Harry Whitney Horsemanship Guidelines

Harry Whitney (Kim Bolewine photo) Focus on the horse's point of view. Read his attitude and continually ask yourself "what is he thinking?"

Remember you are on "horse time". Don't start something unless you can see if through without regard to a human schedule. Quit when there is positive effort and progress.

Remember CPR.R
C = CUE - A signal to get ready to do something.
P = PRESSURE - Energy directed at any of the horse's senses.
R = RESPONSE - When the horse yields to the pressure.
R = RELEASE - When we stop applying pressure as a reward for the proper response.

Doc And Sandy (Beth Anne Doblado photo) "Make the right thing easy, and the wrong thing difficult" (Tom Dorrance) by the timing of the pressure and release.

Don't get greedy. Reward the slightest try and release the pressure.

Always use the least pressure that it takes, but be sure and use all that it takes.

Break down everything you want your horse to learn into the smallest logical parts. Help the horse see one piece at a time, of the "picture puzzle" you eventually want him to understand completely.

"Head Twirling" is an essential technique to relax the muscles in the top of the horse's neck. It initiates and facilitates overall collection for optimum athletic performance.
Disengaging the hind quarters is the basic maneuver to control the horse's power source. Work on this early and often for safety, relaxation, and support for your horse when he is troubled.