Hempfling - Different approach to being with horses

[Bluey]

@Benv

You are saying that anybody can do this - this is a horse with no bridle or any other tack, in an open area and the horse does not want to do something. The horse is not trained to do it thousnad times somewhere else - this is not what this gut is doing with horses. Show me a video of somebody doing the same thing - not just words. I could not find anything like this - and I have been looking for it.

This was some time late 1980’s, first picture was my first ride on this horse early spring, second one was taken before we went to gather and move cattle that fall at shipping time.
Cattle were in the canyons, in the brush, we gathered them and drove them up to the plains pastures, to ship a few days later.
A neighbor had sold me this horse because he was running away with people.
As we were leaving to gather some pastures, my neighbor asked how he was doing.
I said great, he rides wonderfully and never thought of running off at all.
To demonstrate I took the bridle off and moved him a bit around in front of the tack room.
Neighbor teased, you would not ride him like this now?
I said, well yes, I can and did.
Didn’t even take a bridle with me, horse was great, a few hours later we finally rode to our trailers we had previously taken to the plains and brought the horses back home.

People have trained horses and ridden without a bridle when on well trained horse and in suitable situations before.
You can find tons of such videos on youtube, look at reining horses, this one the bridle came off and she continued without one:

Dan Huss and Ms Dreamy at the AQHA World Show

There are whole freestyle classes where some ride without bridles in competition, some cutting classes are for bridle less horses:

Stacy Westfall Championship Bareback & Bridleless Freestyle Reining with...

If someone is insisting no one has done it before and has an adoring following, what can we say but, there is one born every minute is true and that phrase is not new either.

[Fiesta01]

Perfect!

[SillyHorse]

@Mara

And she really, really needed to wear a sports bra for that. They weren’t really “bouncing”, more like being lifted up and slammed repeatedly into her ribcage. Ouch.

His junk is flapping around pretty good, too.

[bdj]

I feel compelled to point out that Heffalumps and Woozles are from Winnie the Pooh, not Dr. Seuss.
Heffalumps and Woozles https://g.co/kgs/RSpUo1
(Long ago, when dinosaurs walked the earth, I rode a big grey named Jefe, and of course, his nickname became Heffalump, and then my guy became Woozle and the black mare had to be Jagular, so there was much singing of the song for a while)

[Benv]

Since you are very involved in the theme and in comparing yourself and your skills with the experienced horse Master KFH - what do you think about this video showing the development of a stallion through unique body-language?

The Huge Impact of KFH Body-Language - Dance of the Free & Collected...

[StB.YM]

It seems to me that @Benv is trying to boost this person’s YouTube channel, by driving traffic towards it. Usually for YouTube, any engagement is good engagement

[SummerRose]

One stallion? Eh, pretty.

Six mares? Impressive.

Liberty with 6 Arabian Horses

(Correction: several mares and a gelding or two.)

[Paint_Party]

@StB.YM

Usually for YouTube, any engagement is good engagement

How many of these insipid videos does one need to watch before earning the title of Horse Master?

(Asking for a friend).

[fledermaus]

Just speaking personally, I could not be less interested in a philosophy of horsemanship which doesn’t involve actual horses. I’m sorry if that hurts anyone’s feelings.

[StB.YM]

I saw this and thought it was extremely fitting for this discussion.

[Jealoushe]

It’s been said many times already but this isn’t what you think it is. This is pretty typical training style used by natural horsemanship type people. And it’s not even good.

[chestnutmarebeware]

Ms. Dreamy has a place in my barn whenever she’s ready to make the move!

[Benv]

I must address the ongoing conversation that has spanned over 200 posts, as it is necessary to express my perspective on the matter.

