Some of the tools used in the “natural” horsemanship training are rope halters, snaffle bits, a stick with a string on it and other similar tools.
The rope halter is soft and pliable. It teaches the horse and human to use a resistance-free response and a light touch. The snaffle bit is used because it bends in the middle. It still requires a light touch but for some, who like to control the mouth more, can use it without hurting the horse’s mouth. The “carrot” stick, a stick with a string on it, is not meant for hitting the horse.
The Carrot Stick is used in many ways. A trainer can twirl the string at the end to drive the horse away without hitting him. It can be used for striking the ground to desensitize him to the motion and sound. It can be used to tap the body for a cue to respond. It must be understood that it is not meant to be used as a whip. Yes, whips are used to creating sounds to desensitize the horse in some certain cases, but it is not meant for “whipping” or “striking” the horse to cause pain. This only helps the horse in becoming tenser (27).
The various tools of this method and the ideas behind it allow for most anyone to apply it. Since it does not require brute strength, it does not matter the person’s size or gender. Here is an example: more and more female horse trainers are working in the horse industry. Before, it was mostly men who worked with horses. If you look at the “traditional” method of training, it requires more strength and burns out both species quicker. Rick Lamb stated in his book that women need to get in touch with their masculine side and men need to get in touch with their feminine side (88). |