A few days ago I posted some thoughts that Walt had on things people should consider when shopping for a new horse. Today, here are some of Walt’s prognostications he told me that he wished he could give to horses to consider when a human comes shopping for them.
First Meeting
*Don’t be easy to catch. The way a person addresses a horse that ain’t easy to catch tells ya how much they care about a horse’s feelins and needs, their patience, and their ability to listen to ya.
*Watch the body language of the new owner. What are they tellin ya with their energy? Are they nervous?
* Notice how the person first touches ya. Do they touch ya with their heart, or pat and rub ya like ya need a good cleanin? Do they try to figure out how ya like to be touched or even if ya like bein touched?
* How do they smell? Do they smell afraid or cocky or relaxed? Does the smell match their body language?
The Conversation
* When tyin the halter or leadin ya out of the paddock, or wants ya to turn, stop or go, does the person begin by askin ya a question or tellin ya to do what ya are told?
* If the new person is wearin spurs when he tries to get on, don’t let ‘im on. He ain’t got no business ridin in spurs on a horse he don’t know. Or any other gadget for that matter.
* Does every question begin with directin a change in ya thoughts or is it always about gettin a change in the feet?
* Does the human focus on you and the conversation or are they focused on getting ya to do the job (leadin, pickin up ya feet, lungin, tyin up, etc)?
* Does the human check that all the equipment fits and feels comfortable, and is it the right choice for the job?
* When ya tell the person they are not bein clear, do they listen and try to be clearer or do they blame ya?
* Does the human emphasise makin the wrong thing hard or the right thing easy?
* Does the new owner try to work with ya at your level or demand you work with them at their level?
Old Owner Versus New Owner
* Does the buyer ask the seller about ya history, level of education, and care?
* Does the buyer fixate on ya handsome features, big movement, ribbons, breedin, etc or do they show more interest in ya mind, nature and education?
* At the end of workin with the new person, do they touch ya to say thank you in a way ya feel loved and appreciated for who ya are and not just what they could make ya into?
* If you feel the new person is right for you, they will give ya a good home, and you can teach them how to be a better horse person, then be glad ya found each other. But as a final piece of advice, if you have doubts about the person that has come to buy you, whatever ya do, DON’T GET IN THE TRAILER.”
As always, sound advice Walt. Thanks.
