Developing a Quality Relationship with the Horse

Every week I receive 20-30 "Ask the Trainer requests"... From unwanted trail behavior/lack of manners to groundwork issues to equipment suggestions to feeding options, etc. from around the world. People often expect a "step by step" or "cut and dry" answer. Their focus is on the unwanted physical action without considering the horse's mental or emotional status.

With every question submitted, I can visualize the "lost" horses by how their owners are describing their "unwanted" behaviors- kicking, biting, heavy on the bit, spooky, aggressive on the ground, kicking out when asked for a flying lead change, charging jumps, panicking at shows, herd bound issues, neurotic behavior in their stall/pasture, weight issues, etc. Most people usually don't search for help until it is dangerously obvious they are no longer able to "ignore" or "handle" a behavior their horse is displaying.

 

Based on the way most people interpret articles in horse magazines/publications, equine-related websites, and watch videos on "training"- the public has become used to searching for a quick "how-to" answer when having a problem with their horse. They tend to leave their common sense behind and try to emulate a certain "look," exercise, pattern, etc. they saw someone else do with a horse.

 

The problem with owners watching "instructional" horse obedience focused training series or buying the latest gimmick training method, is many are unaware they have "skipped" crucial parts in recognizing how one's body movement, energy, emotions, awareness, and coordination affect the effectiveness of their communication. 

 

Trying to "keep up" with everyone else created many problems reaching the point of dangerous situations as a result of attempting to push through the horse's resistance... Which often leads to injury in themselves or the horses.

 

For those new to my Alternative Horsemanship approach, I don't offer a "step 1, 2, & 3" easy answer to horse problems. Instead, the initial goal is to educate horse owners to influence a change in their thinking and perceptions, while letting go of assumptions. The shift in one's mindset affects intention and approach, creating an opportunity to develop a quality relationship focused on understanding the horse and having two-way communication. This influences the equine's mental availability and achieving the physically desired result without trauma or fear.

 

Each person is at a different "spot" in their abilities, awareness, experiences, etc. Frequently people are unclear about why the unwanted is occurring. Add in misinterpretations when receiving advice, and unrealistic expectations, while searching for a "cure-all" answer, the "solutions" often create more issues than answers with the horse.

 

Not everyone is born a "horse trainer," but every interaction is a learning moment for the horse. If the goal was allowing oneself to take the time to develop skills (theory is different than reality) to offer intentional "quality" communication, rather than hurried or chaotic demands, most of all common unwanted behaviors would not exist.