Everything good in 'good horsemanship' starts with focus. So if a job does not benefit the ability to focus and have that focus directed, I scratch my head to know what is the point of a horse needing a ‘job’."
Two Ways to Achieve Focus
In my book, The Essence of Good Horsemanship the first major section discusses the importance of a horse’s focus and how to achieve it and maintain it. That’s because focus is perhaps the most important requirement even before the teaching can begin. If a horse is not paying attention, we trainers are doing little more than talking to ourselves.
What's Wrong With Classical Training
I respect and admire horse people who know so much and have so much skill that they can train at an elite level. But it makes me want to cry when I see them lead a horse like it was their first horse or struggle to help a horse that is worried to walk through the arena gate. Many of my regular students could help their horses better. If they truly believe the basics are so important to the more advanced training, how can they skip so many of the basics and fail the horses so miserably?
The Tipping Point
The tipping point is different for each relationship. But when you are struggling to get along with a horse, it’s the point where you transition from rough seas to smooth waters. On the other side of the tipping point is what brings happiness to the relationship and not just tolerance. It’s where the partnership begins. In this place, the reasons for becoming a better horse person go beyond winning ribbons or creating submission or even staying safe. The reasons become about sharing time and adventures with a friend that is like no other friend you have.
Evasion vs Yielding in Training
Horse Making A Decision
Horses speak silently, but communicate loudly.
Some people believe horses do not process thoughts and make choices based on their thoughts. In this video I break down the decision making process my mare, Six experiences when making a decision. I hope it helps people become more aware of how busy their brains are and how to better read their thoughts.