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I bought my first horse when I was 41. He was a young black gelding, too inexperienced for me as a novice rider. Then I bought a young black mare, and then another. I just held on for the first few years of trail riding, swaying from side to side and grinning. I rode lickety-split, fast and furious. I thought the ride was more important than the horse.
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Over time, however, I learned more about this live sport vehicle and found the horse beneath me. Initially, I focused on learning basic skills, including round pen work and ground manners. Buzzwords like partnership and leadership were promoted by national trainers. I added to my understanding with reading, videos, and participating in a few clinics. I looked for help constantly, tried to stay safe, but also wanted to improve my riding and my horse's behavior.
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It was much later on this journey that I finally took actual riding lessons. I concentrated on balance, timing, and coordination of cues from legs, seat, and hands. I learned better use of positive and negative reinforcement. Bits are not for braking; hands and reins are used last, not first. Saddle fit is crucial for the willing horse. Bit size and comfort are just as important. I learned that arena work, circling and going straight, and walking precisely around and over poles are important activities to practice, which will lead to better riding on the trails. I worked on transitions, straightness, and quick response to cues. I also learned to stay with the hold until the horse gives to your hand and use praise, lots of praise. Throughout, I maintained unbridled enthusiasm and dogged persistence for learning to do things better. Often, however, I did get discouraged and wanted to quit. Working with horses, finding the feel, includes humility, patience, compassion, assertiveness, and emotional control. It includes staying centered with a softness in focus; slowing down and literally take one small step at a time. Being mindful in the moment is critical, including having a picture of what you want the horse to do in your mind as you work either on the ground or under saddle. Finally, working effectively means knowing and understanding the horse's herd behavior and language and communicating nonverbally with your horse with that always in mind. My horses tell on me each step of the way. I will always be a work in progress. |