Becky Coffield's Page

Hey you!

As nice as movin 2 tons of
hay won't it be nice
when the work is done
the horses fed
put in for the night,
then a quiet evening
around the fire,
writin' 'bout it?

Howdy Becky -- Glad you sent a singin wire -- you can reach me on my e-mail as well -- stoneygreywolf@hotmail.com ...
Hope I have room for all this --First of all, how long have you had this horse? Was it vet checked for soundness and other health issues, and hoof care, and quality of hooves, and free from hoof disease, thrush, sand cracks, and so forth.

Reason I ask is important, if horse isn't sound, or hurting in places you can't see ( x-rays) no matter who mounts the horse, will unmount in a NY second.

Check out or ask for references -- a bad trainer serves no purpose.... While it is important to be firm, being rough, and mishandling a horse will be passed right back to you. A horse isn't a pet, but a good horse will be a friend, and bond with you forever, thru trust, very important.

There are many ways to get a horse to accept tack, as there are trainers. Meanng I have my own way, and guarantee it gets accomplished. I do alot of IMPRINT handling from the ground up. Everything is done in steps of acceptance without having a rodeo.

Horses have problems with bits and bridles, as well as cinches, and darn near everything at first. Patience is the rule of the day.

Real important, whatever the trainer or you do, for a lesson, keep going after it until successfull -- if you stop because the horse raised a ruckus, guarantee when you start the next day, the problems will start again, why ? The horse learned how he can get away with. Coversely if you stick with, until lesson is completed safely, quietly, next day you will pick right up where you left off with something new.

A horse by the way, can tell if you ar ok with him -- scared, nervous, tentaive, angry -- trust me on that.. A horse who is alright with you, will let you make mistakes, no rodeo.

Never end a lesson on a negative note, in other words, leave the lesson in a positive note. I use a very strong reward system, when the horse responds well, if a horse causes a ruckus, I'm firm, but keep after the horse until it understands what you want, then go from there. It is difficult to cover all horse issues in a square box here, I believe you live close to Vegas, so I will be able to assist you if you can't find someone that will work with you and your horse. I also let the owner be involved with training and handling their horse or horses. Why, you will know what to do, because you know your horse by then.. If a Trainer takes your horse elsewhere, you won't know anything until it is brought back, and even then very little until you find out the hard way.

I don't know how much knowledge you have, or experience, but I have been looking for soft western soil in 35 years, haven't found it:)... I hope this gives you some direction -- Look forward to your replies. .. Stoney

Sounds good -- Look forward to seeing down trail --

Have a Safe and wonderful trip -- Keep in touch --

Thanks, Becky! I have a lot on my plate, in relocating somewhere out West. But, I will consider the contest. Thanks so much for the invite!
John