The Bob Blackwell Methods of Practical Horsemanship and Hoofmanship  are the result of the many requests I have received from horse people across the globe who have written, phoned, or e-mailed me suggesting that I write down my methods of horse training and horse shoeing in a book or at least make this knowledge available through a formal equine education program. This introduction is the beginning of that effort. The training combined training methods are called the "Bob Blackwell Methods of Practical Horsemanship and Hoofmanship" and the training program is called the Pracical Horsemanship Developmental Training Programs or "Hoss Logic".

My practical horsemanship training program goes beyond understanding and communication  to delve into both external and and internal factors which motivate a horses behavioral responses. There is no need to rely on force or gimmicks in this program since these have been bypassed in preference to a genuine understanding of equine behavior. The practical horseman strives to apply knowledge, understanding, and communication  to "out  think" or "think ahead" of the horse.  The whole process of developing  communication skills, addressing external and internal  factors involved with the complete horses, and nurturing the WILL within a horse to do what is asked of it is what is called "horse sense" and my grandpa called,  "Hoss Logic" .

In practical horsemanship the combination of nature and nurture, or the natural along with the "nurtural",  go hand in hand. Through this supportive process a genuine "attitude change"  as a result of nurturing can be achieved as opposed to strictly blind obedience or involuntary natural reaction.  A "nurtural" environment is one that is not intimidating to either horse or rider and so permits a calm reassuring setting in which a more complete relationship between horse and rider can be achieved and new lessons more easily accepted, processed, and learned.

A practical horseman strives to understand and communicate with his or her horse,  but will also look to evaluate the complete horse for indications of any specific needs the horse may have that would effect either attitude or performance. These are the needs which must be addressed in order for a horse to be able to live and perform comfortably and safely at its very best. Understanding outside and inside influences on your horse and knowing when to secure outside help to remedy some of the problems you may encounter are as important as communication is to good horsemanship and basic nurturing. It's just plain "Hoss Logic."
 

My "Practical Hoofmanship" shoeing program teaches horse shoeing and hoof maintenance starting with the basics. The instruction consists of sound and practical shoeing techniques, which I call "Practical Hoofmanship." The "Hoofmanship"  program is available at different levels. One is a basic level for those who don't want to do the actual work of trimming or shoeing their own horses but want to be knowledgeable about shoeing, trimming and foot care in order to secure the best foot care for their horse and speak knowledgeably to their farrier.  The other is a more detailed level of training starting at the basics and going through the advanced levels for those who want to learn to do hoof  trimming and shoeing correctly  within a structured program of equine hoof and foot management. I have successfully used these teaching methods and principles of shoeing professionally since the 1950s.

Copyright 2001 by Bob and Charlotte Blackwell. All rights reserved.

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