I have attended many horsemanship clinics by other people and of those that talk about ‘soft feel’ not one of them ever explained the distinction between a ‘soft feel’ and ‘softness’. In fact, most use the terms interchangeably as if they were identical.
Separation Anxiety - A Measure of Our Relationship
Separation anxiety is not a problem that needs fixing. It’s the relationship that needs fixing. It’s the trust and confidence in being with us that needs fixing. Any approach that does not include building trust and confidence in us and eventually in the horse itself is a bandaid, not a solution. Separation anxiety is an important metric we can use to gauge our relationship.
Does A Horse Need A Job?
Two Ways to Achieve Focus
In my book, The Essence of Good Horsemanship the first major section discusses the importance of a horse’s focus and how to achieve it and maintain it. That’s because focus is perhaps the most important requirement even before the teaching can begin. If a horse is not paying attention, we trainers are doing little more than talking to ourselves.
What's Wrong With Classical Training
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.