How we behave around horses speaks a lot about who we are as a human. The way we care for, as well as treat them in general, points towards how we carry ourselves. I have heard it said from a very inspirational Yoga teacher, Lynne Minton, that integrity is how we act when no one is watching. I feel that dealing with horses relates very similarly to this statement. Horses can bring out the best in a person. Sadly though, the reverse is also true.

To work with horses at a high vibrational level, a person needs to approach them from a place of compassion. Patience is a huge part of this. Setting things up to happen and then waiting for the horse to explore, and eventually succeed, is necessary. Horses, surprise, are not humans. They do not act or react as such. To impose our schedules or idiosyncrasies upon them is indeed careless.

To have a horse perform at the best of their abilities we need to meet them where they are at. It is only from that standpoint that we may encourage the best of what they have to offer. A horse that is sure footed and cautious, that carries itself with grace, may become accomplished in Dressage for example. Pushing them in speed events would most likely be a fruitless venture.

Having the ability to read a horse's behavior is key to successfully working with them. To be able to do this well we have to first understand how they think and operate. Mostly this comes from experience and spending a good deal of time working with and observing them. Having an eye towards how horses react in situations leads to understanding. Understanding then leads to the ability to compassionately work with them. We gain the ability to see when they are trying something new.

This then brings me back to my first point. Can we have the patience necessary to allow them to search? By setting a horse up to explore while we maintain some amount of pressure, eventually leads to them trying something different. When we positively reward these attempts at trying something new, we can then steer them in the direction of the result which we are looking for.

I am constantly using this approach while around horses. If for example I am wanting a horse to pick up a hoof, I will run my hand gently down the leg that I want to have them pick up. A lot of times a horse will step forward or back with a different hoof. I will release my pressure when a horse moves any foot. This may seem goofy or counterproductive, but them moving any hoof is a sign that they are attempting to do what we are asking. A lot of times they have to rebalance before they can lift the proper hoof. In this example I would ask again for the proper hoof without much lag time following my first release. More often than not the next hoof to move will be the one that I want.

In comparison, the wrong way to have a horse pick up a hoof is to demand it of them. Asking for a hoof, and then focusing in on only that hoof, will most likely result in a contest. Contesting a horse is a battle most often lost. Granted you may accomplish that which you set out to do, but most likely have offended your horse in the process. That, to me, is not accomplishing much.

When dealing with horses it is important also to have compassion for ourselves. A lot of times we may work at something over and over. We may try again and again to accomplish something and not have it turn out the way in which we intended. Avoid the tendency to beat yourself up. Go back to trying something that you know will work and end the day on that. Save your intended exercise for another day. Keeping in good standings with your horse will help you to be successful another day. Keep things positive and have fun. You're a fun person. Let that light shine through.

Eric

Easton Horsemanship