© by Gordon Adair

Do you have a problem that you need to fix or do you just want to improve your horse communication and training skills? So where do you begin?

Preparing Yourself First

1) Start by reading Take an Online Exercise in Equine Problem Solving

Once you are finished you will have learned that most problems are not as they appear! The true source is often more basic then you think. Most people want their problems to be more complicated so they do not feel like failures. Accomplishing basic requirements can be very difficult for the best equestrian. This is why Instructors will often require you to review your basic skills to solve your problems. As you improve your skills you will notice your relationship improving with your horse and see the problem slowly disappear. Ground work will solve riding problems!

2) Read BE CAREFUL HOW YOU INTERPRET WHAT YOU ARE BEING TAUGHT

This is where most people fail... their interpretation. Most people believe their basic communication foundation is good. So how do you know?

Below are the requirements I use in my training to improve communication with horses. The requirements also act as a test, when you cannot pass a requirement you have found your starting point for your training.

3) Ground Working Requirements

4) Desensitizing Requirements

You must always start from the beginning and master each step before moving to the next level to ensure success.

Check Your Horse Out

Whenever horses come into training the first thing I will do is check their teeth and hooves. The horses teeth and hooves always seem to be bad when they come in with problems needing to be fixed. This is another example where most horse problems are people problems. Always have your horse's teeth and hooves check before sending them to training. You will get more training for the buck!

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Rotated coffin / pedal bones appear to change shape to maintain a flat surface when the heels are high. Over time the bones reform and deteriorate to avoid sharp edges.

Dreamy's recovery process from a laminitis / founder condition. Showing radiographs, inflamed hooves, video movement, and trimming in three stages over four weeks.

Farriers tell owners the reason their horse's hooves are dis-formed is because, "that is just the way the hooves grow." Most hooves can be restored in time! Below is a video of Gordon rebalancing a donkey's hooves.

Don't destroy me I'm just abscessing! Abscessing is the way the hoof repairs it's self and can solve chronic lameness and hoof discomfort causing behavioral problems.

Below is a video of horses who were diagnosis with laminitis yet, recovered with Gordon Adair trimming and managing their care. For more information on founder and laminitis treatments click here 

I'm a baby gesture towards an older horse. The gaping of the mouth is used to signal a submissive position towards the opposite older horse. Natural communication instincts.