Was most dismayed last night to find out that the Committee of the show which I am Treasurer for is planning to invite this man to be one of the main ring acts. I have looked at his website and he is not even associated with the IH association, using his own alternative to the trademarked 'Join-Up'.

So far I haven't heard good things and cannot get onto the IH discussion group for some reason. Any news, good or bad is appreciated. If you are worried about libel/privacy then email it to me.

I should point out that this is not a demo situation. This is a well known show in Surrey which attracts in excess of 15,000 visitors and next year has a motorcross/stunt quad display amongst other very noisy and un-horse friendly attractions (eg.guns, fairground, whirlygigs, fire engine, PA system music etc). I am extremely worried for what are already 'problem horses', which do not need the opportunity to 'perform' under this kind of extreme pressure.

I could use my position to stop this happening (if I resign they'll be in deep poo), but I'd rather use informative ammunition, so please help if you can.

Thanks.

Hi Diane

I'm sorry but I've never heard of him, however it doesn't sound like the ideal setting for anyone to be trying to help horses.

Mx

clinic by Stefan Forsman. He was and still is I think training a zebra. If nothing else, to alleviate any issues with problem horses, perhaps he can go down that route with his zebra. He came to learn, the same as me so I have no knowledge of how he is now.

Hi Diane, I would be more than happy to discuss his methods off line - I don't feel its PC on a DG. I also have a video of a demo I attended which I think you may be interested in watching.

Please e-mail me or give me a call at home tonight after 8pm 01480 830152.

Fond regards
Dee
x

I'm sorry to say this, but for the sake of horse owners and horse's everywhere do not use this man.

I saw him at Equus in April and watched in stunned amazement/disgust, as did everyone else watching. My friend and I approached him afterwards and asked him to explain his reasons for his approach and what made him think that being nasty one minute then nice the next was not confusing for the horse. We questioned every answer he gave us until such point as he asked us to visit his yard and see him work for the day. We declined, one hour watching was torture enough.

Perhaps this should be a learning curve for you and everyone else. Who am I to say whether this man is good or not, he is making alot of money out of it!

I'm sorry to be so negative and if you would like to know anymore about the demo I saw just ask I'll be happy to tell you. Perhaps to give you some idea, bearing in mind a know nothing about Monty Roberts/Richard Maxwell and such like apart from articles I've read and from the TV, his methods are almost the same but so confusing. I remember going to get a coffee after his demo and people sitting down around the cafe and in the queue where all saying 'What was that all about'.

Parhaps you should phone him and visit his yard before booking, he does have a website.

Sorry to have rambled on.

Liz

You'll have to email me, sorry, I can't find your email address! Would be very interested in your views and that video. I have 4 weeks before the next meeting. Any chance of getting it before then?

Have emailed The Attractions Secretary with my concerns. The situation is not helped by the fact this lady has horses and is happy for them to be used in the show AND has seen him perform and was most impressed. I am now waiting for the backlash!!!! I did draw her attention to a couple of studies on learned helplessness and also Ben and Emma's website!!!!

Gulp! Into the fire I go....

my e-mail address is equineinsights@fsmail.net but if you give me a call tonight it may be easier to talk about it and you can let me have your address so I can post you the video etc.

If not I will e-mail you tomorrow - no on-line access at home at the mo!!!!

D
x

My friend took a horse to him for training and I spent a day up at his yard. Not impressed....email me on baymair@aol.com if you want more details.

I saw him at the big Surrey County Show in Guildford and have quite a lot to say about him.
Basically he'll impress some people who know a little but not a lot about horses (people who ride at ridign schools etc), dismay some people who understand a bit more, and impress and dismay members of the public depending on their personalities.
email me at s.berry@elsevier.com and I'll give you more details about what I think about him....