Willow Grove has added Mackenzie Lane Bonny to our group, a critically endangered Highland Pony! So, how would I get the education started with her? Pretty similar to the rest. Excited about this charming young mare!
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?
