Easton Horsemanship

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The Key to Building Confidence in a Horse

I had a conversation with a student of mine this last week. We were discussing the topic of confidence in a young horse. A horse needs to have confidence not only in themselves, but also in the rider. As we humans saddle up and mount a horse we change their center of gravity. Our added weight, coupled with it's position over the horse, shifts their center of balance upwards a little. In essence, the horse becomes top heavy while carrying the load of a rider.

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Does it get any better than this?

I am filled with a sense of gratitude and well being as I reflect on my life and how it relates to horses. The ability to ride often and be around horses daily is a part of my life that fills me with great joy. I feel that when it comes to my riding and commitment to horses, I am driven by a fullness inside myself that stems from living a lifestyle around horses. My passion for advancement is fueled from this. Being in the saddle and having such a willing partnership with my horse is a feeling that, to me, is unequalled.

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How I get and keep a horse light

Most of us strive to achieve lightness with our horses. Wanting to offer kind, gentle cues and have a smooth flowing response. I honor that similarity among us and commend you for it. Lightness in a horse is a wonderful feeling. Both horse and human operate together in this scenario and almost become one being. The word Centaur comes to mind.

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Groundwork: what it is ... and what it isn't

I want to discuss today the topic of Groundwork. I am not really sure how or why it has become associated with games, tricks or running a horse in circles. To me, Groundwork is a very useful and beneficial practice. I use it any time that I am around my horses. It is impossible to interact with horses and not be using some facet of Groundwork. Everything that is done with or around a horse while not being mounted is considered Groundwork. If we are not constantly aware of this we may be teaching bad habits and poor manners to our horses. It goes back to even the most basic things that we do around them.

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There are no shortcuts to quality horse handling

Horses are amazing creatures. They are big, powerful animals that inspire awe in the hearts of many. A herd of horses running wild and free is a sight like no other. I find myself stopping to stare no matter how many times that I have seen it. A horse can exude a sense of majesty or magnificence simply in the way they carry themselves. All of this coupled with the fact that they allow us to ride them makes them a true wonder.

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Who's Leading the Dance, You or Your Horse?

With horses there is a working relationship that the horse and human develop. The relationship becomes, over time, a partnership. The main question then becomes "Who's the boss?" Or, at least, who holds more stock in the company. Often times it is the horse who is the major shareholder. The one who has the final say in which direction the company is headed.

This may be a funny analogy but there is definite truth in it. Anytime there are two parties involved in anything, one of them assumes the lead role. Now you may be thinking, "I pay all the bills and assure that no one goes hungry. This alone dictates who the boss is, right?"

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Tips For New Riders

This week I would like to discuss the topic of the green horse and the newer rider combination. It seems far too often that newer riders romanticize the idea of pairing up with a green horse. The idea being that the horse and themselves will both learn together. This, in my mind, is a bad idea. The combo of a green rider and green horse is one that will not benefit either party involved. The horse will learn far too many habits of ill behavior. The person will most likely end up getting hurt and/or giving up on horses out of frustration.

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An Educated Horse is a Pleasure to Ride

I have heard it said that when dealing with horses, get them gentle. Strong advice that comes to me by way of Buck Brannaman taught to him by Ray Hunt. Get 'em gentle. I have really taken this advice to heart as well as spent time reflecting upon the idea of a gentle horse. Following this advice leads to advancement in many areas of horsemanship.

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Keep your horse in the learning zone, not the danger zone

Almost any horse that I come across is either herd bound or barn sour. Horses by nature are herd animals. Safety for them, comes from traveling together. They really don't have a sense of I. Horses feel that they each are an integral part of the collective group. For us as humans to try and get them over seeking the herd for comfort is next to impossible. That would go against nature. What we can do is help a horse to feel comfortable with being away from the herd. Allowing the horse to gain confidence in following our lead.

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The Art of Discernment (with horses and life)

There is a story that I have heard told about Mahatma Gandhi. It has been said that during a time in his life while amidst protest, Gandhi had sworn himself to an oath of silence. A reporter caught up with him to ask a question. He wanted to know just what kind of message was Gandhi trying to convey? The train that Gandhi was preparing to board was now readying to depart the station. The reporter continued with his question as Gandhi climbed silently aboard. As the train began to pull away Gandhi held to the window a sign with a hand written answer for the reporter. It read "My life is my message."

