“If you’re happy, your horse is more apt to be happy” (Hunt 87). This suggests that feeling negative while working with a horse will affect him too. Since horses rely on body language for survival, feeling negative will send the wrong signal. Every moment with a horse should be positive. Notice the smallest effort to find the right answer by the horse and reward him. This will help maintain the positive energy and gain confidence in the horse.
The “traditional” horsemanship method does not stress being positive as much as does the “natural” horsemanship method. The person, who does not understand how to channel their negative emotions in a positive manner, will tend to cause pain to the horse. Yes, this still can control the horse to some degree. However, the confidence and softness that is sought after is lost due to fear. As Ray Hunt puts it, “instead of a hard tightness, try to find a soft firmness” (85). The emotional aspect to the “traditional” horsemanship does not require as much discipline as the “natural” horsemanship and may work better for the human but may not for the horse.
Relationships between human and horse that are built on trust last longer. This is due to confidence and consistency from the human. “Never think that you are tougher than a horse” (Lyons 7). The horse out weighs and is able to out muscle and out manoeuvre a human.
However, by understanding how to read a horse and how to redirect his energy, the horse will be a good partner. Look at cowboys. They were well respected for their horsemanship. Both the rancher and the horse needed a strong relationship in order to work the cattle. A safe situation may turn into a deadly one in seconds and without the confidence and trust from both rider and horse, it can be rather dangerous because the horse may be out of control (Lamb 30). |