I teach horsemanship naturally, progressively and in a way that builds on the foundation of a great relationship between horse and human.
You call your horse from across the field, and he comes running to you, leading the herd. As the rest go thundering by, your horse stops next to you and knickers as he gently rubs his head on your sleeve. You smile and greet him with your heart in your hand as you softly stroke the length of his neck. He follows you to the gate where he patiently waits for the halter, as if you really need it. He would do anything for you.
Everything that you do together is seamless. … going through gates, grooming and tacking up, loading into the trailer, and all of the tasks that you do for sport or purpose. All you need to do is have a clear picture of what you want, and he fills in the rest. He has confidence in your leadership and seeks to be with you above all others. You know what he needs from you in the timing and feel of your communication. Yours is a working partnership that most people just dream of. If they only knew how easy it was and how natural it felt.
When you are riding your horse, it’s as if he were an extension of you. He tracks your slightest shift in focus and matches your energy the way nature intended him to follow his mother and then his leader. As a gregarious animal, he feels what you feel and senses your every intent. Turns and transitions are effortless. And because he is relaxed and balanced, he is able to perform at his best athletically. From this point in your relationship, there is nothing that you can’t do together. The most difficult maneuvers come easily, because you have laid the foundation of respect, communication, emotional collection, and finally physical collection all without force or intimidation.
Horses are living, thinking, feeling animals just like us. Yes, skills such as timing, balance, technique and using the right tools do play a big part in good horsemanship. But nothing will help you to live your dream with your horse except trust, respect and good communication. Every relationship in your life is built on those things. Why should horsemanship be any different? ...Are you living your dream?