Discipline Natural Horsemanship...

To develop a balanced horse we need to both sensitise the horse to our aids and to desensitise them to external stimuli so that they are safe to ride. By getting horses involved with humans in such a way, they do not react in the same way as they would to a predator. We can achieve this by behaving in a way that to a horse is like another horse rather than as a human predator does.

At the same time we want to develop the horse's sensitivity to the aids so that they move forwards, sideways and backwards when asked. We want them to respond to the lightest touch, just as they do when a fly or mosquito lands on their skin. Humans do not need to use strong physically painful stimuli once the communication is developed through systematic and reinforcing action and non action.

We sensitise the horse through reinforcing the desired response. We start by using grosser more obvious aids, rewarding the slightest try and gradually teaching through careful reduction of the strength of the aid until the subtle forms of communication are all that is required.

When multiple aids are used on the horse without giving the horse time to recognise the appropriate response to the specific aid we create confusion and limit the horse's understanding of what is required. By teaching individual aids in clear steps and using consistent patterns the horse is able to develop an understanding of what happens before what happens and will respond to the slightest indication as long as the communication is consistently clear. Teach one step at a time and then recombine!

Natural horsemanship is about using systematic, organised and familiar communication with the horse to build a relationship of trust and confidence in the leader that all horses are looking for. Horses are herd animals looking for a leader to keep them safe, provide play, food and water. Humans can build on this natural need and desire of the horse for a strong connection.

We get to ride a sensitive animal that lives in the moment and responds to the touch and feel of the humans in their environment. We bring horses into our lives and have the responsibility to understand their needs and provide opportunity to develop trust by providing safety.

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