If your horse was a dog, would he be a Golden Retriever? If your horse is ultimately dependable, but demands absolute fairness and a person he can trust, then he probably is like a Golden Retriever. This temperament type is also a versatile, hard-working performer, but not personally highly ambitious. And if your horse is … Continue Reading »
Patience is not a Metal horse trait. Once the Metal horse temperament learns a job he expects others to get out of the way and let him work. When faced with beginner or amateur rider he can be downright bossy. The Metal horse learns by repetition and he does best in jobs that require consistent … Continue Reading »
The competitive Wood horse temperament loves to play rough, even if it means he hurts himself. Most horses will back off when in pain but the Wood horse’s instinct is to power through. In the case of the horse with the torn shoulder he did not slow down when he snagged his skin on an … Continue Reading »
If there is such a thing as a perfect clinic then Remi and I just experienced one. Remi is a Yang Ming horse temperament and he has been in my life for 5 years. During that time we have worked to get his horrible feet better and help him trust that he was not going … Continue Reading »
Does your Fire horse occasionally have a meltdown? My Fire mare,Cerise, sure had one yesterday. Cerise is typical of this horse temperament type, sensitive and emotional. Things have been a little hectic at my house with five baby goats being born in the last week. The latest triplets have had a hard time nursing and … Continue Reading »
The Earth horse temperament does not enjoy strenuous work but when healthy he is not lazy. Some of the most successful performance horses I have known have been the Earth horse temperament. Not to mention the consistent lesson horses that work for hours each day without complaint. The Earth horse temperament can appear lazy because … Continue Reading »
Punkin, my Jue Yin (Wood/Fire), horse temperament was the star at my osteopathy class. Osteopathy is a system of medicine that focuses on raising the vitality of the horse by restoring his mobility. In the mind of an osteopath, any area where 2 or more structures come together is a joint and every joint must … Continue Reading »
Fear is the emotion that goes with the Water horse temperament. When a Water horse is out of balance they can become fearful to the point of being dangerous. A Water horse is very high energy and when this energy is combined with fear explosive outbursts can occur. Signs of fear in the Water horse … Continue Reading »
If your horse was a dog, would he be a Blue Heeler? If a strong competitive streak, boldness, courage, high energy, and a tendency toward destruction when bored are characteristics of your horse, then he might just be a Blue Heeler! These character traits would also make your horse a tough Wood temperament type. Our … Continue Reading »
Guest Post: Larry Hannon Jiggs: Part 1 After hearing his story, I took it upon myself to talk to this little ‘wild eyed’ colt every time I would feed him and clean out his stall. He could care less! When I went to feed he would go out into his run and wait until I … Continue Reading »
I had the privilege to exhibit Louie at the recent LOPE benefit horse show. Louie is a 4 year old ex racehorse looking for a new career after bowing a tendon. After working with Louie for a few hours I typed him as a Yang Ming(Metal/Earth) horse temperament. Yang Ming traits in Louie: Long back … Continue Reading »
As a Jue Yin(Wood/Fire) horse temperament, Punkin lacks in social graces. This is not his fault and he never intends to insult but the Jue Yin type does not naturally take into account the needs of others. This tendency to insult without intention got me and Punkin into trouble a few weeks ago. I have … Continue Reading »
If your horse was a dog, would he be a German Shepherd? Not sure? Check out our new fun-loving and somewhat patriotic video about the Metal horse temperament type (a.k.a. the German Shepherd) on YouTube. Is Your Horse a German Shepherd? If you missed our past videos on Labradors and Poodles, check them out (along … Continue Reading »
Kim had her first fall off of Punkin this morning. They have both been doing fantastic so we were due for a slight setback. As a Wood/Fire(Jue Yin) horse temperament, Punkin is reactive and we have to always remember this. Kim was practicing leading Punkin up to the trailer step to get on and for … Continue Reading »
Punkin, my Wood/Fire(Jue Yin) pony, went on his first adventure off the farm. I hauled Punkin and my Fire horse temperament, Cerise, to a local ranch horse versatility clinic. We did not compete but spent the day hanging out around the arena and out in the parking lot around all the other horses and activity. … Continue Reading »
My new Wood/Fire(Jue Yin) pony, Punkin, is coming along fantastic. After he was nervous about being ridden, Kim and I have been focusing on his groundwork. We have been getting him really soft about bending his head both ways and moving his hind end separate from his front end without bracing in his ribs. Kim … Continue Reading »
Punkin, my Wood/Fire (Jue Yin) pony, is coming along great in his training. He has a very willing attitude and wants very much to please me and my friend, Kim. The Wood horse temperament is more likely to slow down and buck when he is upset and the Fire Horse temperament is more likely to … Continue Reading »
In my veterinary practice, I have discovered that treating a horse according to his temperament type is one of the most important factors to horse health and happiness. I’ve been talking to lots of people about this around the country. I’ve been writing about it in blogs and newsletters. Some people get it. Some people … Continue Reading »
Punkin is progressing at a steady pace despite the fact that Kim and I have not been able to work with him every day. As a Jue Yin(Wood/Fire) horse temperament, Punkin does not really need a daily work routine. He is quite happy when he gets attention and just as happy when he is left … Continue Reading »
Had an interesting session yesterday with my Fire horse temperament mare, Cerise. Cerise had been working very well over the last few months and her attitude was very good. Up until a few weeks ago I was riding her and then my 71 year old friend was riding her some after we finished our training. … Continue Reading »