This week I (virtually) sit down with Jennifer Poulin of Cold Hollow Hoofcare, LLC to talk a little about horsemanship. For the past 15 years Jen has been on a journey of learning about horsemanship – apprenticing, attending clinics, lessons, and watching many wonderful quality horse men and women. She has taken the time to tell us a little about how this journey has influenced her work and her riding.
Jen, can you tell us a little about yourself and your business?
I’m just about to turn 42 years old, which means that I’ve been a full time farrier for 10 years. I started Cold Hollow Hoofcare LLC in 2010 and it’s been the most rewarding, challenging, and humbling career.
I am first and foremost an animal lover. From my earliest memories, I knew I would end up in the animal industry. I have a degree in Biology with a concentration in Zoology. I have dabbled in any animal related job from vet assistant to dog sled tours. I started riding at 6 years old in Massachusetts. Horses have always been my sanctuary; it wasn’t until later in my life that I figured that I could use my biology background to help them!
Maybe more importantly, tell us a little about your horses:
Tonka aka Turkey Taco Truck is a 15 year old Morgan, Paint, Quarter Horse, Canadian Chunk, and a little bit Belgian. I purchased him at 10 months old from my farrier at the time. I don’t ride him as much as should, but when I do, he always amazes me with his confidence.
Belle Starr my heart horse. She is 14 years old and was an oops. Her father, a BLM mustang jumped his fence, bred a Paint/Arab mare and my Belle was born in November. I brought her home as a yearling. I feel like can do anything with her.
I raised them both. They are the reason my horsemanship journey took flight to new levels. Both stand perfect for the farrier.
Outside of being an awesome and badass farrier, what is your horsie life like?
I just love to hit the trail with friends. I try to get out every weekend with one or both horses, ponying one off of the other. I’m either under a horse or on one. They live at home with me, so I try to take two days off a week during riding season to trailer them any and everywhere. When I’m not on the trail, I’m usually at a horsemanship clinic. I love giving them a job, like cow working or obstacles.
What does horsemanship mean to you?
One of my teachers said, “It’s not rocket science, but it ain’t easy”. It’s when you and your horse are thinking the exact same thing at the exact same time. When your horse weighs nothing and you feel it.
How did you get interested in horsemanship?
In 2006 I met Dale Donaghy. Fun fact, his mustang Outlaw is my Belle’s dad. I still trim him to this day. Dale took me on as apprentice for 2 years and showed me round pen reasoning. He introduced me to the true innate behaviors of the horse. Dale is a master of TaeKwonDo, I do believe that his background in martial arts and horse teaching were a force of nature.
He taught me how to see horses for the first time. Both of my horses were started with his guidance. If you have met them, I think you’d agree that he did a good job!
Dale is still my go-to problem solver. From him, my journey evolved to delving headfirst into the natural horsemanship world of the Dorrance brothers, Ray Hunt, and Buck Brananman. I can safely say that I have participated in over 25 clinics and counting.
How do you apply these horsemanship lessons to your horses and trail riding?
My horsemanship is all about getting to the mind of the horse through their feet. When I’m on the trail, I’m looking for places to place a left hind, a right front. One or four feet on a rock, a piece on wood. Instead of being a passenger, I like to pick a line and ride it at the speed I choose. Back up a hill, stop, move hind quarters, forehand, tons of soft feels for collection. Go away from the crowd and make sure that my horse is at peace. If not, let’s use the energy to practice side passes and exercises to bring her mind back to me to feel safe. I match her energy with corrections using pressure and release.
What is your general philosophy?
My philosophy is to ride the horse that is presented to me. I try not to give them an excuse list. It’s windy, it’s muddy, she’s afraid of cows, there’s a plane taking off in China. Horses just want to know what to do to survive. It’s up to me to give them the tools to trust me.
There are so many different trainers out there, so how did you decide what methods work best for you?
Oh this is the million dollar question. I like the methods that keep on ticking. Tried and true. I stick with classic buckeroo or vaquero style traditional and classical methods. I stay away from anything that is a program. No numbered steps, no gimmicks. If I have to pay for tool, game, or pay to be part of a group that has one leader and followers, I run for the hills. I like to see street cred on my clinicians, like who did they learn from. Not how many medals, but I like to watch their personal horses. Are they happy? Do they seem soft and supple, etc? Also, for me, I want “aha!” moments and no sugar coating.
A good horse person is like watching paint dry. The horse may blow up at first but learns to be content in their own mind. Timing and feel really what I look for.
What do you do when a client or someone you’re riding with is not practicing good horsemanship?
Another oh boy question. Honestly, I’m not a trainer. Unless someone asks for help, I stay quiet. Of course, if there is dangerous situation, I might have to speak up. I see aggressive bits, tie downs, horses unable to be tied do well on trails. Can they do better, of course. Could I help them be better? Maybe. That’s when I look down at my horse and say thank you.
Are there any resources you would suggest to someone who wants to learn to work better with their horse?
Go to a clinic. Have someone out to your farm to help you learn what proper timing is. Books, YouTube, and DVD sets are great, but until you actually feel that feeling of pure bliss through proper timing, I think at home study can be dangerous. If you send your horse away to a trainer, go be part of it.
What are the most important takeaways that you think we should all apply to our horses?
Important takeaways..hmm. Natural Horsemanship is not a last resort. You don’t need to call “the cowboy” if you started with it in the first place. That’s my biggest peeve. The quality horsemanship cowperson is the most gentle and kind. Yes, it can get ugly before it gets quiet. Ask yourself, how did the horse get this way in the first place? The answer is most likely the human taught the horse that he’s supposed to act like this to survive.
What if you taught the horse how to be at peace from day 1 of your journey together?
I love this thought.
Thank you so much for taking the time to talk with me, Jen!
Happy trails!
Kerrie
