52/ JUNE/JULY 2011 THE RIDER


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Whispering Hearts Horse Rescue 4th Annual Open House Findraiser!


By Kelly Bowers


Brenda and Dave McArthur, own- ers of Whispering Hearts Horse Rescue in Hagersville, ON. have been rescuing and rehabilitating horses for about thir- teen years. In the winter of 2007 they purchased a larger facility to accommo- date more horses due to the significant need in the community. The rescue is currently housing many horses, and they are full to capacity.


Whispering Hearts Horse Rescue receives no funding, therefore are work- ing on many initiatives to raise funds for the feed, veterinarian care and the opera- tion of such a large undertaking. With the 4th Annual Open House Fundraiser on July 9, 2011 fast approach- ing, Brenda appeals to her many friends and supporters along with local business- es to support the fundraiser with a dona-


tion of items such as prizes for the prize table, baked goods, used garage sale items or used tack and horse supplies. They also invite everyone to come on out on the Saturday from 8 am to 5 pm for some lunch and to do some shopping. As you can imagine, it is very expensive rescuing these horses as they need specialized feed, vet care and many hours of handling. This is the driving force behind Whispering hearts. To fill their needs as well as to educate the pub- lic on horse care, the rescue counts on sponsors, donations and volunteers. Most importantly Whispering Hearts provides an option other than the auction barns when someone can no longer care for their horses. Often it is just bad circum- stances that brings a horse to the auctions in such rough shape.


Brenda attends many local auctions


to purchase horses heading for slaughter as well as receiving calls advising of horses in need for various reasons such as cruelty and neglect. The rescue provides a helpful but nonjudgemental service that hopes to somehow make a difference. There are many success stories and many families are thrilled to adopt a rescued horse into their family. In the past 3 * years, Whis- pering Hearts has taken in over 120 horses and adopted out over fifty to good homes. This would not be possible without the generous public support and the many great volunteers that have come to the res- cue, literally. You can donate items for fundraiser to WHHR by calling Brenda, 905-768-9951. All assistance is appreci- ated.


Horse Of Course


By Don Blazer


There must be a million horse train- ing tips, tricks and techniques, but one transcends all others.


I stated writing about horses many


years ago. And because I was writing for major horse magazines at the time, I got to interview, be taught by and ride with some of the very best trainers. That good for- tune continues today. Some of the very best continue to tell me what works, what doesn’t and why.


The best part, of course, is that I get to apply all those “training tips” and see for myself if the words of wisdom ring true.


A horse trainer reaches greatness when he or she can communicate with a horse to apply the horse’s skills and talents to purpose - that is complete a pre- describe pattern or task with willingness and a desire to please the rider. That is not easy to do!


But all of those who can do it can do it because they embrace this concept: “horse training is about thinking and little else.”


Horse training doesn’t take great


physical skills. In fact, the more physical skills are imposed, the lower the quality of training. You cannot force learning.


What great horse training requires first and foremost is thought. The trainer/rider must think about the horse in its entirety, understanding that the horse is an instinct responder, a herd member, dependent on his captor.


Thinking about the hundreds of aspects involved in the training of a horse, the superior trainer recognizes that “every encounter with a horse is a training ses- sion.”


As a dependent herd member who responds to his instincts, the horse seeks consistency. You cannot treat him one way today because he is your “pal” and another way tomorrow because he is your “show horse”. He must be treated in the same manner every day.


The trainer’s personality and actions will be directly reflected in the behavior of the horse.


Being consistent in your actions will establish a “comfort zone” for the horse. The horse learns best within his comfort zone, so training must introduce anything outside the comfort zone in gradual steps. Be prepared. Trainers who think about their horses are not foolishly causal or haphazard. They know that being a flight or fight animal with poor eye sight and driven by instincts, horses can injury or be injured within seconds. Handle


Continued on Page 55


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