Hey guys,
I sure don't mean to be a pain, but I have a few new videos up on Youtube. If y'all wouldn't mind, I'd appreciate it if you would give them a look and tell me what you think, and what I could do better. I am also now being looked at for potential sponsorship, so liking and subscribing wouldn't hurt either. Hell, you might even learn something.

Thanks,

Daniel

The Safest and Easiest Way to Mount Your Horse
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lFyA__oZ2I

A few Tack Tips for Saddling and Un-Saddling
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgaSY1wxoH0

I've also been writing some blogs. Feel free to give them a read, and let me know what you think.

http://www.dauphinhorsemanship.com/blog-articles

Gidday Daniel

I had a look at one of your videos (some time ago I did watch a good bit of the Colt starting one you did first) and they are very good. Your blog's are great, I especially liked the one about timing, despite being a lifelong rider (45 years or more now) I've never had good timing, but I think your explanation will help.

Actually I think that after 45 years of sitting on horses I'm just starting to learn to ride with tact and sensitivity - about time too, I have a filly and a colt to start this summer, they are easily the best QH stock I've ever had, so its really important to get it right.

Your story about the wreck you had also struck a cord, I to had a horse like that when I was about 20, and my Dad did see it do the exact rearing thing you spoke of, while I did the step off thing. Only difference was my Dad said if the horse wasn't gone by Monday (and this was Saturday) he'd shoot it. I knew he meant it so it did take a one way trip.

Tentman,

Much appreciated. You send these things out to the internet and have little idea if anyone reads, views, or appreciates them and if they helped anyone at all.

Best of luck with your filly and colt. I'd love to help you out, but the commute would be rough.

I agree with most of your mounting video. Left hand with reins and mane, But I put my right hand over and grab the opposite side of the saddle, So that when I pull myself up. I'm pulling through the horse vs pulling on the horn that can cause leverage and cause saddle to twist.

Maybe for young and strange horses your method is safer, But for horses I know. I'm more concerned about not putting the stress of pulling on the horn and feel I get less saddle twist by pulling through the saddle and horses body.

I especially see this with less experienced riders, They grab that saddle and pull on it, causing it to twist on the horse, Once in the saddle they are now faced with trying to center the saddle. So I always teach them reach over and grab that far side.

I enjoyed both video's and all of your Blog posts. The horse is a great teacher of Man. If only we listen, we can learn much and enjoy even more.
Best regards,

Hi Guys

Had a chuckle to myself in the weekend with the mounting video. I watched it a couple of times and dammed if I could figure what I did with my left hand . . .

So when I saddled up I knew my horse would be pretty "fresh" and anyhow I was heading for the Rodeo Arena (the "boys" were having a team roping clinic) so on went my heavy roping saddle.

While I was in the tack room I realised why I was a bit puzzled . . . Daniel your video is predicated on using a western saddle with a horn.

Because I frequently ride an english saddle too, you can't grab a horn. With an english saddle you put your left hand on the seat or waist, and press down (not a pull) as you swing up. An that what I do in the western saddle too !!

Thanks for the thoughts guys. Any of my videos and blogs are based on my experience and what has/does work for me. In short, most of this stuff is just my opinion. I'm sure not trying to say that if you do it another way that you are WRONG! That being said, I hope that I've expressed well that I do have at least one reason for doing just about everything the way that I do it.

Tentman, for an English, or Aussie saddle, I'd simply put my right hand in the gullet of the saddle. Not a big deal.
Painted Horse, I do understand where you are coming from, and do whatever makes sense to you. I'm not sure if you watched the video all the way to the end, but, if you did, I hope that you can see that the "stress" and "twist" of my method is minimal.

Thanks again guys,

Daniel

I'll also ask if any of y'all have an idea on a topic for a blog or video. There are quite a few more already in the works, but new topics would be appreciated.

I plan on looking at the videos. Now I don't own my own horse and I ride English. I am still taking lessons and am, hopefully, at the point where I can comfortably sit at canter, and confidently jump 2' 6" jumps. That's about my current ambitions at age 69. Any and all, tips, suggestions etc. would be appreciated.
Peter.