a mustang "trainer" use of abusive to "tame" a wild horse. What happened to gentle handed patience."-Written by Leslie, September 5th

Leslie wrote her's in reply to my "Wands" Blog:

Warning! Strong Opinion: Why in the world are you using "wands"?

May 2014

Wands.

What is this bizarre gimmick?

Who came up with this strange idea?

Don't you think your horse would prefer to have human hands on their bodies?

Are you intentionally trying to disconnect from your horse, rather than connect?

Are you trying to push your horse away?

I am aware that I am 'bucking' the "Natural Horsemanship" fads here but, come on...really?

Non-sensible.

Why not your hand?

Do you want your horse to be a robot, that responds to a plastic stick, rather than your touch?

The only thing I can think of is that you horse handlers are afraid of your horses, afraid to get close enough to touch them.

Therefore, you use a stick to extend your hand further from your body, to distance yourself from your horse.

Or, perhaps, you want the stick as a weapon, to keep between you and your horse, to protect yourself.

Or, perhaps, you just don't want to get your hands dirty.

If this is the case, I recommend that you find a different hobby/interest.

I witness you, pushing this stick, (actually, be honest with yourself, a whip), towards your horse, stroking them with it, and I see the horse thinking..."really? Scared human, and I am supposed to gain confidence from them?".

Please, someone, explaining this lunacy to me.

Come on guys, use your Common Sense,

How about Common Horse Sense Training?

Clarity Common Horse Sense Training.

There, I named it.

I hope you have a wonderful day, and love on your horses today."-Written by Clare

Here is the new blog, that I wrote in reply to Leslie's email.

Please don't shoot the messenger!

I am definitely aware of how incredibly controversial message is, and how it will ruffle many a feather out there.

I only ask that you consider a different point of view, to a current and popular American training Fad.

(By the way, the Europeans think these Natural Horsemanship gimmicks are nuts!)

I apologize profusely to the excellent American horse trainers out there, those that are: sensible and kind, compassionate and correct, focused on foundations and a sound, happy and healthy horse.

***You know who you are.***

Sincerely, Clare

"Good morning Leslie,

I apologize for the delayed response.

It's been a whirlwind around here!

Thank you so very much for your response to my "rant" about wands.

Obviously, we are in complete agreement with the modern "Natural Horseman".

Eakkk!

What a mess.

And, I agree 100%, what are they thinking?

And why do people follow them?

My goal is to bring back "Common Horse Sense" and ordinary logic in training.

Bring back The Horse Trainer: the "Horse Whisperer" trainer that was here 100's of years before the term was 'coined' (pun definitely intended for the reason that the "Natural Horsemen" climbed up onto the band wagon, Money makes the word go around).

All the best, Clare

PS.  Your email to me sparked my following Blog/Rant and Rave.

Thank you for stimulating/motivating me to write it!

"In My Oh so Humble Opinion":

The people who are leading this ridiculous movement are simply the same men that were bucking horses out to train them 20 years ago.

Especially the one that the Horse Whisperer book/movie, was based on.

(I boycotted that whole thing, by the way.  I refused the read the book, or watch the movie.  Still haven't, never will.  I refuse to support abuse of horses.  Sitting on a horse's head to prove your dominance over them? Horrific and revolting!).

I watched one of his clinics, many years ago, and walked out in disgust.

Talk about abusive.

The horse he was supposedly "Training" was absolutely terrified, fighting back with all his will, trying desperately to get away from this human predator/attacker.

Poor thing.

He was so frantic that I thought he was going to kill himself.

I was horrified, and couldn't believe that people would support such a man, with such an abusive, violent approach.

The "Natural Horsemen" that train with abuse and fear, ought to be ashamed of themselves.

Come on real horse people out there!

Adult Amateurs, Juniors and Professionals alike.

wake up.

Listen to your gut.

Stand up for what you believe.

Would you want to be handled in that manner?

Would you want your child, or dog, handled in that manner?

It is the same as "Bucking out" a horse, just with a modern day twist.

Let's get back to all the things the "Natural Trainers" claim to be: 

Calm, kind, compassionate, consistent, correct, positive reinforcement, assertive not aggressive, Trainers who Train.

Let's build strong and sturdy foundations, and create a horse that is confident and self assured and proud of themselves, willing, and eager to school and learn and be your partner, on the ground and under saddle, horses that are happy and healthy mentally and physically.

Please feel free to email me, if you agree, or disagree, and would like to mull over this subject more.

My email address is:

clarityperformancehorses@gmail.com.

Or feel free to call me (If I am not on a horse, or coaching a student, I always try to pick up.  I know that is old fashioned, but I try to remain as personally available as possible).

My cell is:  (707)338-2092

All the best, and please do give your 4 legged 'neighing' friend and extra hug and a kiss for me.