philosophizing – Page 2 – Horse Listening

Top Nine Ways to Prevent Your Horse From Finding His “Happy Place” in Riding

9. Withdraw regular "creature" comforts:

Don't provide shelter and blanketing; don't worry if he gets cold or shivers or overheats - for horses should be out in all elements as they are "creatures of the wild". Ignore the effects of the elements. Above all, pay no attention to tight backs and any signs of physical discomfort.

8. Don't provide nutritional feed and definitely not at regular time intervals.

Worry not about tight flanks, the signs of hunger (pacing, anxiety, pawing) or the lone horse that is regularly kicked off the hay in the field. Ignore any signs of ulcers/malnutrition/lack of worming. Feed only when you have the time - the horses won't die without hay over the course of several hours! Loss of weight and condition means nothing with regards to the riding capacity of the horse.

7. Ignore tack and physical discomforts.

Any saddle is fine - get the cheapest one you can find, especially those "all in one" kits that are on sale for a price that even you can't believe! Use any girth/cinch you can find - if there is a girth gall, just slap on some ointment. Don't worry too much about the length and angles of the hooves - long, low toes might cause your horse to trip a little, but just kick the horse on when that happens.

6. Avoid a regular exercise routine

Life is busy - ride only when you have nothing better to do. Ride at different times on the days you do ride and certainly don't concern yourself with developing a training routine for your warm-up and cool-down.

5. Ride the same way over and over again...

... especially if you are running into problems. Repeat your aids and make them stronger until at some point, the horse finally gives in. It's too much trouble to try something new or improve your own riding skills. If you never "get through" to the horse, or if he becomes too dangerous to ride, sell him. Buy another one with a higher tolerance for your riding techniques.

4. Don't bother taking riding lessons.

Once you know how to stay on and steer and stop, the sky is the limit! Believe in the old adage, "What you don't know won't hurt you." Riding lessons are expensive and only serve to confuse and irritate.

3. Don't use half-halts.

Ignore your horse's complaints about being off-balance. Some horses tolerate being on the forehand better than others; buy those and ride them until they go lame. If the horse is repeatedly lame, sell him off and buy another.

2. Be inconsistent with your aids.

Keep the horse guessing at all times. Instead of learning to work with the horse, make him be the only active partner. Keep changing things up so that he doesn't know when he is right or wrong, and avoid putting in the hard work it takes to develop a kind hand and an informed seat.

1. Don't listen to your horse.

Do your best to ignore your horse's body language, especially if the "feedback" is negative. Also avoid the input of other people who might be concerned for your horse's welfare.

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If you liked this article, you might also enjoy the following:

Speaking "Horse" (a.k.a. "Pushing the Envelope")

What You Ought to Know About Instant Gratification in Horse Riding

6 Ways to Unleash the Power of Your Riding Seat

With Thanks to Hickstead

Hickstead was the little horse that could. In fact, he really could, better than any other horse in the world. Although he stood 16h, and was one of the smaller competitors on the circuit, you wouldn't know it by the way he cleared the highest jumps with room to spare. He became a giant in his field, and captured the imagination of many far and wide.

He catapulted his rider, Eric Lamaze to the highest heights literally and figuratively, and propelled Canadian show jumping to the world stage once again. We witnessed their accomplishments with the type of awe that is reserved especially for the few and far between.

For horse fans, November 6, 2011 will be one of those "where were you when..." moments. Hickstead's tragic passing marked the end of an era that will now become the stuff of legends.

On the home front, Hickstead's story makes us all stop and listen - to the horses munching on their hay, to the nickers and squeals, even to the bucks and tail swishes - and reminds us that each moment with our very own equine champion is precious and to be cherished.

Thank you, Hickstead, for sparking the imagination of a generation and for giving it your all.

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The Truth About Balance

"The classical seat with a vertical alignment of ears, shoulders, hips, and heels, is the 'neutral' position to which the rider returns immediately after all deviations that the horse may have made necessary. It is the position in which the rider is the least burdensome, even to a young horse - because he is sitting in balance with the horse. Leaving this position is either an aid, which helps the horse improve or regain his own balance and straightness, or it is an interference, which destroys the horse's balance and straightness."

- Thomas Ritter, ArtisticDressage.com

One of the "golden rules" in riding is the seeking of the perfect balance. We all strive for balance - in our position, our seat, our movement with the horse. Another fundamental area of emphasis is in the horse's balance: too low, and the horse is on the forehand; too high, and we risk taking unplanned airs above the ground!

But there is so much more to balance.

The secret is identifying when you find the "perfect in-between" - and being able to replicate that just-right-balance regularly enough to reap the rewards.

When considering horses, finding balance occurs in avenues other than just during the rides themselves. Too much of something can be just as harmful as too little, and the horse person must learn to 'listen' carefully to the horses to know how much of something is just enough.

You must find balance in:

- hay: too much is almost as bad as too little

- supplements: too much can be wasteful or damaging, and too little can be similarly wasteful and useless

-riding: too often, and the horse can get "sour"; too infrequent, and your horse becomes less fit, able, and mentally ready

-turnout: too long and your horse gets dirty/cold/tired/ "wild"; too short and your horse gets bored/sour/unhappy

-bathing: not often enough, and the coat gets grimy and bacteria can cause skin problems; too often, and the oil gets stripped from the hair and the coat loses its luster and shine

Well, you get the idea.

There must be balance in pretty much everything, and all you need to find it is awareness and willingness to make the necessary changes to even out the scales. And whether you are sitting in balance on the horse, or achieving balanced nutritional requirements, you can be satisfied in knowing that the perfect-in-between is a great place to be!

