My daughter Denise is going to write an article entitled “The Magic Wand” and she is going to specifically mention my name as one of the horse owners who expect you to wave the “Magic Wand” and make their horse “perfect”.  Her intention is to stress that “Rome wasn’t built in a day” and that “slow but sure” is the only way to accomplish what you want with any horse.  Those of us who expect overnight changes in a horse’s behavior are just “farting in the wind”.

Trust me; I am not an “expert” when it comes to horses.  I am not a trainer either.  I am just an educated guy who reads a lot and listens to just about everybody when they talk about horses.  I am afraid that I must disagree somewhat with my daughter Denise.  There is such a thing as a “small magic wand” when it comes to horses.  It is called breeding!  If you buy a well-bred horse from well-bred parents chances are good that you will have a kind-eyed, gentle, lazy, intelligent, trying-to-please horse.  That will help you greatly in your quest for the “magic wand”.
 

I can attest to that.  I purchased a well-bred quarter horse, and believe me, he is fantastic!  “Hoss” was only 4 years old but he has the de-meaner of a 10 year old.  When my Vet looked at him he asked me to show him the papers because he didn’t think that Hoss was only 4 years old.  My daughter Denise has really done a wonderful job with him and me.  I needed the training right along with him. 

I have had “Hoss” now for a year and a half and he is coming on 6 years old and everybody is telling me “Take it slow.  Don’t be in a hurry.  Send him to a trainer for 30 days before you ride him. (My daughter is a trainer!)  There is no such thing as a ‘magic wand’”.  Bull shit!  We stable him on the edge of a 100 acre wilderness area that is perfect for trail riding.  I bought him to replace my 8 year old mare Penny that took me out on the trails whenever I felt the need and with my age and health that was often.  I bought “Hoss” to plug right into my life style, and he has, except for the “wait, wait, wait” syndrome.  I have not had him out on the trail myself.  In fact, I hired a rodeo cowboy to ride him out on the trail.  He was out for an hour and his report was:

“He is a nice horse.  Except for a few minor problems, such as spooking when a bicycle came up from behind him, he was no problem whatsoever, but he is young and he will learn while you ride him because he is so willing.”  I have a “small magic wand”.  It is called “Hoss”, well bred and good minded.  He and I are learning how to be good citizens together without the Magic Wand.

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