December 5, 2008

Caroline Rider Natural Horsemanship Newsletter

What's New?

Caroline Rider Horsemanship
at 2009 Horse World Expos!

The staff at Rider Horsemanship is excited and honored to announce Caroline’s 2009 acceptance and presentation at both MD and PA’s Horse World Expos.

Please come join us as Caroline presents the following:

Maryland Horse World Expo:
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Exhibition Hall Arena 3:00pm – 4:00pm
“Riding Naturally and in Harmony

Friday, January 16, 2009
Exhibition Hall Arena 11:00am – 12:00pm
“Round Penning Approaches for Achieving Connection”

You can find more information on clinicians and events by clicking on the following url: http://www.horseworldexpo.com/MDfeatures.htm


Pennsylvania Horse World Expo: Schedule TBA

This Month’s Topic of Interest:

“Why ‘Consistently Doing the Right Thing’ Builds Trust in Our Horses”

I see it happening time and time again after I start horses and then hand them over to their owners…. the horse seems to regress on some level. This frustrates all involved, especially the owner and that’s why before I am ready to return the horse, I present them with a couple of options that will bring them together:

1. take lessons from me so that the owner/handler understands the approach/method I’ve been using to train their horse and
   
2. make sure that I communicate to the owner that the horse (any horse) will regress if their training schedule, program, if it is not continued (maintained) once they return home.

Whether your horse is young and green or just needs some tuning, without your guidance and a consistent maintenance program, they will most likely revert to old habits and ways of being and doing that had worked for them in the past. Training horses takes time and to develop a strong ground and riding foundation you must be committed, patient and knowledgeable.

I believe the key to being successful with horses lies not only in our level of horsemanship (experience and knowledge) but also the manner in which we develop a practical and sensible approach to the horse. In other words a program that enables the horse owner to properly communicate their idea, consistently over a period of time, that does not involve stress, force or argument between horse and human. Of course, please keep in mind that sometimes things get worse before they can get better and both human and horse may need to figure things out in their own time.

As I develop my horse’s program, or foundation, I consider (ask myself) the following:

1. Have I created rapport by spending time asking nothing of my horse and truly enjoying their company?
2. Have I been consistent and clear enough for my horse to trust me?
3. Have I established a leadership position where I am able to direct and guide my horse “by example?”
4. Are my teaching tools (i.e. ropes, sticks, rein and leg aids) consistent, fair and effective when communicating my idea?
   

The end result is for both the horse and I to find ease not only in each other’s presence but also in the manner in which we work together. This ease is equivalent to a sense of peace within and brings true harmony between horse and human.

And lastly, all of these questions allow for me to stay present with my horse, being aware and observant of their responses and open to being flexible with the horse that presents itself – at that moment. Through clarity of mind, consistent communication and time we can develop a willing and happy partner in our horse. And, with this comes trust and true acceptance of our leadership.

May you always be one with your horse!
Caroline Rider