Grey Wolf Ranch Ozarks

09/07/2024

Just like websites get cookies, so do the horse's!

08/24/2024

Hosting a successful retreat is difficult to describe, but it is expressing gratitude for a great team, fantastic individuals, and favorable weather.

07/04/2024

Celebrating independence with sunshine and the beauty of nature!

06/30/2024

Tiger thinks 'Hay Day' is the cat's pajamas, just like the horses!

06/29/2024

Solar and Moon finding solace in the coolness of the barn.

06/26/2024

Solar is growing fast into his new surroundings!

06/23/2024

Saddle up for a brilliant day filled with horsepower, laughter, and sunshine!

06/16/2024

Happy Father's Day!

05/28/2024

Experienced Wrangler needed for Equine Leadership Retreat from August 19th-24th. Please IM if interested and SHARE!🌟

05/27/2024

Happy Memorial Day!

05/12/2024

Wishing a Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful Mom's of 2 & 4 legged kiddo's a blessed day!🦊💞

04/26/2024

Mother's Day is right around the corner. Surprise Mom with a private trail ride expertly guided through the beautiful Ozarks! IM for more info!

Grey Wolf Ranch Ozarks - Rustic yet elegant log cabin full of adventure with natural horsemanship.

04/20/2024

Wishing a VERY Happy Birthday to Molly, who found a new friend in Denali.

03/27/2024

Every weekend...... anyone else know how this feels?

03/02/2024

Which camp are you?

02/24/2024

Spring has sprung!🦊

02/16/2024

Enjoying our guests for dinner.

11/03/2023

10/05/2023

Cooler weather is up on us! Interested in taking lessons for yourself or your child / children?

PM us for more information.

09/15/2023

The moments that make a day brighter!

Fall into the gold, without the rush with us!

08/17/2023

A smiling.... almost 10 year old and her best bud. ☺️

07/30/2023

There's a lot of 1st's in life, but a girl never forgets her first trail ride.

07/29/2023

The best day's start with a good itch!

07/12/2023

Learning to be gentle but firm, in the art of horsemanship and life. Learn more today @ www.greywolfranchozarks.com




but

KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING.. are these our wisest aids ?

François R. de La Guérinière (18th century):
“Knowledge of the nature of the horse is one of the cornerstones of the Art of riding; and all horsemen should make it a main point of study... Without this theory, practice is always uncertain."

Alexis L’Hotte (19th century):
“Nature is the first of all masters. Its book is the fairest, most knowledgeable of all books... the most useful to consult.”

Philippe Karl (21st century):
"The mouth is a crossroad of numerous biomechanical synergies. Strong or continuous pressures on the tongue or sensitive bars are painful and traumatic, physically and pshychologically.

Nowadays, we have enough knowledge (physiology, biomechanics, motion, balance, ethology) to reject counter-nature riding concepts. Therefore let us study how to put the horse 'on the bit' by the light of these sciences.".............................................................

CONSEQUENCES OF NOT KNOWING:
In a mindset of 'submission' and from the position of low hands with tightly closed fists, the only option is to pull backwards. This leads to an inward brace of forceful pulling or 'sawing' the reins, and a stiff back to still hold or push with the legs. Riders fixate on enforcing control and immediate obedience, there is no consent or harmony, no dignity, elegance or grace.

The lower the hand, the harder it acts on the hypersensitive tongue. Why this obsession with low handed riding? Tightly cranked nosebands preventing or stifling the horse's protests only make it worse, and more cruel.

In natural defence, horses attempt to protect their tongue by pulling it up out of the way, over the bit, to the side, or out. Failing that, they grind the teeth in tension and pain.

What on earth possesses an instructor to then advise a student to tighten a nose band for more torture? Without a chance for mutual conversation or dialogue, without a right of reply, the horse then reduced to a mindless senseless machine - a tool of sport or whim. I ask, is that why you wanted to have a horse?

UNDERSTAND YOUR ACTIONS
o Educate your mind and your hands, don't accuse the horse
o Understand the massive forces involved on frail structures
o Understand the consequences, short and long term
o Know the difference between prejudices & principles
o Ask questions, observe, reflect and reassess.
o Find confidence from curiosity, seek horse knowledge.

Edited 11/7/23: This post is about being aware of learning how to use your hands thoughtfully to communicate and teach with kind compassion, knowing why, and knowing how different positions and actions impact a horse. Whatever is in your hands. Be it a bit, a bitless or a neck rope. Knowledge and a kind heart directs a kind hand. Any gear can do harm in the thoughtless hands. We must fully understand the impact of what WE do with what we use.

Susie 🤔

Illustration below from Philippe Karl in "Twisted Truths of Modern Dressage" showing the problem, and what not to do.

07/09/2023

Take the path less traveled, it lead's to greater triumph!

Grey Wolf Ranch Ozarks - Rustic yet elegant log cabin full of adventure with natural horsemanship.

06/25/2023

Weekend fun!🐎

06/18/2023

Who is leading who? Caring for horses can do as much for us as it does for them.

Relationship struggles, whether relationships with ourselves, others, our environments, or our beliefs and emotions, are usually at the foundation of mental health issues. Leading and caring for horses is about relationship. They are much bigger and stronger than us, so coercion and control are not effective. Horses provide an opportunity to develop healthy relationships based on trust, respect, self-confidence, and communication.

Psychotherapy and personal growth services incorporating horses involve more than tending to the needs of horses. With the support of trained professionals, clients experientially learn to develop healthy relationships with others and themselves.

Many times, clients report that connecting with a horse feels like they’re connecting with themselves.
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06/11/2023

He's supposed to be a stud! Eclipse is off to training, and already on the path to becoming "gentled".