THE MOST POWERFUL TOOL.....

By  Vicki Rhaesa

What we humans have, when asking for cooperation from our horses, is our MIND.  Thinking things through, knowing what we would like to have happen, yet being able to adjust and consider the horse's side of things too, is going to get you more than any piece of equipment or methodology mindlessly applied, will ever get you.

In order for your horse to become a winner, he needs you to become his leader first and then, and only then, will true partnership grow.  Safety is always a priority; therefore, one cannot afford to take this leadership role lightly.  Remember horses live in the moment, by laws of nature and not by rules (certainly not our rules!) 

What makes a good leader? What makes a good partner? What qualities do you need in a leader or a partner?  Now think of a leader or a partner, in your life, that you will always remember and why?  It could be a parent, teacher, boss, spouse, friend, and etc.  When you decide on who this individual is, then ask yourself why you chose that person.  It doesn't matter who you chose but why. The individual you chose, most likely, redeem certain qualities. Qualities such as compassion, fairness, honesty, being responsible, giving, listens, unselfish, consistent, knowledgeable, communicates well, patience, understanding and awareness are just a few that come to mind.  Your partner (the horse) needs all of these qualities (plus more) from you

         to establish a good relationship.  As with any good relationship; it takes total commitment, dedication and constant nurturing.  This might all sound like a lot of hard work and a huge responsibility; and it is, but it is all-necessary in order to help your horse become a winner.  The old saying: "nothing good comes easy," is so true!

Now I will share some of the information that was discussed at my second workshop.  The material that I gave everybody to read was titled:  "THINK.....THINK.....THINK!"  Please keep in mind, as I discussed in the first article, that I have tried to simplify the following information so it doesn't seem so overwhelming. I am quite sure that some of the information you have already heard a thousand times, but I am in hopes that maybe some of the following information might be new to you or help clear up some issues that you might be struggling with.

Prepare ahead of time. Let them learn -- let them work at it.

Let your horse be a winner. If you are going to teach your

horse something and have a good relationship, you don't

make him learn it -- you let him learn it. Notice the smallest

change and the slightest try and reward him. If you haven't

got his attention, you don't try to direct it.

Instead of a hard tightness, try to find a soft firmness. You

don't pull on the horse; he pulls on you -- there is a big

difference. There is a difference between firm and hard --

you may have to get firm but don't get hard with your arms

and hands.

Think right down to the ground. The feet are in your hands.

Get the feet soft and they'll be soft in the head.

The rider should stay alive and alert. The horse learns not

to be particular if the rider is not particular.

Watch the gauges just like the indicators in a car -- watch

his ears -- watch his eyes; they are good indicators. Try to keep

his mind soft and mellow.  If you're happy, your horse is more

apt to be happy. Adjust to fit the situation.

Don't be afraid to expose your horse to something he hasn't

quite been exposed to yet, but don't snow him under.

You don't change; you just add on --- work it in with what

you're doing.

The slower you do it the quicker you'll find it --- it can happen

so soon you don't feel it.

Admire the horse for the good things he does and just kind of

ignore the wrong things. First thing you know, the good things

will get better and the bad things will get less. Make the wrong

things difficult, and the right things easy. 

Remember........your horse is NOT your slave --- he is your partner. 

Don't give up on yourself or your horse if your relationship is not all

you want it to be as of today. Think, and then think again, and try

another approach tomorrow.

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