My Philosophy
My Philosophy
Of all the animals the horse is the best friend of the Indian, for without it he could not go on long journeys. A horse is the Indian's most valuable piece of property. If an Indian wishes to gain something, he promises that if the horse will help him he will paint it with native dye, that all may see that help has come to him through the aid of his horse.
-Brave Buffalo (late 19th century)
Teton Sioux medicine man
My Philosophy is just this , work with the horses instinct not against it. So many times trainers work against the instinct and end up with a broken down horse. The horses dignity and heart has been crushed and his spirit is gone.
When I start training a horse I allow him to train me first. Meaning I have to let him show me what and where he is having problems with the human not himself. You see the horse is 100 percent perfect before we start trying to get him to live in our life style.
The first time I handle the horse whether in a round pen or lead rope, the horse will start to evaluating me out the same time I am evaluating him. If I use the correct tactics that are similar to horse communication, the horse will easily show me why he is having problems and so much fear and stress.
Over time the horse has taught me how to understand his language.
The horse taught me to communicate with his language because he will never understand ours. Because of mother nature the horse will only know one language: body language.
If you dont know a small amount of the horse's language you will never be able to train a horse properly using any technique.
You have to work and gain respect, trust, confidence and Leadership. This is an honor. You want the horse to want to trust you not force him into submission.
If you pull a gun on me I guarantee I will respect you. But it is a different type of respect . That is gaining respect by applying fear. I want my horses to respect me because he trust me and wants to be with me.
The Horse Only Understands One Language: Body Language.
Importance of Time
Time is so important when building a relationship with the horse. Time is important so you can develop a oneness with your horse. It's not just about time training your horse, its also about watching him eat, drink and play with his buddies. There are many things you can learn about your horse by spending time together.
Your time together is not just time when you happen to be in the same space. Hand grazing, taking a walk, grooming (for no purpose other than to connect with your horse), and hanging out in the pasture are all opportunities to deepen the relationship with your horse.
Barn chores, feeding, and mindless longeing are not.
So make your time valuable when you are with your horse.
Horses are individuals, and unless we understand the individual we cannot expect the individual to know us.
