Hi Larry,
Thanks for the training tips. Currently I am workiing with a 4 year old quarterhorse mare. She is rideable but she doesn't know anything; the owner wants me to teach her to neck rein ad to teach her for barrels.

Thanks for any help you can provide,
Jesse Castleton Sr.

Hi Larry,

I found you through YouTube a while ago when searching for tips for training the horse to spin. I bought your video on the subject and watched a few of your tips online and they have been excellent in every respect.

It may surprise you to learn that I don't have much interest in cutting or reining. I play polocrosse. I am still at it at the ripe age of 68 and may be the oldest player in the country. So why spinning?

In polocrosse, you often play at speed, galloping and running, but you need a very handy horse. You need to be able to stop on a dime, turn 90 or 180 degrees and jump out. My dream has always been to have a "dead-broke" horse that does all that without getting upset. It's a tall order, as you surely know. But I am getting there. My horse is an off-the-track thoroughbred. He knew how to run but nothing more when I got him. I brought him along to the point that I think you would call him "reasonable handy" through methods I learned on videos from one of your colleagues.

That's where you come in. The other videos sort of stopped at the "reasonably handy" level. I needed more. I have been working on your spinning techniques for some weeks now and it is really starting to work. But I can see something else I don't recall your mentioning. As the spinning improves, so does the overall handiness. I am beginning to think that much of what you teach would be ideal for polocrosse. I have seen a very few, well-trained polocrosse horses that will start a spin while in a fast gallop. It's amazing to see. With your techniques, I can see a path to that level of training. Once I get where I want to with my horse, I know for sure I will be able to generate some interest in your videos. There's no question that you both know how to explain what to do and that you have the willingness to do so. Many others in your field lack at least one of those qualities.

Thanks,
Gary

Hi Larry,
I'm french, 26 years old, and i try to train my mare to the western riding…
She's a english thoroughbred (pur-sang anglais)of 8 years old (i brought her up), she had only done 3 races in her career, that's why i think she learns very quickly (stop "wow", the neck rein, back up, roll back, and we are starting the spins…)
I really love it and your videos are so helpfull ! i do it at home alone cause i haven't enough money to bring her in a club (i've got a little family horsebreeding for races…) . So i'm living my passion thanks to you and your learning lessons.
But i've a little question: how can i try to help her to have no fear of barre works ? she don't want to ear something about it ! (maybe she had a bad experience in jumping in her training life before…)
And i would like to do some trail work because she have some capacities in this activity and in reining too.
Thank you very much,
Read you soon,
Audrey.

Hello Larry,

Your training comments and videos are great and are much appreciated by me (and my horse). I appreciate your approach to training and your very helpful explanations of the objectives and goals you are achieving. Thank you and please keep up the great work!

George

Hi Larry, I have received your latest emails. I have been away for a week for our National Reining Futurity in Australia at Tamworth. I was fortunate to scribe for an American Judge and spent the entire show learning a lot about showing.
Thank you for all your tips and lessons. Your videos I watch all the time and your tips about the muscle memory I found very very interesting as I had not thought of it that way.
God Bless you and your family
Regards
Wendy

i have a 3 year old great on the ground but i cant get him to go anywhere when i get in the saddle.

@Brad Gosnell: Good to hear from you, Brad. Doesn't matter what discipline, universal horsemanship dictates the impulsion must come from the hindquarters… driving the horse to the bit.
Take care,
Larry T.

I liked the head set video they were really good. I mostly train for Dressage and the head set technique are a little different whoever, head set, self carriage and suppleness is key. I have used German Martingale for some support durring new lessons with high headed horses. I would like to know your position on getting the drive and support from the backend while working on headset. I am always striving to get my horse more under themself while teaching headset and self carriage. I heard you mention using your legs while setting the head, but you were not specific about the hind end with the headset and self carriage in that discussion.

@Toni Quinn: You are welcome, Toni. And yes, that german martingale can be a good tool in the right situation.
Take care,
Larry T.

Hi Larry,

I just watched the Free video and I am very impressed with your easy style of training and willingness to share these great tips with anyone. I'm currently at a stand still with my 3 year old filly and I'm looking to gain better control and flex at the poll. That German Martingale looks like the training aid I'm looking for. I plan on watching this video a few more times to be sure I don't miss anything. I'll definetly look at the other training material you have to offer and the newletters are just great! Much thanks.

Hi Larry,
thanks for your great tips.
Im starting western riding after a 8 years without horses, I rode english before.
Now Im mostly riding a young mare and we are getting along well and work on our skills.
Currently Im working on the side pass to train her left hind leg which is still weak, but I still struggle as well as the horse ^^.
Gonna see if I can solve it with some more groundwork.

May, Germany

@Judy Madsen: You are very welcome Judy. Sounds like you are on the right track.

Larry T.

