Philosophy

Training vs Relationship

There is a subtle difference in our view of training a horse that actually makes a very big difference. If we think of getting the horse to do what we want, then it could be considered training. If the horse has the perception that we are showing it what we want, then it could be considered schooling.

Does that sound like the same thing? In either case, we get the horse to do what we want.

There are all kinds of names attributed to different methods, although some of these have the same philosophy: ex. liberty, natural, gentle, ethological. They attract us because they promote friendship, respect and harmony with our equine partners. A lot of people like that idea, but not many have the time, patience or understanding to make it happen.

The traditional method is based solely on conditioning. It is repetition and, far too often, the idea of ‘do it, or else’. Even if no physical violence is used it still involves restraints, force, fear and pain. So, how can one say it is not violent if the horse has no choice, is still restrained in different forms, and suffers physical pain because of those restraints? (ex : sidereins and a bit)

Most people will say the above is ridiculous; That it’s always been done that way, and the horse has to learn. Plus, they love their horse. Would those people like to be ‘loved’ that way? They are quick to defend, but most are not even aware of what they are doing to a horse. I’m talking about people who deal with their own horses everyday. Whenever you are with the horse, you are the trainer… or you can be a teacher.

People want to live their dream of having a horse that just fell out of a storybook. They want the horse to understand them, to love them and willingly do anything for them. They want the horse to know it all. But, are themselves willing to learn, or see things from a horse’s point of view? Do they ever stop and think about the look on the horse’s face, or read it’s eyes while chasing it with a whip, putting a chain over it’s nose, or letting someone else handle the horse instead? This is dominance through pain. There is no respect, only fear - on both sides. Is that a good relationship?

At the other end of the spectrum there is the ‘natural’ way. Put whatever word you want in there to depict schooling with no force, pain, or fear. True or false? Surprisingly, often false.

There are many horse shows that touch people when they see the horses performing at liberty. The beauty of a horse without man-made contraptions to control its movements and still the horse is doing what is asked. Many want to be able to do the same with their own horse and to have such an intimacy and complicity.

What often happens is that they embark upon this new path yet with the same mentality they had before about training a horse. As soon as the horse shows a sign of doing what they want, either real or imagined, the owner, in his enthusiasm, believes that the horse understands. Along with this problem, is that the owner wants to advance very quickly. Put those two ingredients together and it is an accident just waiting to happen. Why? Because the sole purpose of a horse for most people is as a vehicle for personal enjoyment through riding.

When schooling a horse, we have to put our own desires aside. And the fundamental base to start working with the horse is trust. The horse also has to realize that you are not just telling it what to do, but are trying to show it what to do. It is the same result for us, but it makes a big difference to the horse. A difference that you can see in its face and eyes. A difference that you can see in its spirit and willingness.

Does it take patience? No. It takes understanding of the horse. If you understand the horse, then the time it takes to establish this relationship is of no importance. Once this open communication is established, anything new that you want to show the horse will advance very quickly.

Horses already naturally do all that we want them to do. The key is to find out how to ask them to do it when we want. The main difference is that similar pleasant phrases and words can be found far and wide, but we do not end up doing the same to the horse as is usually always done; has always been done. We do not subdue an `animal`. We encourage the intellectual development and physical strength of the horse. There is a lot more to a horse than carrying a person. They were not built for that. It is we who have to adapt to the horse’s gentle nature, not the horse that should submit to our forceful, selfish nature. It is by changing our spirit that when we set the horse free, she will come to us.

Ironically, the horse could end up teaching us some far greater lessons.

To understand further see my articles and one of the Q & A articles found here: Harmony

Living Conditions and Environment

Our domesticated horses still need the freedom and mobility to the extent of the best that we can offer. The main focus is still on the welfare of the horse while striving to achieve the environment suited for their physiology.

Barefoot and on a diverse, yet safe terrain. (Grass, sand, dirt, gravel and water)

Protection from severe weather - type of shelter can vary depending on your climate. Horses have adapted very well to deal with various climates, but should not be left to endure sometimes brutal natural elements.