Introduction
Embarking on the journey of horsemanship requires a profound shift in perspective, moving beyond traditional methods of dominance and control towards a partnership built on mutual respect and understanding. My initial seminar in North Hollywood in 1982, organized by Dr. RM Bradley, laid the foundation for this philosophy. My opening statement, “Horsemanship can be obtained naturally through communication, understanding, and psychology versus mechanics, fear, and intimidation,” was born from the stark realization of the difference between true training and outright torture. After a transformative five-year period with master horseman Troy Henry, I observed that many trainers relied heavily on forceful techniques and equipment, often resorting to methods that inflicted pain to achieve compliance. Troy’s candid assessment that most trainers wouldn’t measure up to a true horseman’s standards ignited my personal quest to become one.
The Evolution of Horsemanship: Love, Language, and Leadership
For the past four decades, my life has been dedicated to teaching and advocating for a partnership approach with horses, emphasizing an equal balance of love, language, and leadership. This approach, distinct from an overemphasis on any single element, has resonated with thousands of horses and has significantly enhanced the understanding of equine nature for millions of people worldwide. I am proud to have contributed to elevating the standards of horsemanship globally. However, it remains disheartening to witness the persistent prevalence of primitive and often shameful practices within the horse industry. This includes the harsh treatments horses endure when they don’t conform to human expectations, rather than focusing on nurturing a genuine partnership where the horse feels secure and understood, moving away from their natural prey animal instincts. Achieving this is a nuanced and ongoing process.
Navigating the Landscape of Equine Knowledge
In today’s information-rich era, accessing a plethora of opinions on horsemanship is remarkably easy through the internet. Yet, true mastery and a deep understanding of equine psychology are best gained through immersion with authentic master horsemen. Individuals such as Troy Henry, Tom Dorrance, Ray Hunt, Ronnie Willis, Freddie Knie, Walter Zettl, Doug Jordan, and Martin Black embody a unified understanding of the dedication, knowledge, tools, techniques, time, and support necessary to become the kind of horseman our equine partners need.
While each horse and trainer is unique, the underlying principles for success remain remarkably consistent. Much like advancements in aviation and computing, a foundational blueprint exists that, when followed diligently, can yield extraordinary results. As we refine our skills and proficiency, we become more adept at communicating with our equine companions in a manner that is both palatable and easily understood. The Greeks aptly named the horse “Equus,” signifying “equal us.” This definition leaves no room for arrogance, authoritarianism, projecting human traits onto animals, or rigid, one-dimensional thinking.
Understanding the Equine Puzzle
Every horse presents a unique puzzle to be solved. While they may share superficial similarities, like snowflakes, each is an individual with distinct feelings, thoughts, behaviors, and play styles. The ability to understand and adapt to these individual nuances in any given situation is one of the most rewarding aspects of horsemanship. To discern the difference between training and torture, a simple yet profound question can be asked: “Would my mother, or the horse’s mother, find this acceptable?” Their potential pride in witnessing the interaction serves as a powerful ethical compass. It is as simple as that.
Therefore, I advocate for an approach that remains natural and intuitive. “Keep it natural, and may the horse be with you.”
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