"When we first purchased Tennessee Walking Horses, I felt like a caveman with a ratchet set. I had no idea how to use this wonderful new tool," says Bucky. "We would be going down the road at a hard pace and think we were doing great!"

Our search for knowledge took us to Tennessee where we found the traditional training methods cruel. We felt there had to be a better way to modify gait other than the use of long shank bits, heavy shoes and soring.

The answer was found in classical dressage and natural horsemanship. If a horse learns to carry himself in a balanced, loose and engaged manner, then softness and soundness are the natural result.  This is the philosophy behind B.L.E.S.S., an acronym for balance, looseness, engagement, softness and soundness. B.L.E.S.S. is a holistic approach to training that addresses a gymnastisized body and a confident mind.

Says Bucky, "If a horse is using tight, resistant muscles, then the gaits will be rough.  If he is nervous and fearful, true partnership is impossible.  We want our horses to be sound in body and mind. We want a friend for life."