Absolutely beautiful and amazing! Some people have the most incredible gift when it comes to communicating with animals. (And in this case, incredible balance, too!)

Kelly, my horse used to try to get into the truck with my son. He would put both front feet in & his head & try to figure out how to get the rest in. He had quite a sense of humor.

It was really funny becasue this was a horse that at that time HATED to load. Had one bad loading experience when I first got him at almost 4 years old (1st shipping since he was 3 & before I owned him) after a hunt & had to load on a stock trailer, which I usually didn't use, on the side of the road with idiots zooming by & scared him. Took a little while & some work to get him past it, but he did & then would practically run on the trailer 'cause he knew he was going to the beach or an event or some other place to have lots of fun. Funny animals, horses.

Did you ever try to load him with your son in the trailer? Horses, and the kids that belong to them... I tell ya. lol.

Yes, Kelly, we did try that. But at the time he was not interested in loading at all. Took a bit of work to desensitize him...but after a few trips to go have fun, he figured it out & as I stated used to practically run you over trying to get on. I used to just walk up to about 6 feet from the ramp, toss the lead over his neck & he loaded himself. Then he would turn & look at you & let out a whinney as if to say "well, close up this rig & lets hit the road". When we'd get back home & I'd open up the side door to untie him, before lowering the ramp, & he would whinney as if to anounce his return. He is a character, for sure.

I know what you mean about horses & their kids. He would have the patience of a saint with my son & not with another person on the planet like that...not even me. He NEVER ever tried to buck my son off. If he would forget it was him on him somtimes when jumping a course & he'd get excited & start to buck he would all of a sudden stand stock still for him to get settled again. This was a crazy young 4 year old horse & a peanut of a 12 year old kid..although he was an excellent rider..no match for this advanced horse under normal circumstances. He really did take good care of him.

Awesome performance!

 Quote: anne jones

Yes, Kelly, we did try that. But at the time he was not interested in loading at all. Took a bit of work to desensitize him...but after a few trips to go have fun, he figured it out & as I stated used to practically run you over trying to get on. I used to just walk up to about 6 feet from the ramp, toss the lead over his neck & he loaded himself. Then he would turn & look at you & let out a whinney as if to say "well, close up this rig & lets hit the road". When we'd get back home & I'd open up the side door to untie him, before lowering the ramp, & he would whinney as if to anounce his return. He is a character, for sure.

As several people have mentioned in this thread, I also belong to the group of 'past life' trainers. I professionally trained before I had kids. Just can't afford to do it with kiddos to support. Trailer loading issues were always one of my FAVORITE vices to work with. Fun! Rewarding!

Animals in general are interesting to work with. They can always present some kind of challenge that 'allows' you to think outside of the box. Rewarding, indeed.

Unfortunately, our 'passions' don't always give us enough $$$S to make a living out of. But then they might not be as much of a joy to do if you have to make a living at it. You then can be more motovated & concerned by having to make a buck, to pay the bills, then really taking the time & effort to do it the way that you like & get the same joy out of it. Those that CAN do it are very lucky for sure.

 Quote: anne jones

Unfortunately, our 'passions' don't always give us enough $$$S to make a living out of. But then they might not be as much of a joy to do if you have to make a living at it. You then can be more motivated & concerned by having to make a buck, to pay the bills, then really taking the time & effort to do it the way that you like & get the same joy out of it. Those that CAN do it are very lucky for sure.

For me it was the burnout of having it be my job......As well as because of the discipline I trained and level I was training at, the clients tended to think that they owned me and my time.
They were paying a lot of money, and they seldom rode unless it was with me...3 -4 times a week.

They were paying an hourly rate, but treated me as if I was on retainer...like a bought friend and were jealous of the time I spent with others while I was not teaching them....all were like this....I chose my family and walked away.
Most all were like that...it wasn't limited to a certain set of them.
I also didn't want my daughters growing up looking to these people as role models.

It was a common phrase of mine "You hit that horse again because of your own mistake,I'm done for the day and your parents get to pay for the full hour."

And the money is a great point....as what ever your hourly rate is....its actually for 3 hours..not one.
An hour or so of travel, the lesson, and warm up time because the client was never ready to go....and then cool down chat time.
Doing something for the passion is different than putting food on the table...when you start looking at that, the bottom line in numbers...it just didn't work.

I don't mean to sound bitter and nasty...just really burned out.

This video was refreshing and fantastic!
I loved watching it, and I think he has done a fantastic job with those horses!!!!
Wow!!!!!
Willie

Wow, everything you said! Been there, done that. I don't think you sound bitter, it's just an unfortunate reality. I would add to the above, but I'm pretty sure I WOULD sound bitter, so I'll just nod my head and agree with you

I think the fellow in the video has a remarkable relationship with his horses. It would solve a lot of problems if everybody who rode showed the same appreciation and respect as this fellow.

The first barn my horse was at here had students that were like that, too. They'd show up on Sat. with their friends in tow and talk about all that they'd done with their horses. Then promptly run in to us (literally) in the arena because they didn't know what they were doing.

I really detested those kids. Parents with too much money and too little time for them.