If we seek perfect horsemanship, then we must seek knowledge.
In seeking knowledge we often discover what we know is incomplete,
and being incomplete is frequently not the truth.
Example: a horseman thought by many to be knowledgeable defines
a snaffle bit as “a bit with a jointed mouthpiece.”
His knowledge is incomplete and therefore not the truth.
A snaffle may have a jointed mouthpiece, but the mouthpiece does
not define the bit. A bit is a snaffle only if the reins attach
opposite the mouthpiece, and there is no poll or curb action.
A greater understanding of bits leads us to the truth about a
snaffle. Continued study improves our ability to use the bit wisely
to communicate with the horse.
“Pull back on the reins to stop a horse,” is advice
given by horse trainers and riding instructors alike. It is false
advice.
Such advice may sound appropriate, but it is advice based on common
practice and incomplete knowledge. “Pulling” on horses
is always a response based on incorrect or insufficient information.
A million messages of incorrect and insufficient information are
directed at us every day. Advertisements by bit makers and tack
stores tell us a snaffle has a jointed mouthpiece, instructors
direct us to “pull” back on the reins, and magazines
contain sales pitches for products encouraging the use of horses
with physical problems as if there are no consequences to the
use of such products.
Some one says, “I’ve been around horses all my life,
and we’ve always done it this way.” If you accept
his or her information without question you are making a “conditioned”
response. If you respond instantly in a defensive or critical
manner, you are making a condition response.
Conditioned responses are easy; they don’t require thought
or effort to seek truth.
A horse steps on your toe and the conditioned response is verbal
abuse to and blaming of the horse. “Stupid horse”
is the conditioned response.
The conditioned response is the result of a lack of self-esteem
and mental laziness; it allows others to control our thinking
or it lets us avoid having to think things through.
Take time before responding, seek knowledge, commit yourself to
constant learning, challenge all that is presented and you can
apply the fifth secret of perfect horsemanship: CHOOSE YOUR RESPONSE.
The horseman who seeks knowledge for the benefit of the horse
will study bits, saddles, hoof balance, equine nutrition, and
health care as well as training (behavior modification) and riding
techniques.
It is that horseman who will experience moments of perfect horsemanship
for it is that horseman who will choose how he or she responds
to all circumstances.
In making conscious choices of response, you allow the power within
(first secret) to take you to your goals. Only a conscious choice
in response will follow your heart (second secret).
You can practice non-judgment (third secret) by seeking your own
knowledge rather than accepting another’s insufficient information.
Giving (fourth secret) your knowledge is the greatest expression
of wisdom.
When you are conscious of choosing your responses to all circumstances,
you will recognize that there are only six elements which apply
to any and all performance horses.
Beyond the six elements there is nothing. But it is in the nothingness
that the artist, the poet, the innovator begins to work his or
her magic. It is in the nothingness that the training and riding
transcend the physical and become thought and perfection begins.
Master the six elements and your knowledge is truth and your responses
are your choice.
The six elements of training in sequence and understanding are:
1. All action initiates in the horse’s hindquarters.
2. Communication involves a request and a response.
3. Seek compliance to requests through nonresistance.
4. Impulsion is power in movement.
5. Suppleness is the requirement for grace in action.
6. Collection is controlling the balance point.
If you have not experienced moments of perfection with your horse,
the incorrect response…the conditioned response is: “work
harder.”
The conscious choice in response will be: “work smarter,
learn more, gain the knowledge needed to benefit the horse.”
Visit www.donblazer.com for
more information about horses
