Interesting article from the '50's...
http://www.mouseguns.com/blast/hosses.htm
http://www.mouseguns.com/blast/hosses.htm
Well, riding does have it's risks, and some breeds are flightier than others. Trail horses should be picked based on temperament and stability, and older horses usually make the better ones, but nothing is more important than training. There are basically two schools of thought when it comes to training, the old school, cowboy way of "hard breaking", and newer ideas presented by guys like John Lyons, Monte Roberts, etc., that go with soft training. The old school used to apply to the bigger cattle ranches in the west where you simply didn't have time to really work with a horse. They were green broke by bucking them out, and then usually left alone until a drive, and... they were a handful. It was simply a matter of dominating them, but there was no trust or bond formed. Guys like Lyons took advantage of a horse's herd behavior and instinct to form tight bonds with each other. They learned to interpret body language, and to communicate, after a fashion, and become a "herd buddy". It takes a lot more time and patience, but trust and a bond are established, and the results are well worth it. I've been an avid horseman for over 40 years. I started out the old school way, and saw many a time when my horse went North and I went South . Then I learned and started round pen training, and I'm now a believer! A horse that trusts you trains easier and spooks far less than one that doesn't. I guess it's a lot like being military brass. You can cuss, threaten, and brow beat the men under you, and they will obey your orders. They'll give you, oh, say, 80% of what they're really capable of, just enough to keep from being cussed at. Or, you can take your time, prove yourself, and earn their trust and respect, and they'll give you 110%, willingly. Same works with horses, and that extra bit of training can prevent that broken rifle, or a long walk home.Never get near a hayburner if I don't have too!
Yeah, but that's all part of the fun, and trucks don't have auto pilot. Ya can't let go of that wheel, but you can drop the reins & relax on a good horse. .A truck doesn't need constant attention and high priced vets. Put it away wet and it won't get sick. Nor does it bite or kick or roll around on the ground on top of your rifle for no apparent reason. No daily feeding, brushing, watering, etc, etc. And the saddle doesn't need constant attention either.