10/11/2022
There has been a vast (AND DANGEROUS) increase in ‘professionals’ spreading a message that panders to the feelings of people to make them feel good versus telling them the real raw truth of what it takes to have a safe, fun, reliable horse with a great relationship between them and their horse.
This is right on trend that we’ve seen in western culture where people want to change things as black and white as science to make themselves feel better and it’s dangerous on many levels- including with horses!
Mother Nature is very clear.
Horse herd dynamics are quite straight forward.
And when we work with the horse in a way they understand it is quite simple. Not always easy- but simple.
When people start letting their feelings of WANTING or even saying they NEED a relationship with their horse, this drastically effects how they interact with their horse. And too often I hear people who have gotten hurt because they were trying to do something that was going to make them feel good versus doing what the horse needs first!
Here’s the thing. You want a good relationship with your horse??
Provide your horse with what they need in a way the horse can understand and desire more of it because it meets their needs as a horse.
Be aware.
Be clear in your body language.
Be consistent in how you make requests.
Be patient as the horse learns.
Be timely.
Be as firm as necessary but not aggressive.
Be there to comfort and support the horse when necessary.
Be a leader for your horse.
Be understanding and forgiving when you and your horse makes a mistake- it happens.
Don’t be afraid to make sure your horse knows what is and isn’t acceptable- it’s in their best interest today and for the rest of their life. And don’t be afraid to let your horse know when they are doing super well!
I don’t want to see you get hurt. I do want you to have fun with your horse, to have a good relationship with and know they are reliable partners you can do really awesome things with and make great memories. So be aware of when it’s time to cut the BS fluff. There’s a lot of it floating around. It can and ultimately will lead to you getting hurt and your horse developing dangerous behaviors because the ‘professionals’ are trying to meet your needs to get your $$ before they are actually focused on telling you what the horse really needs.
Be careful who you listen to. Be aware of if this is what I want to hear or it this is what my horse needs.
Learn how to read what your horse needs from you.
Keep it simple and straight forward.
It’s not always sunshine, rainbows and unicorns and s**t. There are tough, gritty moments and there are quiet, peaceful, spiritual moments.
And don't forget to have fun.
-Colton Woods
