Winer 1999 Wil Howe Ranch Newsletter, Volume 3 "Good Mind . . . Good Horse" by Wil & Beverly Howe We feel that a horse’s mind is their most important feature, when looking for a performance horse. It is hard to train an animal that does not possess a natural willing disposition. The more difficult the event the horse is being trained for the more submissive and giving temperament is required, thus making the training experience in preparation for the event easier and more pleasant for both the horse and rider. When I choose a performance horse, I try to find what I call a "dumb athlete". A horse that doesn’t ask "Why"? He just tries for you and keeps giving his best under the pressure of work. A "smart horse" isn’t necessarily an advantage, as some might thing, because they will soon figure out the game and are subject to spend more energy resisting and "cheating" than actually executing the task being asked. A horse with a tolerant, trainable attitude naturally, but lacking in ability, due possibly to conformation, may very well out perform a horse with superior athletic ability, but which has what I call a "bad mind", an unwillingness to learn, or low acceptance level. A true champion is an individual with a combination of a good mind, desire and correct conformation, which will allow him to have that natural athletic edge. n my training program, I train the mental aspect of a horse first, and let the physical take care of itself, but without a trainable mind, you might as well be afoot! Well broke is well broke . . . No matter where you are Remember, pressure come in all forms. It may be the pressure of show competition or keeping a cool head on a narrow trail on the side of a mountain or in a parade with unexpected commotions. The requirements of an obedient well mannered horse are all the same, well broke means well broke no matter where you are. << Back to Articles Home