Welcome to the Farah DeJohnette Horsemanship Virtual Clinic! Experience a mini clinic with me in each post! See video and audio exercises with supporting text here. All disciplines are covered as well as holistic health programs. If you are interested in Building Connection, Liberty work, Natural Jumpers and Dressage Training, you are in the right place!
3.05.2009
3.04.2009
2.16.2009
Don't forget tonight NHN Radio show on Flower Essences!

Go and register to login now so you can call in or chat live with me about Flower Essences for horses,people and other pets! See you there!
1.05.2009
Bitless Bridle options




A bitless bridle or Hackamore can be a fine choice for riding your horse if he's properly trained and given a chance to get used it. The photos here depict different types of bitless bridles. I will describe these in order. The first is a Bosal and is used in western disciplines and is a nice effective bitless bridle and fairly gentle. The next one is a called a "Bitless Bridle" which is specially designed to have different pressure points then some others. I am not a fan of these but I know some people like them. Better for direct reining (or riding with 2 hands). It's not really designed for traditional neck reining though.
The next photo (3rd) is a Mechanical Hackamore. These are used in english and western and can be quite severe depending on the design and the riders hands despite having no bit. They are probably the easiest of the bitless bridles to neck rein having a long shank traditionally used in curb/shank bits.
The 4th photo shows pretty much a rope halter with Mecate reins which is perfectly fine if your horse is suitably trained and safe to ride in it.
The 5th photo is a my Buckaroo Bitless Side Pull and is my personal favorite. It is originally a western training tool but I actually ride dressage, jump and do ground work in it as well. I like it on my young horses and for trail riding on a reliable horse. All horses can be taught to ride in any sort of bitless bridle but it can take time and patience. Some horses would not be safe to ride until some lengthy re-schooling if ever. Always use common sense when thinking about trying something different with you horse. Know you limitations and keep yours and your horses safety first! Try to consult with a trainer if possible. If you'd like to purchase one of my Bitless Bridles go to this link http://fdhorsetraining.com/Bridleshop.html Happy Riding!
FDT



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This is the one I use and LOVE! |

A bitless bridle or Hackamore can be a fine choice for riding your horse if he's properly trained and given a chance to get used it. The photos here depict different types of bitless bridles. I will describe these in order. The first is a Bosal and is used in western disciplines and is a nice effective bitless bridle and fairly gentle. The next one is a called a "Bitless Bridle" which is specially designed to have different pressure points then some others. I am not a fan of these but I know some people like them. Better for direct reining (or riding with 2 hands). It's not really designed for traditional neck reining though.
The next photo (3rd) is a Mechanical Hackamore. These are used in english and western and can be quite severe depending on the design and the riders hands despite having no bit. They are probably the easiest of the bitless bridles to neck rein having a long shank traditionally used in curb/shank bits.
The 4th photo shows pretty much a rope halter with Mecate reins which is perfectly fine if your horse is suitably trained and safe to ride in it.
The 5th photo is a my Buckaroo Bitless Side Pull and is my personal favorite. It is originally a western training tool but I actually ride dressage, jump and do ground work in it as well. I like it on my young horses and for trail riding on a reliable horse. All horses can be taught to ride in any sort of bitless bridle but it can take time and patience. Some horses would not be safe to ride until some lengthy re-schooling if ever. Always use common sense when thinking about trying something different with you horse. Know you limitations and keep yours and your horses safety first! Try to consult with a trainer if possible. If you'd like to purchase one of my Bitless Bridles go to this link http://fdhorsetraining.com/Bridleshop.html Happy Riding!
FDT
10.23.2008
Virtual Clinic Dog Training Question from Hedy Nelson

Why Not? I've added Virtual Dog training Clinic Questions, Photos, and Videos. The first is a question from Hedy Nelson she writes:
"I have a question regarding my five year old Miniature Pinscher, Gunny. I got her from a family who said she'd been in several homes. She's a great dog, and I love her very much. She has two issues though, that I have been trying to work through since I got her two years ago. She is VERY aggressive around other dogs. She puts up a huge fuss on the leash, barking, growling, trying to charge, snapping, even at the sight of another dog. She is spayed and as far as I am concerned has had no incident with any animals. We have another MinPin and they get along great. There are a select few dogs she will tolerate around her, but the second they show any interest in her or try to engage her in play, she becomes hostile and aggressive. Also, when I go to put her leash on her to take her outside, she takes up the submissive, fearful position, squats down, and urinates. She has never been hit as far as I know, but like I mentioned previously, she has had several homes before me. Any advice would be very helpful. Thanks for your time."
Here is my answer:
"It sounds like she has some serious socialization issues do to a lot of inconsistency in her life. Very fixable but starts with respect on the the leash getting her to walk calmly next to you on a short slack leash. never Allowing her to be out in front of you (NO Retracto leashes!) You being in charge of all situations and "telling" her how she is to behave. Not waiting to "see" how she will behave. The second you see any undesirable behavior brewing (look for small early signs) not "too late" big signs, step in and interrupt the behavior pattern and replace it with a more productive behavior like sitting or lying down. Don't shout or yell no. Always work calmly and be in charge. hope this helps."
FDT
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