Building Partnerships With Your Horse
This is a continuation of our previous post – Are you a caring rider?
Most people think horses and horse training is a new thing. They want the latest rope, stick, flag or bit (or bitless). I have news for you … This stuff has been around for years and years.
Most of the time trainers and coaches don’t make up new stuff, they just recycle a technique they learned from someone else. It may be repackaged, changed and updated but horsemanship is still horsemanship.
If we teach our horse with respect then we, more than likely, will get respect back from them. If we, as we learned from our previous post, be a leader who will provide a safe environment for our horse we will have a loyal and obedient horse and a great relationship as well.
Creating partnerships is Important
Think of building a trusting relationship with your horse. Rewarding them for a “good try”. or even a step in the right direction. It is only their BEST GUESS that they are doing the right thing. If we get angry and forceful we shut down their ability to try and their ability to think about what they are being asked.
Even a small step in the right direction, if rewarded will lead to bigger and better things.
Horses are naturally curious animals and will investigate new surroundings. Their lives depend on it. Horses are social creatures and are ready to follow and give their loyalty to a worthy herd leader. If you show them you can be trusted and show the horse you will keep them safe you will have a willing partner.