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People ask us, "Which training methods do you use? The Dorrance Brothers? Pat Parelli? Ray Hunt? Monte Foreman? Tellington-Jones?" (etc.)

We usually reply, "Yes." In some form or other we use all of these and more, depending upon the horse and what it is we want to accomplish. We consider what we do as "Open Training" which is very similar to "resistance free training" except that we are more focused on developing "Learn-Learn" situations. In this way the horse always has an opportunity to choose between a primary objective (the task we want him to learn) and a secondary objective (which usually involves more work). This methodology is more fully explained elsewhere in this section, but in summary we have found it to be extremely efficient in breaking bad habits and teaching the horse to think and respond, rather than react and/or spook.

We also understand and appreciate the value of positive motivation, especially when dealing with wild or anxious animals. Fear inhibits learning so we work to get the horse to invest his energy in curiosity rather than fear-based avoidance.

Please note: There are many ways to accomplish horse training and we are not suggesting that the ideas which we present are the only appropriate methods, nor are they always the methods most appropriate for your personal situation. If you are training a horse, you have to be aware of your capabilities and limitations as well as those of the horse. No matter who presents the information, you must decide if it makes sense to apply it to your situation and your horse. It is in the spirit of sharing information, with the reader assuming sole responsibility for his or her own actions, that this material is presented. We hope you will find it useful and that you use good judgement and humane and safe practices when dealing with your horses.

Why we use the web to share this information.

• Our reasoning for using this format rather than selling books & videos

• How to build a safe and effective pen without breaking the bank.

• A safe chute for trimming feet, treating injuries, etc.

• You finally got your wild horse home. What do you do now?

• Factors to consider when dealing with feral, unhandled or problem horses

• Some fundamental theory on developing good horse responses

• How to use "approach and retreat" in the "neutral zone"

• Will your horse confront or flee from a particular stimulus?

• Training with ordinary stuff from Wal-Mart (or similar stores)

• Case studies of recent wild horse gentlings, with pictures

• Volunteer support for wild horse adopters

• Cutting edge workshops for gentling and training

• Some tips for the prospective "wild horse" adopter

• How to use a proper halter as an effective training tool

• Using a rope halter as a side pull headstall

• What a proper handling rope is and how to use it

• How to tie and secure your horse safely

• Quick release knots which will let go when you need them to

• What they are; what they are used for

• What they are, how they differ

• In spite of it's modest name, this is a serious bit!

• How they work; how to gauge their severity

• How to get reliable results with snaffle bits

• A unique and practical training and trail riding tool

• Outdoor safety, survival and emergency action information