Have you ever paid attention to horses in herds? When do you hear them vocalizing? Generally when calling for a friend. They call out when they are stressed. Stallions chatter when they are excited by a mare or irritated by a rival. Mares will call to their foals to bring them into line or nicker softly to settle them. Foals will call frantically if they are out of sight of their dam. But if you watch a herd of content horses, they are generally quiet vocally. They are sayi

Slow is fast

Horses always revert to the level and expectations of the rider.

We are on our horses schedule. Our horses are not on our schedule.

Leaning will create lameness

Would your horse want to go on another “date” with you?

Find a way to make their no a yes without force.

If you don't show up for your horse, don't expect your horse to show up for you.

Self carriage will never be achieved through micromanaging your horse. We all want to be great helpers (micromanagers) for our horses. We try to prevent mistakes by holding a movement or containing the movement. Horses don't learn that way. In fact they get kind of resentful. They can't move their bodies when we are "helping", we are in their way. It's kind of like a toddler hanging on your leg while making dinner.

The horse always reverts to the skill and the energy of the rider. Riding has a lot to do with self control

Dysfunction is not normal

We are losing equine professionals at an alarming rate. It is a mentally, physically and emotionally demanding job.

Check your hands

You will never give your horse too many breaks.

You aren’t at war with your horse nor are you competing with your horse.

I am a super slow learner

Wisdom Wednesday

We can condition our horses into dysfunction. Dysfunction leads to pain. Pain leads to poor behavior.

Prey hide pain

Learn to walk away