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Less Is More Horsemanship Forum
Welcome to the Less Is More Forum. This forum is to post questions, comments, suggestions, ideas, principles, concepts and ideas regarding Natural Horsemanship and more importantly, the philosophy of "Less IS More". This is a place where like-minded people can come to throw away all the old traditional ways of training, and riding, and begin to experience a new FREEDOM in their relationship with their equine partners. Whether your goal is to learn more about natural horsemanship, get support for your own personal Less Is More belief, find solutions for problems that are hindering your relationship, begin a journey of discovery or healing, this is your home. Regardless of what the current "fads" are in traditional circles or natural horsemanship circles, I encourage you to think 'outside the box'. Feel free to post a message.
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| Viewing Page 1 of 1 (Total Posts: 7) |
| Author | Comment |
Wendy Clark
Aug 20, 07 - 11:25 PM |
Michael-Video of Hondo's 1st Ride comming?
Michael, I have been checking back frequently to see if you have posted video's on Hondo's 1st ride? |
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Michael Gonzalez
Aug 21st, 2007 - 9:32 AM |
Re: Michael-Video of Hondo's 1st Ride comming?
Hi Wendy... Thanks for posting. No, I dont have any videos to post. Let me update everyone on the issue here....due to some continuing rule changes in the Extreme Mustang Makeover, I am pulling out of the competition. it is a principle thing. I'm done. According to the Executive Director they have to "please the sponsors and also try to make it compatible with the arena show world". Basically, it is turning into a peanut pushing contest which I detest immensely. Here you have a mustang, the symbol of spirit and freedom and then you turn it into just another average quarter horse congress style event. That was not the original intent of the competition..or at least not how it was portrayed in the beginning. At first they all wanted us to wear the exact same shirt during the competition, but several of us raised our voices and refused. So they changed that adn said we must wear them during the adoption on Sunday...then they chose three judges who ARE NOT known for any form of natural horsemanship style. You cant tell me that with the thousands of clincians, they could only find a rodeo cowboy and a quarter horse congress judge...?! they took all that care to select trainers who used gentle natural methods and then they choose rodeo cowboys with long bits and tie downs on their roping horses. The response from Patti Colbert the Ex Dir was that the judges are personal friends of hers. (Yes, I did keep the emails form her in case anyone is wondering) Then we were told that it is a requirement that if we ride in a western saddle we are required to wear a western hat and if you ride english, you are required to wear a helmet, if you ride Spanish then you had to wear a Spanish hat. I do not wear hats at all anymore. Havent in two years. She stated that all of the natural horsemanship clinicians have never stepped into an arena without a hat...she then sarcastically told me that i could wear bermuda shorts if I wanted to. (again, I saved the email) 95% of the horses are bays...if we all have to wear the shirt and hats and the horses are alike...how will we be able to show the individuality of the mustangs?! Isnt that what this was all about?! This will be another half ass lame "trail" course like they do in the horse shows. its sad. Only the top ten finalists get a two minute opportunity to showcase their mustang's individual talent. I thought this was going to be more like the Extreme Cowboy Race or American Horse Idol competition where it is all abotu what you and your horse can do and not what you look like. I truly hope that the show is a success...but a peanut pushing walk, trot, canter along the rail is not for me. B-O-R-I-N-G !!!! Especially when we are talking about mustangs....too bad, this could have been GREAT. Hondo is still here with me and is out on my pasture with the mares getting fat and happy. Had his first farrier visit and did well. Better than expected. Had a little trouble at first. he didnt trust someone else picking up his feet and I had to pick them up and clean them out and then allow the farrier to do it...but eventually he did very well. I am looking for an adoptive home for him. Home must meet BLM requirements. Plans were that he was never going to stay with me unless I won. I cannot afford another horse right now. I have only a few weeks left to either adopt him out, or take him back to the BLM facility in Illinois. Hope this answers your question.... Michael |
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Wendy Clark
Aug 22nd, 2007 - 9:42 PM |
Re: Michael-Video of Hondo's 1st Ride comming?
Thanks Michael for your input. Sounds typical of how things work. Progress is slow for change and it's all about the money. When more people put the pressure on to tell them what we want they will change to suit the needs of the public. Right now it's about show business-the horse idea is just a facade to the public to make money and make their conscience feel good. If enough people write and tell them what they really want, maybe they will make some changes. Maybe someday we can look back at this and see it as the beginning of the televised colt starting challenge revolution. |
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Michael Gonzalez
Aug 23rd, 2007 - 3:26 PM |
Re: Michael-Video of Hondo's 1st Ride comming?
After much deliberation, I have decided to adopt 'Hondo" and keep him. I will be contacting the Mustang Heritage Foundation and the BLM to pursue the paperwork and begin the process of keeping here with me. Just thought that a lot of you would want to know. Michael |
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Brittany Tarpley
Aug 23rd, 2007 - 7:07 PM |
Re: Michael-Video of Hondo's 1st Ride comming?
That's GREAT! I'm glad to see that he will be staying with you! |
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Wendy Clark
Aug 23rd, 2007 - 8:29 PM |
Re: Michael-Video of Hondo's 1st Ride comming?
I am happy too that you decided to adopt Hondo. I had been thinking about this whole thing alot the other night lying in bed. I wanted to write you back and tell you that it wasn't his fault the contest didn't work out and how not to give up on him. Trying to find a home for a horse that isn't broke to ride can be tough. Even if you down the road decided not to keep Hondo he deserves a chance to be started right and have his first introduction into the domestic world a good one. There are so many horses out there that start life with bad experiences that can be overcome but never forgoten. I have personal experience w/ a horse that was rescued(abused by rough handeling and starvation). He is still has flashbacks as I call it but has learned to trust me and think before giving to his emotions. He has turned out to be the most loving horse and almost seems he knows what he's got here is good. Many times I wanted to give up-but I remeber I made a commitment to follow it through. I wasn't about to divorse my horse because it was too hard. I am not meaning to compare as Hondo isn't an abused horse but he still is a rescue horse that needs transition into domestication and learning people ways. Hondo will appreciate what he has if you show him that your in it for the long haul together as partners-the commitment mentally to "give", horses seem to sense what we are thinking-I am sure he knows what's up. Talk to him. In the future looking back-I am sure you won't regret making this dissision.  The reward it great!
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Lisa Phillips
Aug 27th, 2007 - 7:03 AM |
Re: Michael-Video of Hondo's 1st Ride comming?
Michael, I just wanted to tell you that I admire you greatly for deciding to adopt Hondo. Here's why. I know you know this, but it bears repeating.....sometimes these things aren't about us, they are about the horse. I know finances are tight and I know you prefer mares, etc, but this time it isn't about those things. It is about what is best for Hondo. You ARE the best deal for him. He is undoubtedly bonded to you. You have stepped out on faith and your steps will be blessed. Your faithfulness will be blessed. I'm sure of it. Thanks for sharing your decision. Sometimes the greatest decisions we make are those made with our hearts over our heads! 
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