When I look at an equine I see potential. The same as I see when I look at a child, unreserved unchained potential that needs to be nurtured and encouraged from the subconscious of the individual, released not forced, potential that is given not taken. And the acceptance of potential at whatever level that might be.
I believe in something deeper and more meaningful than the thin veneer of useful nouns and thinly veiled manipulations of character both human and equine. I believe that we are better than that. I see the manipulation of leadership, human and equine, and feel disheartened that a species with so much potential settles for the sticking plaster approach to help people reach their potential.
I want to see equines freed from the slavery of misconception about their abilities and behaviour. It is about who we are at a much deeper level than the method approach we see so much of. I am inspired by the moment of connection and the release of control and the sense of freedom I see when people accept themselves and realise they are good enough and that their animals are good enough. I am inspired by the moment “have to” and “you must” is replaced by “do you want to” as our overall principle of interaction with our animals.
I am excited when humans accept the individual nature of the animal they choose to work with. When we accept the animal as a unique individual even though working with the individual might challenge our beliefs about ourselves and demand our courage to let go of the illusion of control.
Why do I do what I do; because I want to see people always use the question “just because we can, should we?” as a guiding principle of their equine interactions. I love the moment of understanding when we accept the true nature of the equines we work with and stop mislabelling them as naughty, stubborn, dominate or taking the p**s.
I despise the ego fuelled sales pitch, the smoke and mirrors that encourages humans to buy the control gadget, to apply more force and pressure in the promise of a better relationship. The demonstration that leads people astray from their own core beliefs and principles just because the trainer has learned to be a showman. I want to see the truth about the behaviour of horses, donkeys and mules, to ask what is in this for the horse, where is the animal in all of this, what benefit of this performance to them? To see people and animals open up not shut down.
I am in it to walk the talk, to do what I say and to say what I do, to make available to anyone who will listen to the possibility that we have the chance of greater connection and relationship, but that it comes at a cost. The price tag of the relationship is time, of effort, of self-assessment, of stretching our comfort zones to learn and reach our own potential.
I want the simple truth about working with behaviour and the true nature of equines to be available to the nervous, the timid, and the lacking in confidence, to the ego-driven controllers, the end goalers, the “I don’t have enough timers”, and the “because we always haves”. I want to see the release of control and force and the acceptance of the discomfort of making the right choice for the animal.
I want equines to reach their potential not because we train them, but because we facilitate their growth alongside our own. I want owners not to be vulnerable to the egotistical trainer or the marketing magic but instead listen and be guided by their own intuition and self-belief based on the true nature of equines, the science of learning and the art of feel.
I have always said to the people I work with “it doesn’t matter what I can do it only matters what I can help you do. so simply my story is your story. For that reason I have asked on Facebook for people to tell me about our journey together, what they have achieve is huge and I am so pleased to part of their story.
This is what they said
Suzanna Watson Very simply put, if I hadn't found you on Google (thank you Google). Pony and I wouldn't be anywhere near where we are today. Thank you Ben ☺️
Maria Score I just love your ethics. There aren’t many trainers that walk their talk like you do. You’ve helped me get back to the horse girl I was before I got waylaid by the numerous conventional methods that knew better. I wouldn’t have taken on a horse like Betty if I had hadn’t had you standing in the sidelines for support. Thank you so much Ben Hope to see you soon
Charity Case My horse training tool box depleted, I finally started listening to my young horsed and there started my journey. I remembered reading an article in a freebie horse mag a number of years ago about a man working with an abused arab stallion and the betrayal he felt to this horse when it was returned to the owner, this was the person whose values I needed to help me in my own journey, but I couldn’t remember his name.
So I trawled the internet in search of a trustworthy trainer that could provide me with the ethical and safe training principles I was looking for. I came across Bens website and really liked what I read and the videos I watched on You Tube, I arranged for Ben to visit me and my young horse and shortly afterwards enrolled on some of his online training programmes where my eyes have been truly opened, each day I now handle my young horse I am buzzing with excitement as he tries so hard for me and I see it.
During one of Bens online training programmes he recounted an episode in his life of an abused arab stallion ………...
Jacqueline Stagg One of a very small number of trainers who concentrate on the person more than the horse. You make people think, reflect and give them faith in themselves
Helen Fargher I went to one of your courses a few years ago, and then was lucky enough to have a 1-2-1 with you and my horse. You made me think about my relationship with him properly and in depth for the first time.) shortly afterwards I made some huge changes and we haven't looked back. and I'm eternally grateful to you for your patience and ability to wait till I got it :-)
Hazel Westlake I was a pony club kid who then went on to do BHS exams but couldn't realise my ambition to be a riding instructor because I loved horses too much to work with them. Many years later when natural horsemanship came along I embraced some elements but only did what sat well with my principles. I initially discovered Ben on Epona TV and his ethical but pragmatic approach really resonated with me. After reading some of Ben's books and attending some workshops I made some changes to how I behaved with my horse. It was interesting that she told an animal communicator that she appreciated the softer approach. I had given up bits, whips and punishment well over ten years ago so I am sure she was talking about the more recent changes. I'm still evolving my horsemanship to be the best I can for my horses. Thank you Ben for your guidance and insights.
Nikki Haddock After looking at various training methods over the years and many not sitting quite right with me. Thinking about how I have been trained through the standard system that many of us are (and doing what I was taught despite feeling uncomfortable with it. Can't remember how meeting Ben came about but he seemed to have some similar views on some things. After attending a few clincs/workshops I have learned to be totally comfortable with my own work and opinion, not really be as bothered by others opinions or advice, happy to take the time each step for each horse takes. I now think a lot more before doing! A journey I'm still travelling
Ross Hill Late in life came to donkey care. Thoroughly enjoyed your courses in donkey behaviour and learned so much, not just about donkeys either, human behaviour should be considered at the same time - now happily passing on gems to the public to enhance their experience at the Sanctuary
Michelle Phillips I grew up around horses, had to learn by feel and from the horses and always had happy horses but never knew why what I did worked as I didn’t have lessons.
Somehow as an adult I got led down the “conventional” horse world path which never ever felt right. Eventually my mare shut down and wouldn’t even come to me when I had a bucket of food. She was miserable! It was then I was introduced to Linda who among other advice told me to have a look at your website. That’s when I started following you on Facebook. The first opportunity to train with you was the thinking horsemanship (2016?) weekend with Suzanne and Catherine too. Since then I’ve done numerous workshops with you. Your ability to explain things so simply without dumbing down, in an informative and entertaining way leaves everyone feeling inspired and empowered. I recently read something you wrote years ago, it was along the lines of when you start on this journey you’ll have a different kind of empathy and awareness that will affect your whole life. It’s true. When I look back over the last three years at how much I’ve changed and you, along with Linda were the very start. Moo can’t thank you enough! 📷🦄 And now I know why what I do (and did as a child) works. Thank you!
Madlen Gauderon I was stuck. Knowing I could do more for my Equine but lacked believe in myself. I read Bens book the Horseman within. Everything resonated with me then I did the Boundary course I finally felt I had found some guidance now I had something solid to work with the express confidence course sealed the step. I still have bouts of doubt and anxiety but these don’t last as my believe is on solid ground .the tools work and my thinking is continuously improving. I will always continue to learn regards Equines. As for myself I have learned to accept and acknowledge who I am. So what is my story ? Ben Harts Horsemanship is togethar with others a part of my education enabling me to be the best I can be.
Jacquie Billington I wasn’t stuck when I met you first Ben, but I was open minded and very prepared to listen. I like your non dictatorial, enabling approach and inwardly thought provoking tuition. Looking within is always the way forwards.