1. It appears that the majority of participants, with very few positive exceptions, in this conversation form a closed circle that lacks an open mind. Instead of engaging in a respectful discussion with an outsider who presents a different opinion, the replies have been characterized by attacks and an unwillingness to consider alternative viewpoints.
2. Regrettably, many comments have been personal attacks directed either at me or at the author of the essay to which I referred. Such behavior does not foster a conducive environment for constructive conversation.
3. Furthermore, it seems that the content of my original post was compeletely misunderstood and ignored. It took a considerable number of replies before we even touched upon the original question. Instead, the focus shifted to evaluating the skills of the essay’s author, despite the fact that it was never my intention to discuss this matter here. Rest assured – I have never had the doubts as to his level of work with horses or as a consultant, person and author – this has not changed and I was never meaning to discuss it here.
4. I have observed that the prevailing manner in which opinions are expressed here primarily consists of generalizations, the use of low-level language, personal attacks, and aggression. As I peruse these lengthy pages of text, what becomes evident is a group of individuals who deeply believe that something threatens their entire concept and perception, causing them to fiercely defend their views with shockingly low-level arguments due to a lack of substantial evidence.
5. It seems that fear of an alternative perspective, one that challenges the beliefs you hold dear, has led to an outright refusal to even consider or respect the possibility that others may see, live, and understand things differently.
6. The unwavering conviction that there is only one valid path, namely your own, has resulted in tearing apart anyone who dares to suggest that there might be something else. This is accomplished through aggression, generalizations, and personal attacks, instead of remaining focused on the facts and relevant equestrian topics – which would leave an opening for an actual exchange of arguments.
7. I am horrified by the insulting, disrespectful language used to address a person of internationally renowned name, reputation, and proven track record. I must ask: who do you think you are referring to? In what universe is this an acceptable manner of providing criticism? While this may be the norm within this forum, beware that there are thousands of well-educated and respected individuals who understand the exceptional work Klaus Ferdinand Hempfling has done and doing for the benefit of horses.
8. As one examples “Horses for Life magazine”, which provides constructive criticism and possesses the knowledge and expertise to evaluate figures like Mr. Hempfling. “I have never seen a horseman like him” is how is starts.

The Natural Horseman – explained by HORSES FOR LIFE Magazine

[AMackechnie]

Best not to click on any of the links and videos as it’s just promoting the humbug.

[Bluey]

@Benv

I must address the ongoing conversation that has spanned over 200 posts, as it is necessary to express my perspective on the matter.

1. It appears that the majority of participants, with very few positive exceptions, in this conversation form a closed circle that lacks an open mind. Instead of engaging in a respectful discussion with an outsider who presents a different opinion, the replies have been characterized by attacks and an unwillingness to consider alternative viewpoints.
2. Regrettably, many comments have been personal attacks directed either at me or at the author of the essay to which I referred. Such behavior does not foster a conducive environment for constructive conversation.
3. Furthermore, it seems that the content of my original post was compeletely misunderstood and ignored. It took a considerable number of replies before we even touched upon the original question. Instead, the focus shifted to evaluating the skills of the essay’s author, despite the fact that it was never my intention to discuss this matter here. Rest assured – I have never had the doubts as to his level of work with horses or as a consultant, person and author – this has not changed and I was never meaning to discuss it here.
4. I have observed that the prevailing manner in which opinions are expressed here primarily consists of generalizations, the use of low-level language, personal attacks, and aggression. As I peruse these lengthy pages of text, what becomes evident is a group of individuals who deeply believe that something threatens their entire concept and perception, causing them to fiercely defend their views with shockingly low-level arguments due to a lack of substantial evidence.
5. It seems that fear of an alternative perspective, one that challenges the beliefs you hold dear, has led to an outright refusal to even consider or respect the possibility that others may see, live, and understand things differently.
6. The unwavering conviction that there is only one valid path, namely your own, has resulted in tearing apart anyone who dares to suggest that there might be something else. This is accomplished through aggression, generalizations, and personal attacks, instead of remaining focused on the facts and relevant equestrian topics – which would leave an opening for an actual exchange of arguments.
7. I am horrified by the insulting, disrespectful language used to address a person of internationally renowned name, reputation, and proven track record. I must ask: who do you think you are referring to? In what universe is this an acceptable manner of providing criticism? While this may be the norm within this forum, beware that there are thousands of well-educated and respected individuals who understand the exceptional work Klaus Ferdinand Hempfling has done and doing for the benefit of horses.
8. As one examples “Horses for Life magazine”, which provides constructive criticism and possesses the knowledge and expertise to evaluate figures like Mr. Hempfling. “I have never seen a horseman like him” is how is starts.

[chestnutmarebeware]

Is this your first time on the internet?

Knowledgeable subject matter experts don’t have “conversations” with people promoting obvious snake oil, no matter the platform.

(Except maybe Truth Social . Maybe you should post there.)

