*scroll down to watch video
We don't use this approach often enough when we're working with horses. Too often it's about what WE want, what WE would like to accomplish.. we forget to take into consideration what holds ùs back, like our fears & our limited thoughts.
Why do we pressure or sometimes even bully the horse into working with us, into submission? The concept of partnership sometimes only seems to apply when riding, when instead it should start in the pasture or stall, working your way towards the round pen, arena and eventually trails or competitions. But we can't expect to have a calm, relaxed horse after putting so much pressure on them, after deliberately telling them "YES" so many times when they've told us "NO". Where is their freedom? Their choice? Their voice?
It's really no wonder that abused horses often carry a lot of trauma in their throat area, it's where they store feelings of suppression. The lack of experiencing true freedom can be devastating for any equine.
For Fin "The Devil's Horse" (the horse in the video) I wanted to do better, to show him his options and find better ways to communicate than running towards or away from stuff when he feels overwhelmed. He soon figured out that there were no lines, no ropes and no tools, just him & me. He spoke and I listened. That's the important thing of waiting: you got to have patience. The patience to let them explore, figure things out. The patience to say "it's ok, we can do your thing first but we'll do it together".
To me it seems like the more time we take with horses, the faster we get -better- results from them. Instead of wearing them out during training, I like to leave them feeling better than when we first started our session. I want to leave them with a sense of renowned freedom, which is a Big Deal for any horse (spiritual pride). Lots of people fear horses that show lots of pride and confidence, maybe that's how Arabians got their reputation as being too hyper, too hysterical etc. If we just learned to not take their behavior personally but rather observe their and our own behavior, we can accomplish whatever we dare to dream of, without the use of force. Vibrate higher 🌠
P.S. I can confidently and honestly say that Fin is not dangerous, mean or possessed by the Devil. He is sensitive, yes but if you don't know what you're doing then it might feel like he's a bit much. He simply needs guidance and is very straightforward with his answers. Not a mean bone in his body❤️
We don't use this approach often enough when we're working with horses. Too often it's about what WE want, what WE would like to accomplish.. we forget to take into consideration what holds ùs back, like our fears & our limited thoughts.
Why do we pressure or sometimes even bully the horse into working with us, into submission? The concept of partnership sometimes only seems to apply when riding, when instead it should start in the pasture or stall, working your way towards the round pen, arena and eventually trails or competitions. But we can't expect to have a calm, relaxed horse after putting so much pressure on them, after deliberately telling them "YES" so many times when they've told us "NO". Where is their freedom? Their choice? Their voice?
It's really no wonder that abused horses often carry a lot of trauma in their throat area, it's where they store feelings of suppression. The lack of experiencing true freedom can be devastating for any equine.
For Fin "The Devil's Horse" (the horse in the video) I wanted to do better, to show him his options and find better ways to communicate than running towards or away from stuff when he feels overwhelmed. He soon figured out that there were no lines, no ropes and no tools, just him & me. He spoke and I listened. That's the important thing of waiting: you got to have patience. The patience to let them explore, figure things out. The patience to say "it's ok, we can do your thing first but we'll do it together".
To me it seems like the more time we take with horses, the faster we get -better- results from them. Instead of wearing them out during training, I like to leave them feeling better than when we first started our session. I want to leave them with a sense of renowned freedom, which is a Big Deal for any horse (spiritual pride). Lots of people fear horses that show lots of pride and confidence, maybe that's how Arabians got their reputation as being too hyper, too hysterical etc. If we just learned to not take their behavior personally but rather observe their and our own behavior, we can accomplish whatever we dare to dream of, without the use of force. Vibrate higher 🌠
P.S. I can confidently and honestly say that Fin is not dangerous, mean or possessed by the Devil. He is sensitive, yes but if you don't know what you're doing then it might feel like he's a bit much. He simply needs guidance and is very straightforward with his answers. Not a mean bone in his body❤️
Love, Zoë