Natural horsemanship revolutionized the way that we interact with horses.  Even if you do not follow one of the big natural horsemanship methods, you likely have some knowledge of them.  I think that even individuals who say that they do not use natural horsemanship techniques have still been influenced, to some degree, in their approach to horses by the influence natural horsemanship has had on the attitudes of the industry.  Even the non-equestrian culture has been made aware of this…

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One of the things I see missing most when people talk about the horse-human relationship, whether they specifically mention that term or are talking about anything concerning horses and humans, is an understanding of what relationship is really about.  Most of the time, people focus on training a horse to do a certain task – stand still, move, trailer load, change lead, you name it – without recognizing that everything we do with a horse revolves around the relationship we have with our…

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Last week I gave a lesson to a student of mine, Stephanie, who has a Welsh Cobmare that she has been driving and riding. The horse is very fearful and so shehad started doing the Uberstreichen Exercises and working on getting hercomfortable in her territory.

The problem I noticed with this mare was that although she was doing well withthe Waterhole Rituals™, when she was brought to the barn, she did not want…

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5. Interactive Play

Once you have introduced your horse to a variety of things, it is important to try and give the objects a purpose or make them part of your play.

 

This is were you get to be creative and think of ways you can incorporate your ground and riding cues into challenging games that can test your communication, build confidence, and ultimately build a better…

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3. Provide a Focus:

As a protective and great leader, it is also your job to provide a focus to your partnership. Everything you do should be because you provided that focus or goal. Your focus can be as simple as ‘lets graze’ or

more complex like ‘lets perform alternating flying lead changes.’

No matter what you choose for your focus, you need to know what you are doing, and your…

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2. Protect Your Horse:

While protecting yourself and your space, you need to protect your horse. This means protecting your horse from any human, animal, or objects that could hurt him.

This responsibility starts as soon as you enter the paddock – you need to make sure that no other horse…

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This is a story I love to tell...and even though it happened 6 years ago now...my eyes still water when I think of it. Six years ago now Mom underwent triple by-pass and aortic valve replacement surgery. When my brother, sister, and I saw her in recovery right after the surgery at about 6:00 in the evening we thought she didn't look too bad considering her age..80...and what she had just been through. We were relieved it was over and encouraged by the way she looked. It had been a long 6…

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Please Like Me! The Power of Non-Demanding Time

Develop the Partnership you have always dreamed for!

 

You can force horses to do many things, but forcing a horse to like and trust you is impossible. A horse…

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I have noticed this a lot recently, I don't know if it is me looking at the world through adults eyes, or whether it is just becoming more and more common, that so many people are buying and riding horses as they would buy and drive a car, let me elaborate.



My mare Navara, I have had since November, and have barely ridden her because I feel her confidence and ability to cope mentally with being ridden is not as high as it should be, she is receiving reiki, and is also having a… Continue

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In my previous blog post, we looked at how the interactions wild horses use within a herd to maintain harmony and unity can also be used by us humans to help develop a horse’s character in the same way.



Now let’s look at the different personality types within the society of wild horses and how that applies to our relationship with horses and what we can learn.



In nature, the spectrum of the equine personality goes from “submissive” to “dominant” but at the top… Continue

As a student of equine communication and behavior, I believe there is a vital ingredient missing in today’s equestrian world. I think that the foundation of any relationship with a horse not based on a deep connection can, and indeed does, lead to problems. To add this vital ingredient, I recommend that before you even start to train a horse with traditional methods, you take the time to bond with him and shape his character and attitude to fit in harmony with you. My focus is on… Continue