As originally published in the Jan. 5th,
2008 issue of The New Falcon Herald
(January 2008)
NATURAL
HORSEMANSHIP
Natural horsemanship has
revolutionized the way people interact with and train horses. Many trainers,
veterinarians, farriers and all levels and types of
riders are using natural horsemanship methods to enhance their relationship
with horses. Natural horsemanship uses techniques directly related to a horse's
innate behavior - techniques that speak in the horse's language, rather than
our own. Instead of making horses do things we want, natural techniques call on
the horse's natural herd and individual behaviors to encourage the horse to do
what we want. This concept runs counter to many traditional methods of force
and restraint.
Horses
are members of a herd where each individual has a specific place in the herd
hierarchy. Dominant members of the herd assert control over less dominant
horses by first pinning their ears back and then following up with biting or
kicking. A dominant horse will always dictate which horse moves away from him
and when. With natural techniques, humans learn to gain respect from their
horse by assuming the role of the dominant horse and controlling the movement
of their horses' feet. Humans do not do this by biting and kicking, but by
adding pressure that mimics biting and kicking. For example, if I ask my horse
to back up (move away from me) and he doesn't, I might tap him on the chest
(kicking) with a stick or crop until he moves back. Once he understands what I
want, I can back him away just by giving him a look (pinning my ears) that
says, 'I'm asking you to back up; if you don't, more pressure is coming.'
Natural
techniques help the horse use the left side (the thinking side) of its brain,
instead of the reactive, instinctual side (the right brain). A horse that is
reactive is dangerous and hard to work with. A horse that is thinking,
listening and focused on his handler is much easier to control. By using
training techniques based on how horses naturally think, humans learn to
understand the horse, and a partnership can be developed. When we learn to
speak in the horse's language, our horses grow more confident, trusting and
accepting of us.
Much
of the natural methods are taught starting on the ground, not in the saddle.
What you teach a horse from the ground will transfer
once you get in the saddle. If you don't have control and respect from your horse
on the ground, you aren't going to have it when you're riding. I have fixed
many under-saddle behavioral problems simply by getting off and doing a little
groundwork. Natural techniques can be helpful with loading a horse into a
trailer. To the horse, the inside of a trailer looks dark and confining with no
means of escape. When a horse is scared, he needs to move his feet (usually by
running), which is why your horse may try to run you over trying to get away
from the trailer. Many trailer accidents happen because the horse feels trapped
and claustrophobic inside the trailer. He panics and tries to scramble out.
Natural
techniques allow the horse to flee from the trailer if he feels the need. The
horse is given the freedom to move his feet if he is scared. The method is
approach and retreat. The horse is introduced to the trailer (approach) a
little bit at a time, allowing him to run away (retreat) if he is scared. The
handler coaches the horse to use the thinking side of his brain, which allows
the horse time to understand the trailer isn't going to hurt him. Once the
horse isn't scared, he usually will hop right in.
Natural
horsemanship has been around for many years. As far back as 360 B.C., the Greek
horseman Xenophon and his treatise "The Art of Basic Horsemanship"
laid the foundation for what we now call Natural Horsemanship today. Today's
masters and my mentors include
Natural
techniques allow a depth of understanding that seems limitless. It takes time,
patience and a deep respect for the nature of the horse. It's a journey, not a
quick fix, but the joy is in that journey. (Copyright The New Falcon Herald. All rights reserved.)
Send questions or comments to
Happy Riding!!!
Comments and feedback are always welcome!
Leslie @
Falcon Creek Farm
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