Do you remember the first time you fell in love with a horse? Was it seeing a horse in a field, or going for a ride on a neighbor’s horse? Whatever your reason for falling in love with horses, and eventually getting your own, for you to truly enjoy get the most out of your relationship with your horse, you need to have a strong foundation in order to grow a strong partnership with your horse. It doesn’t happen instantly. It take a lot of work and loads of dedication from the both of you.
It may not seem like it, but this can be easy, if you aren’t in a rush. And today it seems like we are all in such a rush. We get instant gratification in so many ways, but usually a horse will not grant you instant gratification. Well that is unless you are merely gratified by being in the presence of such a majestic animal! If that is your gratification, consider yourself lucky. But for most horse owners and riders, we get our gratification by spending time with our horses, and achieving a goal or two along the way.
But in order to reach those goals, we need to take a step back, and build a solid foundation. This is especially important when it comes to riding. It doesn’t matter what type of riding you do. In order to progress, you need to have a strong understanding of how your horse learns, and how to build his knowledge while you are building up your own.
One Step Forward, Two Steps Back
If you find that you are getting frustrated with your horse or relying on training tools to get him to do what you want. Maybe it’s time to step back, and focus on the fundamentals. Does your horse follow you willingly to the barn when it’s time to ride, or do you spend half an hour chasing him around the pasture? Will he stand still while you are grooming or tacking him up, or is he dancing around, giving you a work out before you even get your foot in the stirrup? Are you able to walk, trot and canter (or lope) with both you and your horse well balanced in both directions?
If you can’t answer yes to all of these questions, you may find yourself getting frustrated with your horse time, instead of enjoying it. This happens a lot with people who think they are ready to progress in their riding. But instead of moving forward and advancing your skills before you are ready maybe you should take a step back and perfect every action with your horse before moving on.
If you are not sure where to turn for help, there are lots of options available (here is an instant gratification moment for you) on the internet. There are videos, articles, blog posts, and lots of other ways to get information available instantly on line. And if you want to step up your learning game, how about taking a few riding lessons with a reputable trainer? Yes, it will cost money but isn’t your horse worth it?
Practice Gratitude, Every Day
If you focus on getting little wins with your horse, and building upon them, I am certain you will find you are able to rekindle that love for horses, especially your horse. So the next time you find yourself rushing with your horse because your time is limited, or you get frustrated with something your horse is doing, take a step back. Try going back to the fundamentals of what horsemanship really means. Start by establishing a strong foundation with your horse and build upon it one day at a time. And remember to practice gratitude, and be grateful for the moments you have to share with your horse.