Here’s just a small sample of the emails I received regarding those two posts:
“As a person new to owning horses three years ago, and who carried alot of bruises and a couple bite marks, your newsletter and ur honesty were a life saver. I finally realized I couldn’t handle the two (free!) green horses I’d inherited, I scrounged up money and got myself trained (my trainer wouldn’t even look at my horses until I improved my riding and ground skills) and then my horses. I’ve been riding one for 9 months now, and the other one is coming home next week. Of course even with training I work hard to keep my horses moving forward, and I don’t give an inch in crowding, or misbehaving – no matter how tired or busy I am because I know they’ll take it and more. And even though we are trained, I’m gonna order some DVDs cuz I’ll never be done learning! For all those that unsubscribed cuz the truth hurts, you maybe will save a couple human and horse lives. Keep up the great work!
God bless,
Alicia”
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“Hi Charlie,
I want to commend you on your message today and say that I appreciate your approach to horses and the resources that you market.
I have been breeding, raising and training horses most of my life and your message is bang on. I have been training horses for others semi-professionally and I share your frustration with people who just don’t get it. In the early years people would ask me if I could recommend a good training book or resource and I would always have to say this one is good “but”. Then I began to realize that people need to do what I have done and read them all and see as much as you can with how others do it. When I found your site a few years ago and began getting your daily tips I quickly shared it with others because you cover a broad range of resources, all with the same message. I bought some of your CDs and share them as well.
I will usually get involved with other people and their horse when I get the panic phone call saying they must do something now because the horse almost killed someone. Without exception the reason for the crisis is because the owner just took for granted that the horse could train itself or any saddle will do. They often want me to take their horse and “fix it”. I always refuse to do that and insist that if they want their horse fixed they must first fix themselves, participate and learn. They need to learn how to handle a horse, understand them and realize that they cause the response they get. This includes environment, tack, care and feeding and communication. I often see a significant improvement in the horses response in just a few hours when they are handled properly. When the owner sees this they are often amazed.
Keep up the good work and I will continue to support your business with the odd purchase and referrals to others.
Peter Kitto,
Williams Lake, BC
Canada”
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“Charlie I just have to send this message to all people, you sometime learn the hard way. Many years ago I loved horses and rode my Dad’s horse and they were trained so I thought I was great. Then I got my own horse much later and older and she ran off with me and I was able to go off did not get hurt that time. This horse was just too much for me but I kept on trying only wished I had help like Charlie provides at that time. Having my hand crushed I decided I would seek help, so I started working with trainers and reading a lot so I am much better now around horses and understand them much better. They have no start button or stop so learn before you get really hurt. I am now 72 young but I know horses and us have changed over the years so I go on learning. Horse are very special but they have that 10% wild and protect themselves first not you.
I still work around horses but I am very careful to watch them and their reaction to things. Learn all you can for safety and the protection of the horse. I was once told by a trainer it was not the horse having problems it was the rider. He was so right now that I have learned so much more I have better confidents but still being careful. Everyone is very lucky to have someone like Charlie trying to help us all. A lady that I was helping her daughter said thank you and thank you for God sending you to us.
I was very taken by that statement so I say thank you Charlie for God sending you into my life.
Joyce”
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“Charlie,
stick to your guns and don’t worry about those who refuse to hear the truth. It took me many years (too many) as a novice horse owner to figure out why most every horse I adopted responded better to more seasoned horse people than me. Finally I raised a Percheron foal for a year and if it wasn’t for your tips to work on respect first, I would have failed him miserably. Now I take the leadership role as my most important one. And since I am a confident and fair leader, I am finally one of the people who can handle most horses and stop bad behaviors before they become their habit.
The horses eventually love me for being the leader that they need (not trying to be their friend). Now I teach everyone I know this necessary principle and I suggest your website to any horse people that will listen (I often forward your tips to get them started). I hope to be moving to my home state where I will be working with my daughter’s rescued horses and will need to prepare myself better with some of your instructional dvds, books… In the meantime, your tips keep me tip top with my current herd, as well as the other 4 legged and even 2 legged creatures in my life… respect applies across the board.
Keep up the good work, God has clearly gifted you with horses and with openly sharing and celebrating your relationship with Jesus.
Thank you.
God Bless you and your family!
Debby J.”
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“Charlie,
I have to tell you, anyone that disagrees with the “Control and Lead” email, should sell their horse, take the money they get and go ride the horse at Walmart. I’ve seen way to many people that, love their horse, that’s not so bad, but they expect their horse to love them back and then they can’t understand why their horse treats them so badly. DUH. Hope your day is going great!
Richard”
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“Hi Charlie
Just want to THANK you for telling the truth as it is Yesterday and for todays tip as well. I hope those who were offended get a reality check and quick! Before something happens again and a good horse is wasted and somebody gets hurt.
Peg”
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Hi Charlie,
“
Not to worry, I will be one that sticks with you because your statements are spot on as far as I am concerned , and do not worry I will bet that some who unsubscribed will return soon .As a trainer myself it is refreshing to find someone with your honesty. Although you do have those who do not want to face the fact that more times than not it is the rider/owner with the problem and not always the horse. People need to realize that bad behavior is simply something that someone has allowed the horse to get away with time and time again until a bad habit has taken hold but can be corrected with patience,time, and yes a little hard work and sweat. I will also be ordering the Jesse Berry Course in the next few days, I use methods from the book that I had years ago and gave to a friend who needed help , and yes they do work if people would take the time not only to study and apply but also ask someone if there is something they do not understand. So keep the faith my friend !!!
Thanks for your time and honesty,
Van”
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Well – you get the idea. I have many, many more excellent letters that were sent in.
Thanks for reading and for the feedback!
Charlie
P.S. See my “Memorial Day Special” and get 25% OFF anything on the website, including our online The Horse Library subscriptions!