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Hugely disappointing

06/02/2009

100% of members found this review helpful

In the beginning, Anna Twinney shows some liberty work. While watching horses careen around an area with a bunch of plastic chairs my only thought was what would happen if a horse got his leg caught in one of her obstacles? The Liberty work is quickly breezed over. We know nothing more about how it is done or her methods. We do get to see a bunch of people do incompetent things. The constant stroking between the horses' eyes (which continues throughout) appears to me to be more of a nervous habit then actual comfort and reassurance to the horse. There are better body places to touch to reassure and thank a horse then this vulnerable blind spot. The roundpen work is rough and reminded me of Monty Roberts. No surprise that she has her own cute name for it "Reach Out" and that she gives thanks to Monty at the end. This work is definitely not innovative or new - and can be seen on plenty of other dvds. She even states that Rainbow didn't want to enter the Roundpen the second day but she forces him in with a Pressure Halter (BTW we are never shown how this attaches or works - although I do know that Monty Roberts sells it). We do get to see her constantly yanking poor Rainbow back and forth while he tries to figure out What the Heck she wants. Throughout the RP session, Rainbow looks panicked and runs about - that is apparently training BTW. During the driving session, Rainbow does more running about and again all I could think of: "this is safe? this is a method people should use on a 2 year old?" If you really want to do ground driving then consult Linda Tellington-Jones whose method is much safer for the handler and actually EDUCATES the horse! The "sacking out" occurs when the horse is snubbed down again in his Pressure Halter. There is no place for poor Rainbow to escape, and like the old Cowboy method, he submits because he has no choice. Again nothing innovative or new about this technique. By the end, Rainbow learns that humans will shove him around and that he will have to do what they want --- or else. A very "pressure-based" training system. In closing - I know Rainbow is a growing horse, but can we please give him some groceries! If you are into NH work, and like Monty by all means rent. If you are instead, an enlightened horse person wanting a partnership with your horse, run away!