Does anyone know if any of the videos on training horses are worth it? Which ones do you recommend? I'm looking for general training for riding, no specific events just getting a horse to work well. Would anyone be interested in splitting the cost somehow?

Thanks,

-- Rod Perrino (redjouster@aol.com), January 16, 2002

Answers

Rod,

Avoid any John Lyons material. They use false advertising promoting subjects that are NEVER covered in any demonstrations. Lyons has a marketing degree, if that amplifies the explanation.

I've been very impressed with Richard Shrake's seminars and have been told his tapes are very similiar to the seminars. I've also heard praise from people I respect for Pat Parrelli's tapes, although he goes way beyond mere riding.

Hope that helps!

Rand

-- Randle Gay (rangay@hotmail.com), January 16, 2002.

Sorry I disagree Randall. I have used John Lyons training methods for years and have seen him in person a couple of times.His tapes a very thorough almost to the point of getting boring but that is what fast forward is for. He also is a born again christian if that matters.

-- tracy (murfette@stargate.net), January 16, 2002.

Rod,every training video has useful info along with bucket loads of marketing self serving cra*.Every horse is different and responds to different styles.What works for one doesn't mean it will work for another.Go to the library and view as many as you can without buying them.Go to a barn and exchange barn chores for watching a trainer work horses of all ages and temperaments.Doesn't cost anything but time and you will learn alot.

-- cheri (cmv@netnitco.net), January 16, 2002.

Find what ever books you can on Monty Roberts. He is better known as the Horse Whisperer. He knows is horses. My son is a horse trainer and uses alot of Montys methods and truly beleaves in him. I do beleave he has tapes, but don't know where you could get them.

-- Nancy (gndonley@hotmail.com), January 16, 2002.

While I don't use these tapes, (Had to laugh when they all started coming out, kind of like aerobic exercise videos). I would tend to agree with Cheri. Go to the library and view as many as you can. What works on one horse is not going to work on all. Since you are mainly wanting info on getting the horse to work well, daily handling can't be beat. Best of luck to you!

-- cowgirlone in OK (cowgirlone47@hotmail.com), January 16, 2002.

I agree with cowgirl. My son said that you can't beat wet saddle blankets!!

-- Nancy (gndonley@hotmail.com), January 16, 2002.

Typing Monty Roberts in a search engine will bring up all the places you can buy his books or videos.

Type www.MontyRoberts.com for his website, training schedules, and places to buy his videos - also a Q&A, although I didn't try it.

I had the very great privilege of seeing this man in action, and attending one of his classes. He and his students are, in my mind, the only humane trainers in the world. And the animals do respond in a calm, positive manner. If you have an opportunity to get a young horse and start it off right, you just can't do better than this.

-- Michaela (flhomestead@hotmail.com), January 16, 2002.

Yes --- That man is something. It is amazing what he can do!! My son has all that mans books and reads them cover to cover. You can tell that my son follows this man's training, all you have to do is watch my son with his horses. When Andrew's colts were only two, he could take them out hunting and shot from the saddle. Those horses wouldn't move till he told them to. He also would check his trapline with them. MY son is only 18 years old. He has a true gift and followed the only way to train.

-- Nancy (gndonley@hotmail.com), January 16, 2002.

My wife has recently started Pat Parelli techniques. This is really a wonderful thing. He teaches you how to be partners with your horse and the results are astounding. Of course it's not something you're going to learn over night, but to see how far Jody has come with Red Cloud in 6 months is just short of a miracle.

-- David Nixon (arfg@rkymtnhi.com), January 18, 2002.