Poems

Praise By Pat Buls, Copyright 2011 In satisfying your request The horse will surely do his best To figure what it is you want— To him it’s like a treasure hunt! He does whatever he can do To get the right response from you. So when he’s right, confirm his choice With stroke of hand and praise of voice. ‘Cause if you don’t he’ll never know He did it like you wanted – so He’ll just keep tryin’ different moves, But soon his interest you will lose. And when his patience he has lost His choice might be that you get tossed… So praise him when he’s bein’ good And he’ll behave just like he should!
Back Country Horseman By Pat Buls I grew up in the city, and as long as I recall Of all the things I wanted, it was horses most of all. I spent my FIRST ten years in search of any pony I could find-- My folks could see a pony'd be their only peace of mind. So they started me in Pony Club, and soon I had my own. My love of horses sparked me, even after I was grown-- I rode with cowboys and with Indians, where buffalo still roam. I even rode with cavalries--abroad and here at home! I've ridden in the show ring, over fences, on the flat. I was the ONLY female rider in the country--fancy that! That was down in South America, where "macho" is the king-- They called me "muy macha"--I was National Champeen!! And now I'm leadin' folks into the country, way outback-- They're learnin' how to manty up a load, an' how to pack. We'll be headin' for the mountains in another month or two, To camp out in the wilderness an' do what horsemen do. We'll be helpin' with the clearin' and the maintenance of trails So that folks can get around up there, and hike the hills an' dales. And when our grandkids learn to ride, and want to go there, too, They'll be able to, because of horsemen just like me and you.
No Talking! Copyright Pat Buls, 7/08 Most folks have learned to verbalize their fears, concerns and wishes, but some folks can’t be silent even when it is propitious— They talk and talk and never even feel the horse’s movement, and then they wonder why their ridin’ never shows improvement… The fact is that yer brain has different sides fer different talents— the gift of gab’s on one side, but the other side’s yer balance. And even though they say we don’t use All of our grey matter— It’s tryin’ to use both sides at once T’will cause yer brain to scatter! If you can learn to shut yer mouth and ride yer horse by feelin’, you’ll be a better rider and yer horse won’t feel like squealin’!!!
No Whining! Copyright Pat Buls, 3/08 So, what is the language of horses? It’s loud and it’s clear and it’s quick— His statements are far more emphatic Than what you can do with your stick! He speaks with the forces of Nature— With teeth and with hoof and with might— And if there’s a misunderstanding, It ends in a terrible fight. But once he has gained a consensus Of who is the boss of the herd, It’s seldom he ever delivers A harsh or discouraging word. So if you would have conversation With those of the Species Equine You must learn to speak loud and clearly— Or what he will hear is a whine... That nagging wee voice that annoys him Will give him a bad attitude. You’ll find that your horse’s rebuttals Will get downright ugly, and rude! You must be assertive but pleasant— Insist that he always comply, But make your instruction seem easy— Reward him for even a try. What motivates horses and humans --Besides feeling fuzzy and warm— Is getting rewarded with sweetness, And having some fun on the farm!