to the Horseman’s Way - the horse first, human second approach to obtaining a foundation leading to a partnership.
Learn to approach any teaching opportunity from the horse’s point of view first, and know why.
Our goal is to inspire horse owners to increase their knowledge and understanding of horses and horse psychology, and to use it to achieve whatever purpose the human has a desire for.
What is Foundation?
Foundation is the building block for anything you wish to do with your horse.
The skills you as your horse’s leader must have to cause the horse to do your sport or purpose. Foundation mirrors the academic pathway we take to achieve our Masters or career.
All to often the human chooses a sport/purpose and goes directly to that training without having a language and partnership with the horse, the outcome does not match the image in our minds.
Both horses and humans need skills before the purpose for neither to suffer in the journey to excellence.
This play session (yes play vs work attitude)was after a 2 week hiatus!
Teaching vs Training
When anything is taught and learned, it is there. It doesn’t matter how often or how little you use it, rarely do you need to relearn it. The alphabet is a great example. How often do you say your alphabet? I bet if asked you could do it with unconscious competence, without any mental or emotional angst.
Training requires repetition. Athletes train to maintain muscle conditioning, strength and stamina. I’ve heard trainers remark that if you give your horse a break from training, it will be like starting from the beginning.
If you have taught your horse well, you can start right where you left off. Your horse and you might be physically out of shape but mentally and emotionally sound and ready to progress.
Ask why?
Unfortunately for horses, humans can see without seeing. We have become oblivious to the horse’s body language and reactions.
I recently was watching a documentary on training the driving horse. The owner remarked at how well the horse was responding to the training while showing the footage. I argued that the horse was not responding but reacting. His tail was tight, his eyes were wide and his jaw was clenched. We need to learn to see, and ask why?
Remember as a child or being around a child who continually asks "why", gets an answer and then asks “but why?" This continues until the adult says, "because I said so!"
“Because” is not an answer.
Don’t accept it.
Ask why!
Join us on the Horseman’s Way!
Home
