Franklin Levinson's
Horse Help Center
Professional support for you and your horse!
Young Horse Whisperer
Hi, my name is Louise. I'm from south-east London, England. I was searching the internet for horse whispering when I came across your wonderful website, I have an interest in this because my ex race horse Sam is head shy because of being badly treated when he was younger. Throughout the past year I have had to find my own methods of getting Sam on my side, gaining his trust and teaching him that I won't hurt him, as well as balancing school as I'm only 15. I have also been in tears many times out of fustration because at one point his mind seemed so locked up and also out of stress because of normal life issues and feel it easy just to share it with my horse. It may sound strange or you might be able to relate to me. I also have a strong interest in western riding and it has always been my dream to give it a go so i would really love you to e-mail me back saying the basics and any good advice if you have the time. I now have gained Sams confidence and he's my best friend. Thank you for reading this.
Hi Louise,
You will continue to gain Sam's trust and the trust and respect of all horses you encounter by being always compassionate towards the horse, first and foremost. They are never 'bad' horses. They act out of fear mostly when you think it is the animal being stubborn or willful. Be consistent as a good parent is when their children. Don't be 'over the top' in any direction. Look for balance in all your responses to what horses do and the horse itself. Endeavor not to be too much or too little. Too 'much' scares a horse and too 'little' is not enough to earn attention. There must be a balance. Start 'softly' and bring up your fire (energy) up as needed and then only to the point required to get response (attention), then back off. Be sensitive as to when to back off. It is extremely important as the release of pressure on the horse is a reward for the animal trying to comply with you.
Another thing to remember is patience. Again, as the great parent is patient with their child without being unattending. Horses are your children and the kind of guidence and leadership that is required is truely that of the great parent in benefit of the children. Ask for little, simple, easy things a lot and always say "thank you" when complied with. These basic, easy moves give you the chance to ask the horse to do something, they comply and then get praise. This sets up a 'winning cycle' for the horse. This means it gets in the habit of trying to do as you ask and then getting praised. Then your requests can get bigger and more complex as the horse will trust your requests are nothing to be afraid of.
Anyway, its kind of hard to give you too much in a email, but I hope I have offered some worthwhile insight. Keep me posted how it goes and many blessings to you. I shall be coming to England for the third time this Spring. It will be in the calendar section of my website by the end of the month. Perhaps you could come to a presentation with Mom or Dad (or both). Good luck......
Sincerely, Franklin