This message is from: "Warren Stockwell" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
I worked at a Arabian breeding ranch years back and was taught how to handle stallions. I would not ( at this point in time ) make the mistake of thinking I am qualified to own one of my own and here in my current home situation. The trainer and manager of this barn had an ominous presence and had total respect of all the horses, she had a special way with the boys. Both of the boys were in tie stalls no boxes for these guys except when they were young babies and didn't know anything. She raised them both, and trained them from the moment they hit the ground it started. Anyone cold handle them but she was always on the watch for bad manners. These guys knew one step out of line and it would be dealt with swiftly! she would come out of no where to instill correction. I still don't kow how she knew where or when to be, must be a sixth sense. This was a wisp of a woman Couldn't have been 5 feet or 115 lbs. managing 1000 lbs. plus or minus with love and consistency. These boys worked hard for her every time and gave her all they had plus. When the lesson was done she spent copious time grooming, loving them and respecting them for the work well done. She took the time to feed them emotionally as well as physically. I learned lots from her and if put in the situation I could hold my own but I know my limitations and am very aware that their are some horse folk that just have the touch with the guys. I choose to let those that are graced with that skill to do so, rather than take a chance of doing a poor job and misrepresenting my breed of choice or make a horse look poorly due to my or lack of the natural talent. I have great respect for those who choose to do a good job by their guys and show them to be of good body as well as mind. Not everyone should handle a stallion. There are risks involved in handling any horse and a stallion presents more ( in general ), both physical and legally. My hats off to all you who take on those challenges. Roberta
