14/09/2025
Beautiful read.
Horsemanship, a Balancing Act between Physical and Emotional Conduct
How a horse responds to us is in many ways the result of our physical and emotional conduct. It is clear that not everyone is in agreement on how the interaction with these animals should take place, but on that I believe we can agree.
The human ego is often mentioned as a culprit for mistakes. The more we want, the less we take into account what the horse would need to feel physically and emotionally secured.
On the opposite end of this spectrum we may find anthropomorphic beliefs and the idea that we are – or should be – equals to the horse and as such interact with one another in perfect harmony.
Anthropomorphism of course is a major pitfall, but when viewing the horse through the science of biology, so is the concept of equality.
I guess we’ve all made our share of mistakes, poor judgement calls, and fumbled as we go along trying to wrap our heads around right and wrong.
What’s never wrong though, is your horse. Regardless of your level, expertise or equestrian pursuit, the horse is either with you, or not.
It either connects, or doesn’t.
It stays or flees, smiles or looks downright depressed.
The difficulty is that space in between where… yes… we have control and no… we don’t have connection. That’s where tension lives, and that’s where most mistakes happen.
It is very easy to misstep, and unless you are capable of keeping a leveled head at all times when with your horse, you will inevitably fail from time to time.
Your energy, however, will always be the determining factor. Energy channeled through your thoughts, your emotional well-being, and your physicality.
If you take good care of yourself, it will be easier to both control the mind and the body – yours and that of the horse. But… this too applies in the opposite direction.
If you believe horsemanship is a stand-alone piece of the puzzle… think again.
This is why we love the Paddock Paradise track system. The simple concept of being able to move, eat, and interact with other horses 24/7 is without question the most powerful healer and stabilizer one could wish for a horse.
Creating boarding and dietary conditions that favor the species and stimulate natural behavior is simply the natural thing to do. Not only will your horse feel better, it will also support whatever equestrian pursuits you have together.
Please understand that all is connected. Evolution paved the way, and the time has come for us to play by its rules and truly facilitate equine biology.
