This is a channel showcasing the work of Linda Kaye Hollingsworth-Jones, owner and head trainer at Willow Grove of Idaho. The techniques and culture of antiquity as well as the gift of current science guide her determination to preserve and teach from this combination: centuries of experience added to current sound research. The resulting program is progressive, kind, clear and appropriate for all horses and all disciplines. Linda has immersed herself in this methodology adding it to her extensive background in problem horses, colt starting and showing.
She has a yearling colt already. The farm I bought her from, Trinityglen Highland Ponies, bred him and still has him. I will breed her but if I just breed her without showing what Highland Ponies can do, the pool of people who are familiar with them won't grow. If I have the funds, I'd like to breed her by embro transfer so she can stay out there as an ambassador for the breed.
Not at all. It's a shame that people don't do the work to discover how to educate horses clearly and kindly with a bit. You can actually teach horses to relax and release the hyoid apparatus and connective muscles (brachiocephalic and sternohyoid) with a bit. It's an ancient method that is receiving kudos from the research community as research is uncovering the manifold benefits of the cession de machoire (swallowing to reestablish a healthy acidity in the gut, releasing muscles, releasing the tongue and jaw which have a direct connection to the hind toe through the fascia chain system, releasing stress hormones and more). The bit, when handled in an educated and elegant way is our most advanced tool (our hands) connected to their most advanced nervous organ (the tongue). The problem is that precious few people are willing to learn this (or similar) methodology or hold themselves to the advanced skillset it takes to interact with the bit in a positive way. In short, it's hard to do. So, if you're not willing to challenge yourself and your skills to this level, by all means, don't use a bit.
@@gerrycoleman7290 I agree with research and history. And I listen to the horses. They appreciate clarity. With what you do with horses, bitless is probably great.
@@gerrycoleman7290 I believe in both scientific research and history. You can play a piano with your elbows but it is much more complex and nuanced with your fingers. What you do with horses probably works fine bitless. I ride mine with a bit, bitless, and bridleless so I have experience with all of it. I haven't seen your videos of your work?
This looked awesome. I hope once I have a cart for my two miniature horses to share they move just as smoothly. How many times a day do you guys practice?
Thank so much, this is the best explanation video I've seen on this work, well done! .......... Could I ask, inititally in step 1, you raise the head with the upward feel or pulse on the bit. Once the horse has learned to do all the flexions from the ground, and your in the saddle, is the end result that u pick up contact on the bit via corners of the mouth, and the head will NOT raise? Instead they'll soften, and telescope the head and neck out and down? Is that the general idea. Thx so much, just trying to understand it :-)
Something is going on. Usually fear. Sometimes self-protection from poor previous treatment. Sometimes shutting down from trauma in the past. Confusion. Frustration. It can be so many things. The horse may need more space and time or they may need a slower approach or they may need a calmer, almost absent feeling in the person...something is causing the horse to say, "no" especially if the horse is not feral (ie mustang). It may take someone with a lot of experience to hang out and observe to see if they can decipher exactly what it is the horse is standing back from. Then approach in a direction that takes it into consideration. I haven't had one so far that said no for very long. A horse that keeps saying, "no" is a horse I'd love to talk to. They often have a lot to say and few people able to understand.
Dear little mare is very tense and totally unsure of herself and all that's happening. Someone has let her down in a big way if they say they've had her driving out and about. She seems almost at barely handled stage. Hopefully you'll build her confidence up .. I feel very sorry for her.
As a teenager my first horse was an ex-barrel racer. Her former teenage owner would get on & make clicking / smooch noises & put reins up by neck & they would race around the barrels. She would then get off & that was the end of session. My mare, if someone clicked, would tense up all over & be expecting to run. She was constantly prancing & braced. As a teenager with no experience then this was quite the challenge & lucky that I didn't get hurt. Seeing this horse's response to sounds & movements being so volatile reminded me of my old mare from so many years ago when she first arrived. I don't know if was fear or anxiety, but I took it as a form of conditioning. My Dad just got me a cheap horse (with a 3 month untouched foal) & did his best. Kept me busy as a teenager. Guess I did okay. I just found your channel & subscribed. I like your style of working & tone of explanations.
Totally agree. its important to prepare the horses as best as possible for what ever is going to be their future use. For safety reasons, but also because a well-trained horse gets through life much better than an untrained horse.
Do you always talk to the horse or is this for our benefit? I always talk . Letting them know what I need and I think this helps me too. loved this video.