[Old_Mac_Donald]

@Benv

beware that there are thousands of well-educated and respected individuals who understand the exceptional work Klaus Ferdinand Hempfling has done and doing for the benefit of horses.

Name one.

[findeight]

@Benv

• beware that there are thousands of well-educated and respected individuals who understand the exceptional work Klaus Ferdinand Hempfling has done and doing for the benefit of horses.

Do you mean “be aware” or “beware” as a threat? That could be seen as offensive whether intended or not. Perhaps a more English fluent proof reader?

Perhaps the fact much of this work is away from actual horses is beneficial, to the horses. I shall now exit this narcissistic nonsense with the Winnie the Pooh stuck in my head.

[SummerRose]

@Benv

I must address the ongoing conversation that has spanned over 200 posts, as it is necessary to express my perspective on the matter.

1. It appears that the majority of participants, with very few positive exceptions, in this conversation form a closed circle that lacks an open mind. Instead of engaging in a respectful discussion with an outsider who presents a different opinion, the replies have been characterized by attacks and an unwillingness to consider alternative viewpoints.
2. Regrettably, many comments have been personal attacks directed either at me or at the author of the essay to which I referred. Such behavior does not foster a conducive environment for constructive conversation.
3. Furthermore, it seems that the content of my original post was compeletely misunderstood and ignored. It took a considerable number of replies before we even touched upon the original question. Instead, the focus shifted to evaluating the skills of the essay’s author, despite the fact that it was never my intention to discuss this matter here. Rest assured – I have never had the doubts as to his level of work with horses or as a consultant, person and author – this has not changed and I was never meaning to discuss it here.
4. I have observed that the prevailing manner in which opinions are expressed here primarily consists of generalizations, the use of low-level language, personal attacks, and aggression. As I peruse these lengthy pages of text, what becomes evident is a group of individuals who deeply believe that something threatens their entire concept and perception, causing them to fiercely defend their views with shockingly low-level arguments due to a lack of substantial evidence.
5. It seems that fear of an alternative perspective, one that challenges the beliefs you hold dear, has led to an outright refusal to even consider or respect the possibility that others may see, live, and understand things differently.
6. The unwavering conviction that there is only one valid path, namely your own, has resulted in tearing apart anyone who dares to suggest that there might be something else. This is accomplished through aggression, generalizations, and personal attacks, instead of remaining focused on the facts and relevant equestrian topics – which would leave an opening for an actual exchange of arguments.
7. I am horrified by the insulting, disrespectful language used to address a person of internationally renowned name, reputation, and proven track record. I must ask: who do you think you are referring to? In what universe is this an acceptable manner of providing criticism? While this may be the norm within this forum, beware that there are thousands of well-educated and respected individuals who understand the exceptional work Klaus Ferdinand Hempfling has done and doing for the benefit of horses.
8. As one examples “Horses for Life magazine”, which provides constructive criticism and possesses the knowledge and expertise to evaluate figures like Mr. Hempfling. “I have never seen a horseman like him” is how is starts.

Well.

We’ve been schooled.

[Alterration]

You have this very poorly mischaracterized.

You started a thread, being brand new to the forum, wanting to promote your master. You wanted a discussion, or so you claimed in the first few posts.

You got a discussion. People didn’t agree with you. That happens on the internet and in life.

You continued to push a narrative, and post materials you felt supported your cause. The majority of experienced horse people here explained that you were incorrect in what you were seeing and explained our perspective.

You continue to take offense at being disagreed with, using extreme language and hyperbole instead of simply acknowledging that this thread that you started isn’t going the way you had planned or hoped.

By presenting “your master” the way you have, you have opened him up to criticism. Who are we to do so? We are experienced horsepeople who look at claims like his with a somewhat jaded eye because we have seen many claims like his before. Always in horsemanship there is someone claiming to do something someone has never done before, a new “true way”.

This whole board is full of people discussing and sharing different training, feeding, care, and welfare issues for horses. We have a breadth of different experiences and perspectives which is amazing. Trying to elbow your way in and insist your master has something super duper special and that we should all fall in line is not only arrogant it is terribly misguided.

And many threads here make over 200 posts. We are a very engaged community. You can choose to stay and learn, or you can try to go sell your snake oil somewhere else.