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Tools of the horseman's trade

Have you ever forgotten to bring your toothbrush on an overnight stay? There you are, after an evening out with friends where you ate lots of flavorful, pungent foods. You are loving life and even jumped at the offer of a decadent dessert when the waitress asked if anyone had saved room. Now your laughing to yourself remembering all of the fun you had, washing up and getting ready for bed when you open up your travel kit and "Oh no," you have forgotten your toothbrush. You are suddenly faced with the dilemma of going to bed with "fuzzy" teeth or trying somehow to use your right hand index finger as a makeshift brush. The result, no matter which option you choose, is less than optimal.

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The Gentleman Horseman

I have heard it said that when dealing with horses, get them gentle. Strong advice that comes to me by way of Buck Brannaman taught to him by Ray Hunt. Get 'em gentle. I have really taken this advice to heart as well as spent time reflecting upon the idea of a gentle horse. Following this advice leads to advancement in many areas of horsemanship.

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How clearly do you communicate?

With horses there is a working relationship that the horse and human develop. The relationship becomes, over time, a partnership. The main question then becomes "Who's the boss?" Or, at least, who holds more stock in the company. Often times it is the horse who is the major shareholder. The one who has the final say in which direction the company is headed.

This may be a funny analogy but there is definite truth in it. Anytime there are two parties involved in anything, one of them assumes the lead role. Now you may be thinking, "I pay all the bills and assure that no one goes hungry. This alone dictates who the boss is, right?"

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The Advantages of Buying an Educated Horse

This week I would like to discuss the topic of the green horse (uneducated) and the newer rider combination. It seems far too often that newer riders romanticize the idea of pairing up with a green horse. The idea being that the horse and themselves will both learn together. This to me is a very bad idea where neither party wins.

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Why You Need Your Horse Responsive and Timely

I have been having a fabulous weekend soaking up information at the Buck Brannaman clinic here in Bozeman. Though I have attended quite a few of these clinics I always pick up new information. Sometimes I am reminded of some key points that I had forgotten to implement. I really enjoy learning and seeing others excited about improving their own skills. Watching Buck ride is always an inspiration to keep improving upon my riding and understanding of horses.

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Ground Works

As we are in the weekend leading up to the Fourth of July celebrations I will keep it short and sweet. Just a quick reminder to be safe out there during these busy days. Trail congestion is common and many of us are sharing outdoor space. I know when I come across other folks out there I can only be responsible for myself and my own horse. I like to give a wide berth to others and am extra careful when dogs are present.

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Caring and Sharing

As a horse owner and being who I am, I feel it as a part of me to offer my horses a nice home. One where they can be safe and happy. Happy enough that is, considering that they are domesticated animals that could easily thrive wandering in the wild. This factor contributes to how my wife and I maintain our horse dwelling. We try to keep it a fairly natural environment. One where they have their space and we have ours. Their space being a place where they are free to roam, eat, sleep and play.

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A Horse is a Horse

Almost any horse that I come across is either herd bound or barn sour. Horses by nature are herd animals. Safety for them, comes from traveling together. They really don't have a sense of I. Horses feel that they each are an integral part of the collective group. For us as humans to try and get them over seeking the herd for comfort is next to impossible. That would go against nature. What we can do is help a horse to feel comfortable with being away from the herd. Allowing the horse to gain confidence in following our lead.

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Why Not Smile?

I am filled with a sense of gratitude and well being as I reflect on my life and how it relates to horses. The ability to ride often and be around horses daily is a part of my life that fills me with great joy. I feel that when it comes to my riding and commitment to horses, I am driven by a fullness inside myself that stems from living a lifestyle around horses. My passion for advancement is fueled from this. Being in the saddle and having such a willing partnership with my horse is a feeling that, to me, is unequalled.

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Gearing Up For Spring

As the snow around here begins to melt off and patches of bare ground appear on once snow covered ground, my thoughts turn towards riding. There have been winters in the past where I have been able to ride in our arena in February. This year is not one of those years. The snow has been piled deep and areas prone to drifts are sufficiently buried. Our horses have enjoyed a steady supply of hay and days off.

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