14/12/2024
The difference between relaxation and centeredness -
The goal for many for their horses is calm, or relaxation at all times. That can sound like a good goal, and a kind one - but ultimately, unfair and really quite impossible.
If we factor in the world at large, we realize quickly that being calm requires environmental control - can we really be calm in the face of all emergencies? Can we be calm if our friends horse has bolted, if the barn is on fire, if there is some factors outside our control?
What we ask the horse, in order to be calm at all times, is really to ignore the environment, and to flatten a nervous system and body designed for survival into only one mode we find acceptable.
Relaxation often is lost when energy or external input is brought in, and relaxation offers us no avenue for higher energy movements. A very relaxed horse cannot have the power required for upper level movements - no athlete is supremely relaxed in their endeavors
They are very focused, energetic, and alert
BUT
They should not be anxious
That is the different between relaxed and centered
Centered does not require calm, but can be calm when appropriate. Centered is the horse’s ability to have an adaptable nervous system, molding itself to the necessary requirements of the moment and the environment.
A centered horse can find balance even in moments of high energy or adrenaline, and is able to calm down when appropriate.
It is not appropriate to be calm in a barn fire. We need adrenaline to manage our way to safety - but panic doesn’t help. Therefore we need energetic clarity.
And this has to be taught by a centered person.
It’s easy to teach a horse to “relax” by controlling the environment fiercely or teaching them to tune out. It just requires repetition.
But a centered horse requires the education of a centered person- one who is highly aware, disciplined, attentive, and constantly engaging in appropriate dialogue with the horse - not micro managing, but guiding.
The first is easy to sell - it sounds good, makes people feel good, and requires very little of a person with high reward societally.
The second is a harder sell because of the work load involved, the self discipline and improvement, and low societal reward.
But, you gain the trust of a horse through low and high energy situations both. And that is what a true horseman aspires to.
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