This Month's Topic of Interest: "What Horses Want"

Did you know that relationships are everything to horses? They purposely seek out emotional connections with horses they are most like, and unlike humans they are not the social climbers we think, but rather quite the opposite, being content to stay just where they are in the pecking order – as long as an exemplary leader is in place. The exemplary leader is in charge, doing what is necessary for the welfare of the herd. If she wants more, she politely asks, using only the energy required and backing up if necessary without bullying or showing excessive display of power. What’s important to understand is that horses will only try and improve their standing if they detect weakness, and/or the safety of the herd is at stake. Caroline and Eric look forward to sharing their vision with other natural horsemanship enthusiasts who seek to understand and learn from their horses.

You may be asking, why I am bringing this up? I am because understanding what a horse needs, and wants (relationship combined with passive leadership), is everything to mastering success with horses, and everything we, at Rider Horsemanship, can teach. Recognizing the importance of emotional connection is foremost. When we establish this deep bond, our horses are mentally engaged, soft and relaxed, responsive and willing to try. It is during this time that we can begin teaching and asking our horses to partner up.


{ Read other "Topics of Interest" in past Newsletters: Click here }