February 2010 ~ Rider Horsemanship Newsletter

What’s New?
Pennsylvania’s 2010 Horse World Expos!

Rider Horsemanship had another GREAT year at MD’s Horse World Expo! We want to personally thank each and every one for their continued support and enthusiasm! Looking forward to seeing all of you again, and those that missed MD, at this year’s PA Horse World Expo.

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Sundance stole the show Saturday night at the Maryland Horse Expo!

This year we brought Smokey and Sundance along as it would be their first year without our lead horse Legend. Smokey’s confidence and courage was tested with each of our musical liberty and freestyle presentations at this year’s Special Demonstration. His will to try and please was obvious as he would connect with Caroline during her performance, and then leave her for the gate...

Read More >

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GREAT gift for ONLY $25!

Caroline is one of the authors of this series and writes a heart-felt, touching story of her way back into horses and into the life of her wonderful little Arab, Legend.

Horse as Teacher - Path to Relationship Co-author, Caroline Rider "The collaborative authors in the Horse as Teacher series have done it again! The appeal of these stories from persistent, patient women who both teach and learn with the help of horses, is in their authentic voices. Listening to and allowing the expression of the healing gifts horses offer through relationship deepens awareness and develops consciousness. This collection of stories offers us the opportunity to step into that world and experience what horses can teach us about relationship. Be ready to see relationships in a while new way!" ~ Barbara Rector, Director, Adventures in Awareness Book is NOW available to purchase at: www.riderhorsemanship.com

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Check out our NEW CLINIC schedule!

We are offering NEW clinic topics and dates for Spring and Summer. Should you be interested in hosting a clinic at your facility, please let us know as the host gets in FREE if they coordinate and fill the clinic.

HORSES to lease during clinics. We are now offering horses for you to lease should you not have one of your own. Please contact Erika for more information: Erika@riderhorsemanship.com

Please visit our website for clinic topics, dates, flyiers & registration

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This Month’s Topic of Interest:
“What is a true horseman?”

Horseman means half horse, half man. If we are to become horseman, we must learn to think and act like a horse and thinking like a horse embodies two key areas: 1) an understanding of each and every horse’s unique personality, nature and temperament; 2) having an empathetic sensitivity to how a horse perceives their environment as a prey animal. I like to refer to these skill sets as: feeling of our horse (how are they in that given moment) and for our horse (having a deep heart that is both compassionate and empathetic towards their needs in that moment). And, when our horse “feels” the intention of our heart we will eventually feel together, as one.

To me, a true horseman is able to understand the innate characteristics, personality and behavior of each and every horse he/she encounters. They also possess certain skill sets (tools and techniques) that when combined with feel and timing are able to support the very intuitive and creative process needed to help develop, guide and nurture the harmonious connection that is built upon consensual acceptance, trust and partnership between man and horse. This creative process is an art form as it begins with an idea, and some guiding principles, and when combined together, the scope of each is infinite.

What I see today, that becomes a stumbling block for so many students and trainers alike, is the creation of a systematic way of learning that too often generalizes, or standardizes, this intuitive and creative process. This creative process is art in its purest form and like the Tao it needs to take its chosen course so that “all possibilities” are allowed when man and horse are presented together in any working environment. And, with the understanding of this process, there is “no one way” but only opportunity that presents itself. And in the end some “ways” work better than others, depending on the situation and set of circumstances. What is important is gaining enough “tools in your tool chest” so that you have the support needed when dealing with any given situation and enough understanding of the underlying cause (i.e.: horse’s nature, new challenges, past problems), so that you can find a working solution for you both. To keep me balanced and in a place where my horse’s best interests are at hand, I will often ask myself if I am doing this with him and for him (here is the “feeling of and for”) or am I reacting and doing it to him or at him?

That is what separates the Tao of Horsemanship Approach to Being and Working with Horses from most general horsemanship. Not only does the Tao series present skill sets (specific techniques) to learn that are helpful in guiding and developing our horse’s mind, it is preceded by a “mindset” that is first and foremost mindful and aware of the moment and the horse that presents itself. Our goal is about “approach before technique” with acceptance and trust being given at free will by our horses. Once we have their hearts and minds, the feet will follow!