Larry – I enjoy the training newsletters and tips very much. I received the one the other day about muscle memory. I had read that one before, but this time it hit home. I realize I am at that point with my horse's training where it really made sense. My mare is becoming a nice reiner. I find the better I ride the better she performs, so most of my focus now is on my "training". We both thank your for the training and riding tips and look forward to more.

@samantha willman: Hi Samantha. I can give you some brief ideas here but ultimately, if you plan on getting good results, you need to get a handle on your horse training skills. Which means, you need to invest in some lessons from a good trainer or watch detailed instructional DVDs.

First, if your horse keeps coming into you instead of staying out close to the fence, use your lunging whip. The instant he starts toward you, whip the ground in front of him to let him know you don't want that. If whipping the ground has no effect, use the whip on his chest or front legs.

Second, if you horse backs up when mounting, make sure your reins aren't too tight and causing this problem. Once you get in the saddle, immediately trot your horse forward. Be consistent with this and the backing will quit.

Larry T.

when doing ground work sometimes the horse doesnt listen to my commands. i dont know whether im not getting at him enough and being to "nice" or whatever it could be. some times he walks in towards me and wants to follow me and stay by my side. how so i make it so that he goes out and around the ring instead of by me? also when i mount up my horse starts moving backwards instead of standing still and this is when im reins over his head and just about to get on. also im working with a barrel horse who has the need to run all the time and doesnt like to stand. it hard to keep him at a walk or even just a nice trot hes all over the place and the kids really want to take him on trails but all he wants to do is run. the other day we got him to stand and walk a little but he still just wanted to go. I NEED HELP!! please!

Hi…. Larry I really unjoy all the news letters and videos I get from you and I get so much out of them. I even apply the information I get from you to the local horses I work with. Some are young and one I just got in is very spoiled and has her on idea on how long a rider is allowed to ride be for she acts up. The one two year old I am finished with is for a 72 year old man and he is so pleased with his horse now the fear is gone and he is having fun now. So all I can say is thank you so much.

Hi Larry,
I train horses in Mississippi. Colt starting and foundation work (of course can't start a colt without the foundation as far as I'm concerned). But some folks don't seem to understand that. They (not all) feel when they bring a colt to me it shoud be riding like a well-down-the-road horse after only a couple of rides. I want the young horse to feel 100% comfortable with what's going on before I ever climb on it's back for the first time. I don't ride/train cutting although that is something I would love to do. I read your articles everyday and have them saved on my laptop to reference. No matter how much experience I may have I can and still do learn from others like you. I feel you are one of the best and don't pull any punches when it comes to your writing. Please don't stop. I learn from you.

@Rayma: Hi Rayma, Go here: http://www.horsetrainingvideos.com/standstill.htm
And make sure you are signed up for my "Horse Training Tips" newsletter.
Take care,
Larry T.

Hi Larry
i have enjoyed ur videos but my horse is a 4yr old and an x racer she is stander breed and i have saddled her and tried getting on but she just won't stand still any ideas
thanks
Rayma

@Sarah Thompson: Hi Sarah. You asked a very good question.
The answer is… every horse needs good foundation training. Doesn't matter if that horse is a young colt or an older horse that never received good basic training. Or in your case, an older horse that needs to be retrained to overcome some undesirable training. I would recommend you get my Foundation Training DVDs to start.

Good luck with your new horse.

Larry T.

Hi Larry,
Really enjoying the newsletters. I just want to ask a question about training an older horse already used to being ridden a certain way by other people. The horse I am getting is 7, goes on a loose rein but has no formal training. Is there much difference in training him in basic western for everyday riding as you would a young colt? Mainly with stops, turns and backing up without pulling his mouth as he is used to now.

Thanks Larry.

@terri lindley: Hi Terri. Good to hear from you. The "horse training critique" you refer to is reserved for the members of my "Inner Circle" program. The Inner Circle will be open to new members within a few months. Make sure you are subscribed to my "Horse Training Tips" newsletter so you'll receive all the details.

If you want to do spins and flying lead changes, the first step is to get some education on those maneuvers. Order my training DVDs, study them and put the techniques to use.

Take care,
Larry T.

i heard you say on a video that you would receive videos from trainers and help critique the training…i need much help learning to teach spins and flying lead changes.

what address would i send video clips of myself riding to get your ideas for improving my training?

thanks for your time and consideration!

@gabe: You are welcome, Gabe.

Larry T.

Hi Larry this is the first time somebody explains to me the right way to train a horse. I'm so happy, that I can't stop reading your articles. Thank you so much and please keep sending me more information. I'm training my 3 year old colt and this information came at the right time. Thank you, god bless you Gabe

@Linda Liaksas: Hi Linda, I'm glad you like my training tips. I seldom go to horse expos or travel to do clinics. I have a training stable so I limit my travel to get my customer's horses trained.
Take care,
Larry T.

I am really enjoying the training articles that you have been sending me. Have you ever considered attending the Equine Affaire in OHIO in April? My friends and I would love to see you there.