I respect and admire horse people who know so much and have so much skill that they can train at an elite level. But it makes me want to cry when I see them lead a horse like it was their first horse or struggle to help a horse that is worried to walk through the arena gate. Many of my regular students could help their horses better. If they truly believe the basics are so important to the more advanced training, how can they skip so many of the basics and fail the horses so miserably?
The Tipping Point
The tipping point is different for each relationship. But when you are struggling to get along with a horse, it’s the point where you transition from rough seas to smooth waters. On the other side of the tipping point is what brings happiness to the relationship and not just tolerance. It’s where the partnership begins. In this place, the reasons for becoming a better horse person go beyond winning ribbons or creating submission or even staying safe. The reasons become about sharing time and adventures with a friend that is like no other friend you have.
Evasion vs Yielding in Training
Horse Making A Decision
Horses speak silently, but communicate loudly.
Some people believe horses do not process thoughts and make choices based on their thoughts. In this video I break down the decision making process my mare, Six experiences when making a decision. I hope it helps people become more aware of how busy their brains are and how to better read their thoughts.
Letting Horses Make Decisions
When I was first starting to learn about horses and horsemanship, my teachers all had rules that I was meant to follow. I was to mount from the left of the horse. I was to lead a horse from my right. I was to ask a horse to pick up its feet by pinching the chestnut. When there was a disagreement with a horse I was to always make sure I won. If a horse turned its tail towards me I had to always correct it. A horse should not be allowed to stop when it had a bathroom moment.