This fall, we were fortunate enough to schedule Thornbeck Jade for a month of training with Ivan Swain in Springfield, Mo. Ivan is a Natural Horsemanship instructor, specializing in Parelli methods. We quickly discovered that Jade is extremely intelligent and often comes up with unusual ideas of her own rather than what we think should be the normal, obvious answer. For example, when presented with an obstacle such as barrels, Jade stopped and checked to see if there was a way under the barrels first before deciding on her approach. In the end, she decided simply moving the barrels out of her way was the answer. She nudged them aside, then ran through the obstacle quite pleased with herself for solving the puzzle. I thought asking her to approach at a trot would convince her to jump the barrels but she just kicked them out of the way faster that time. In the end, we did get her to start jumping the barrels. Her favorite trick became standing on the tree stump with her front feet. I have no doubt if I can find a bigger stump, she’d stand up there with all four.

The most unusual training session consisted of teaching her to load in a trailer while I was sitting in a lawn chair. You can see the video of it on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qp7bRiC9SM4. You’ve got to see it to believe it. I can’t believe how easy it is to load her now and I ride her with just a halter – no bit. There’s no need.

Magic’s Galileo is currently undergoing 2 months of training with Ivan. Galileo is very energetic and works hard to please. He’s broke to ride now and rides easily with just a halter. I never would have thought about riding without a bit before this training.