Discover the Essence of the Human Equine Experience

Over eons, horse enthusiasts have discerned that there is more to know about the beast than the effort required to simply “saddle up and ride.” Though humans claim to have domesticated the equine, there is substantial evidence suggesting the horse had quite a bit to say about the matter! In fact, many believe that the horse, much like the dog, “chose” humans for companionship, protection and access to food. In essence, a symbiotic relationship was formed. This feels right to me, for in my 40 plus years of involvement with horses, I have long suspected that they are into “using” us, big time! I’ll go one step further and suggest that often they own us more than we own them. Horses, it seems, are quite good at training people.

I’ve been trained by quite a number of very manipulative equines, who were doing, as it turns out, what comes naturally. I’ve learned, through the school of hard knocks (quite literally), that there is an appropriate structure for working safely with these generous, yet powerful beings. 
Fortunately, for modern horsemen and women, this structure now has a name and has evolved into a fascinating discipline known as “Natural Horsemanship.” The philosophy behind the movement is quite simple. We as humans have an obligation, when working with horses, to learn to see and feel the world as they do, and to communicate in a language that can be understood by both species. Some people call this horse whispering, but it starts with horse observation.

Watch them in the pasture. Horses are herd animals and animals of prey. Ever alert, and ready to flee, they see us, quite readily, for what we are – predators! Many of our attempts to make friends with horses are seen as predatory by the horse (reaching for the face, for example, and making direct eye contact). So we must create opportunities to be viewed as “part of the herd” by the horse. Once accepted, we must establish ourselves as the herd leader. It is our good fortune that horses readily accept human leadership when offered in a manner that has meaning to them.

Natural horsemanship principles help us experience the essence of the horse/human connection. The line between species blurs, allowing us to discover beauty and power. The process is intriguing, rewarding and moving. The result is a relationship both honest and friendly. Whether or not you choose to put your foot in a stirrup, every human should have the experience of “joining up” with a horse on the ground. The experience brings life-changing possibilities and a surprising understanding of one of humanity’s great helpmates and friends: the horse. 

Interested? Spend some time in the ring with one of our magnificent equine teachers and a human helper. Learn the language of the horse. We promise a life-changing equestrian experience. 

– Carla Hawkinson, Equestrian Program Manager