| Matters of the Horse |
| Welcome to "Matters of the Horse", where every month we will share with you some helpful information and insight into horse psychology and behavior and give you practical hints on how to improve your relationship with your horse. Feel free to contact us and let us know what you think or offer your own suggestions. |
| Volume 2, Issue 7 July 2008 |
| The Foundation for all Equestrian Pursuits-Part 2 by Carolyn Resnick and Alessandra Deerink, DVM |
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Nationally known for her
original training methods,
her understanding of
natural herd behaviour,
and the remarkable
connection that she shares
with all horses, Carolyn is
sharing with us her unique
insight in two magnificent
new DVDs, "Introduction
to the Waterhole Rituals"
and "Pandero's
Journey"-FOR RENT to
members only.
original training methods,
her understanding of
natural herd behaviour,
and the remarkable
connection that she shares
with all horses, Carolyn is
sharing with us her unique
insight in two magnificent
new DVDs, "Introduction
to the Waterhole Rituals"
and "Pandero's
Journey"-FOR RENT to
members only.
| To learn more about Carolyn, her lifelong relationship with the horses and her quest to find the ideal communication method between man and horse, visit her site www. carolynresnickblog.com and read her book Naked Liberty published in English and German (Tochter Der Mustangs – Daughter of the Mustangs |
| **************** |
In the first part of the this article, we learnt how the interactions wild horses use
within a herd to maintain harmony and unity can also be used by us humans to
help develop a horse’s character in the same way.
Now let’s look at the different personality types within the society of wild horses
and how that applies to our relationship with horses and what we can learn.
In nature, the spectrum of the equine personality goes from “submissive” to
“dominant” but at the top of the social order we find the “leaders”, one male and
one female, who all members of the herd follow and respect. The strongest
instinct in a horse is to follow a leader. However, when the horse perceives a
lack of leadership, he has a natural tendency to want to lead.
A fundamental concept for Carolyn is that every horse is an individual and should
be treated in a manner that suits his own personality. So for example, submissive
horses need their confidence built and dominant horses have to acquire good
manners and respect for humans. It is extremely important to keep their dominant
nature intact but at the same time, teach them good behavior.
Lead horses normally need minimal shaping or none at all because they are the
natural caretakers of the community. Working with them is often a pleasure
because they naturally have the social skills and desire to fit in. In general, lead
horses are looking for a job to do and for this reason, need to be handled with
respect.
One constant with all types of equine personality though is their response to
human aggression. If the horse is in an open space, this response is flight. If the
horse is cornered, it is a defensive attack but then ultimately resigned submission,
which you see quite often in round pen situations. Such an experience could
influence in a very profound and negative way the horse’s nature and this can be
play itself out in his behaviour and performance.
When we reprimand a horse harshly, the connection between horse and rider is
lost. At this point the training should be stopped and the quality of the connection
re-established. If we look at the word dressage, it means to train a horse in the
moments of harmonious connection. The correctional use of the whip and the
spur would break that harmony. If a horse can feel a fly, he can feel an aid of the
same lightness. Neither the spur nor the whip can help you step you into the
magic with a light heart. By developing a horse’s character to fit in harmony with
you, training and performance become a harmonious dance.
Carolyn’s Method, based on positive feedback, aims to develop five different
qualities in the human-horse relationship: a working bond, trust, respect, strong
focus and a desire to learn and perform. These qualities are not always there and
need to be reaffirmed daily before asking our horse to perform. When these
qualities are present however, a horse will follow your leadership naturally.