Reference: This is an excerpt from an interview by Mark Mottershead as published on www.horseconscious.com

Chuck Mintzlaff is a pioneer of the ‘Friendship Training’ concept. His philosophy and way of life can be summed up by the phrase: ‘First do no harm.’

As Chuck says,“But as with many things that are simple, the underpinnings are a bit more complex. ‘First do no harm’ entails every aspect of our horse’s mental, emotional and physical well-being. That involves quite a few different aspects!”

Further Information On Friendship Training by Chuck

“I always recommends to prospective students a preliminary if not greater in-depth understanding of equine culture and normal herd dynamics in their natural environment that can only be gained from equine research scientists and ethologists (NOT the anecdotal musings of ‘trainers’). As you continue through the Levels, various other reading/study requirements are strongly recommended in addition to the required study curriculum.

We realize that for some, this may be regarded as ‘going back to night school.’ But really, the required reading/study material is minimal, and it will give you a much greater, in-depth understanding not only of your horse, (and ALL horses) but also WHY we still have so many behavioral issues and ‘horse problems’ after working with an animal that has remained unchanged mentally, emotionally and instinctually for 6,000 years.”

You can learn more about Friendship Training below and at:
http://www.friendshiptraining.org/