Chris and Bell, in hot pursuit of one slippery little calf!
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“Shaping the Will, without Breaking the Spirit”
My belief in the teaching of horses is “The path of least resistance cultivates the most growth and reward.” Some might call this approach “Natural”, but I feel there is nothing “Natural” about the horse/human relationship. So I use good foundation horsemanship with a strong influence in the traditional Vaquero style of horsemanship. Combine that with my personal approach and fundamentals of strengthening your core muscles to offer a quiet and rewarding experience that will leave horse and rider confident, safe and balanced.
To me, nothing is easier for a horse to understand than his own idea. If we approach each situation with the horse’s best interest in mind, we raise our percentage for success each and every time. I call this the “Hunting and Gathering” process, offering the horse a feel, and in doing so it allows the horse to “hunt” for a least resistant path. Finding the release he then “gathers” the information and stores it, giving him his own reservoir of knowledge that he can dip into each time he needs it. Knowing there will be a release each and every time resistance is applied will create a soft and willing horse.
Chris and Roanie heading out on a circle.
When it comes to discipline within horsemanship philosophy, nothing is more suited than that of the Vaquero style. This approach demands patience, perfection and above all respect for the horse’s ability to learn. It never forces, but allows the horse the time he needs to learn each new phase with confidence and understanding. Now-a-days this style will start you in the modern snaffle bit, but traditionalists and purists alike, still choose to start with the phases of the rawhide hackamore or bosal then into the two-rein and finally into the coveted Spade bit bridle.
My personal belief is that there is nothing “new” about this style of horsemanship, or for that matter the so called “natural” horsemanship style. I feel that what can be learned and gained, simple relies on the abilities of the teacher to communicate their knowledge and understanding of their particular field to their students. As with all realms of education, teachers have different teaching styles, just as each student has a different way of learning, the student might be visual or hands on, or need a nudge or push at times, some might need constant support throughout the entire learning process, while others might need to be left alone to sort it all out in their own timely fashion. However it may be, it is important that the teacher recognizes these different attributes and finds the best way to reach his or her students and maximize their individual potential.
It’s so important to me that people are successful in their horsemanship, that’s why I feel a person should be balanced in their core muscles, giving them the pillar of strength and balance to perform maneuvers without getting in their horses way or balancing their bodies
Chris explaining the benefits of the Swiss ball, to clinic participants.
on the horse’s mouth. This will in turn create a rider who’s horsemanship not only blossoms, but a horse who soon learns to have confidence in their partner’s abilities – trust leads to safety, safety leads to knowledge, knowledge leads to confidence.
