What is a 3S© horse?

There is a saying "if you don't know what it looks like you won't know when you have it."  This applies to everything people say they want in a horse. 

One of the toughest things to do it to look at ourselves and those we love, in this case our horse, in a realistic and analytical way.  While tough, this is critical to the Safety, Sanity & Success method©process. 

The basis of this process is "you can't solve what you don't acknowledge." 

3S© "Perfect Horse". 

3S© horse must respect your:

            space

            body language

            attitude

3S© horse must willingly accept:

            Physical contact with and in Ears/Eyes/Nose/Mouth/Body parts

            Training devices and tack as required for specific disciples when properly used

            Medication (shots, paste, liquid's etc.)

            Veterinarian activity

            Farrier activity

            Chiropractic activity

            Acupuncturist activity

            Trailering calmly in different types of trailers

            Standing tied in crowds and alone

3S© horse must be responsive to your instructions:

            Head down

            Alert & attentive

            Waiting for instructions

            Move off of pressure

            Flexion

            Soft, supple when moving           

            Willing to go where and when asked

            Lead on loose line and isn't distracted by you or others less experienced

            Remain calm and attentive when other horses are misbehaving or in crisis.

Objective review of your horse with a fresh perspective 

It is important to be conscience and aware of the behavior you are willing to accept and under what circumstances.

Respectful:

The horse should be alert & looking at you as you approach.  His attention should be focused on you.  You should feel safe & comfortable and the horse should be relaxed.   

Accepting:

Horse willingly accepts physical contact involving all body parts.  He quietly accepts all tools, training devices, tack, etc.  Health care providers are able to work safely on the horse. 

Responsive:

Horse responds promptly & quietly to any instruction given.   He remains willing in mind and soft & supple in body. 

Few horses will meet this model all the time but continuing to strive towards this model will ensure progress towards Safety, Sanity and Success©.

The 3S© horse should be able to calmly participate in a variety of disciplines.  Example of expected behaviors in addition to what has been listed are:

Trail Behavior:

 Walk, trot, canter, gallop and transition between gaits within 2 strides maximum. Move through obstacles with a willing attitude and without evasive behaviors and with minimum encouragement. Maintain requested gait for a minimum of a mile. Minimum or no reaction to surprises on the trail (deer, turkeys, walkers, bikes, other horses, atv, dirt bikes) Cross clear and/or muddy and or swiftly moving streams including sliding into water from a stream or river bank with minimum encouragement. Only eat or drink on trail when permission is given. Must maintain a variety of positions in a group of riders (lead, middle, follow) in a calm and relaxed manner. Back up as required - especially to back out of dangerous or trails that are dead ends and there isn't a turn around.

Showing & Gaming Behavior:  Perform discipline appropriately.  Enter and leave arena in a calm and obedient manner.  Obey leg cues to go where requested when participating in games.  Maintains focus on what the horse was asked to do, not distracted by others.

Learning new skills: Willingly learns new techniques and skills that are appropriate for the confirmation, condition and talents. Accepts new environments calmly.