AboutRick Gore (www.freewebs.com/horseawareness) Expertise Visit Rick Gore's Horse Site: www.freewebs.com/horseawareness --I am a student of the horse. I can answer questions about sacking out (Desensitizing vs. Sensitizing), dealing with spooky, abused or ex-race horses, rearing, bucking, horses that won’t tie or load into a trailer, working in a round pen/round corral, starting colts, dealing with aggressive or so called "mean" horses, herd behavior, biting, kicking, horses that won’t let you mess with their feet or head, horses that are hard to take a bit and hard to catch. I can also answer questions about using a bosal or hackamore, do's and don'ts, soft hands and direct reining verses neck reining. If you expect me to tell you feel good advice, you will be disappointed. 95% of all my answers will include the problem is you and not your horse. About 90% of most answers that I give out are on my web site, so if you read it you will probably answer your own question and may learn a few other things. If have some good information that you would like me to add to my site, please email me so it can be passed on to others.
Experience I am an experienced horseman with many years of riding and handling horses. I grew up in Texas around horses and horse people. I have started colts, ridden many horses with behavior issues and worked with problem horses. (I believe that most horse problems are normally people problems) I believe in and practices natural horsemanship. I continue to read and study books by great horsemen. I routinely attends clinics, talks with and discuss horse issues with other clinicians and trainers. I have never met a horse that could not be fixed. I have fixed horses that would not; trailer load, take a bit, go through water, lead without pulling, allow you to halter or catch. I believe it is never the horse's fault and with proper handling, all problems can be worked out.
Education/Credentials Rick has life long experience in being around and working with horses. Over the years he has watched good horsemen do the right thing and seen the wrong things done with bad results. Rick has a Bachelor of Science degree in Education.
Question My horse is sometimes difficult to stop/slow down. He raises his head above the bit and runs into the bit. As well as training him, will a running matingale help? For safety, for a temporary period at least?
Answer It may help, but this is a control and respect issue. I would do more ground work so the horse really knows what whoa means. Work on stopping at a walk then after he does that good work on stopping at a trot and then stopping at a canter. Big bits and martingales are not the answer, getting the horse to respect you and making sure the horse understands what you want it the key.
