One of the country's top 'horse whisperers' is coming to Bradford to advise owners on behavioural problems.

Richard Maxwell, a former instructor with the Household Cavalry based in Knightsbridge, learned his skills from the world famous horse trainer Monty Roberts.

Mr Maxwell first saw Monty Roberts demonstrate his 'whispering' for the Queen and later trained with him in California.

His techniques are based on ancient natural methods which focus on the horse's body language.

And next month Mr Maxwell will be running a clinic in Apperley Bridge to help a group of owners with their 'problem' horses.

Christine Hardaker, 48, of Park Avenue, Thackley, Bradford, has organised the event and is appealing for stand-by 'patients' to come forward.

"I organised the event as I've seen Richard Maxwell at shows and demonstrations and was impressed with his work," she said.

Her 12-year-old horse Matty has a schooling problem and his muscles are only developing on one side.

"Horses, like people, can be right or left-handed and Matty is only using one side of his body. As a result his muscles are wasting away on the other side."

But Mrs Hardaker, a pay roll administrator, fears Matty will not be able to attend the clinic because he has had a virus.

"I'm hoping someone can come forward and stand in if he's not up to it on the day," she added.

Mr Maxwell, 35, who this week appeared on Channel 4's Pet Rescue, said he was looking forward to his clinic at Dobson Lock Farm, Apperley Bridge, on June 21.

Talking about his work, which he has done on a freelance basis for nine years, he said: "I use natural methods and rely on non-verbal communication to get the horse to understand what you want from it.

"I deal with all sorts of problems with horses.

"One of the most popular is horses who won't load a box or a trailer. I've had a 100 per cent success rate in this area.

"A lot of people come to me with 'bargy' horses - when the horse just won't be told what to do.

"Basically this kind of horse is a bully and bullies are easily deflated as horses are naturally timid creatures.

"It's about learning what makes them tick and what drives them instinctively."

He added he would be helping the five horse owners to learn to work with their horses themselves.

Anyone who is interested in being a stand-by for the clinic can contact Mrs Hardaker on 07787 124183.

e-mail: carolyne.coyle@-bradford.newsquest.co.uk

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