Douglas Havens
Equestrian Expert
Douglas Havens is an Equestrian Expert based in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania. Douglas is the Owner and CEO of Havens Hideout Ranch and has over 40 years of experience riding and training horses. He grew up on a cattle ranch working cows and horses and this experience evolved into a lifelong passion for training horses. He founded Havens Hideout Ranch to introduce the East to the West and to share his love for horses and the Cowboy lifestyle with the residents of Pennsylvania. At Havens Hideout Ranch, Douglas offers a myriad of services, including guided western trail rides, private events and parties, horsemanship clinics, and more.
Education
- Associate's degrees in both Paralegal Studies and Conflict Resolution & Mediation
Professional Achievements
- Has fully trained over 60 horses in his lifetime
Certifications & Organizations
- Part of the Wild Mustang training incentive program through BLM (Bureau of Land Management); has already trained 10 horses through this program
- Served as a Board Member for over 5 years with the Royal Gorge Rodeo Association
Favorite Piece of Advice
It is very important to communicate with your horse. Gain your horse's trust and respect, and have patience. Once you have built respect and trust, horses will want to follow you and learn.
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Q&A Comments (4)
Are there any other ways to make my horse's coat shine?
When it comes to enhancing the shine of my horses' coats, I emphasize a natural approach. While ensuring they receive essential nutrients through their diet, I prioritize their overall well-being by allowing them ample freedom to roam. To maintain their health, I address any nutritional gaps using natural methods. While I generally prefer a holistic approach, occasionally, if their coat lacks luster, I may administer supplements or nutrients to boost their vitality. It's worth noting that factors like regular grooming, a balanced diet, and proper hydration also play key roles in promoting a naturally vibrant and shiny coat for horses.
Why do they do this? Are there any other reasons why horses bite each other?
Biting in horses is typically associated with establishing dominance within the herd hierarchy, a behavior rooted in their natural inclination for a pecking order. Horses, being herd animals, engage in various behaviors like fighting, kicking, biting, and chasing each other to determine a leader. This hierarchy is crucial for maintaining order within the group. When introducing a new horse, biting may occur as they establish their positions.
Why does my horse bite others while riding? How do I stop it?
During rides, some horses may display dominant behavior by reaching out to bite others, asserting their leadership even when positioned behind. To manage this, maintaining a distance of two to three feet between horses can often deter biting and establish a sense of order. It's essential to understand that such behaviors are inherent to their nature and may not be entirely preventable, but strategic management can help minimize instances of biting.