What other areas do you find balance in your horse riding and keeping endeavors?

Want to advertise your business on Horse Listening? Click here for more info.

Don’t miss a single issue of Horse Listening! If you like what you are reading, become a subscriber and receive updates when new Horse Listening articles are published! Your email address will not be used on any other distribution list. Subscribe to Horse Listening by Email

Buy the book for many more riding tips! Horse Listening – The Book: Stepping Forward to Effective Riding

Available as an eBook or paperback.

Read more!

What You Ought to Know About Instant Gratification in Horse Riding: There is NO SUCH THING! Why not???

Blueprinting: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly: Why is it essential that you learn how to ride correctly in the first place?

Quit to Persevere: We're always told that we should keep going until the point gets across. Read why it is sometimes BETTER to quit!

In the Beginning (riding): What can you expect when you start riding? Read this article to know about the beginning of "the path".

Softly Determined – A Poem

I found this one on the Internet long ago, with no indication of the author.*

However, it has stayed with me, blending intensity with passion, being so eloquent and yet knowledgeable about the "path". I have personally gone through many of the moments that are described here, and so it has touched me deeply, and been an anchor through my growth as a rider. Enjoy!

* Edited to add: The author was found (see comments below)! Thank you for writing this beautiful poem, Bernie!

Soft Determination

So we: make haste slowly; try harder gently; are softly determined.

The ideal we desire is one of dynamic harmony,
with aids telepathic in their subtlety.

Towards that goal,
our aids should speak in whispers rather than shouts.

The horse is the partner whose emphasis includes strength;
the rider should not emphasize this.
So beware the clenched jaw of the rider,
showing the strain of excess muscular effort, trying too hard.

Clearer communication is not usually stronger muscular effort,
but more correct and focussed effort.
Finesse, and the sweat of an iron will,
rather than the sweat of iron muscles.

As we progress in riding,
some muscles grow stronger - our legs, our abdominals -
but our real strength comes from inside,
our wish for harmony,
our desire to move as one with the horse.

So we:

make haste slowly;
try harder gently;
are softly determined.

BK4Leg

The “99% Lucky” Rule

The 99% Lucky rule is very simple - when you're around horses, and particularly in dangerous situations, you are lucky 99% of the time. That is a good rule - unless it happens to be the 1% of the time that you might be 'un'-lucky! Then, it's no fun at all. Let me explain...

When you are around horses, safety must come first before anything else - your safety first, then the horse's safety. Regardless of the horse-related activity you participate in, once the horse is involved, your safety 'barometer' has to be turned on and stay active the whole time.

**How to be in the right place at the wrong time (stay in that 99% lucky zone):**

- be aware of your positioning in relation to the horse (even if you are on the ground).

- be aware of the surroundings and the possible reactions of the horse.

- know when to stop an activity (whether you should stop insisting on something from the ground, or even to the point of getting off the horse when you know it is time to stop the ride).

- control your external body language to exude calmness and confidence at all times (even if you and/or the horse are at high alert).

- verbally talk yourself and your horse out of a sticky situation - your voice calms the horse and reinforces to yourself what you want to do.

Most of the time, your luck will hold out in dangerous situations. Some of the craziest, most dangerous events go by unnoticed because just out of luck, your horse refrained from reacting as violently he could have, or the situation just didn't present in the worst-case scenario. People then go along as usual, completely unaware that the reason they were not injured was purely thanks to luck....

One example: wrapping a lead rope around your hand while you walk the horse into the barn. Now, we all know that you should never wrap a lead rope around a hand. And still we do it from time to time. And 'most' of the time, nothing happens at all.

The horse obliges nicely and walks beside us as we walk in. 99 times out of 100, the scene proceeds as planned. However, just once, there might be something that jumps out of the bush, or your horse sees something out of the corner of his eye, and he lunges forward/backward/sideways (take your pick) and very unfortunately, your hand must follow!

Work diligently to prevent that 1% unlucky! Make every effort to remain in the "safe zone" of whatever you do with the horse. You'll be glad you did.

Buy the book for many more riding tips! Horse Listening – The Book: Stepping Forward to Effective Riding

Available as an eBook or paperback.

If you liked this post, you might enjoy these as well:

Too Good To Be True? Finding Your Horse's Happy Place: Did you know that through riding alone, you can improve the quality of your horse's life? All horses respond positively to enjoyable exercise....

6 Ways to Unleash the Power Of Your Riding Seat: The seat is where it's at! Learn how to get "off" your hands and "on" your seat - your horse will thank you for it!

Stepping 'Forward' in Horse Riding: Beware: "speed is the enemy"! Being 'forward' is far from being 'fast'. What does forward really mean in riding?

The Truth About Balance: We always talk about balance in our riding, but what about the balance in the rest of the horse's life?

Speaking “Horse” (a.k.a. “Pushing the Envelope”)

What does your horse's expression tell you?

You've seen it before (maybe you've been there yourself?) - the horse/human tug-of-war scenario:

The person is trying desperately to keep the horse in a particular position

the person is leading the horse somewhere and all the while, the horse is moving, imposing, and once in a while, running over the doting human being!

* * * * *

Once you know how to listen to your horse, a whole world of communication can open up for you. You will know how to interpret what the horse is saying - to the other horses, to you, and to the 'world'. Horses send messages out as much as humans do. It's just that we do it verbally (just think of what a gathering of people sounds like and you'll know what I mean).

Horses, on the other hand, do very little verbally (unless the horses belong to me - they've definitely learned to 'voice' their opinion!). Most of their communication lies in the non-verbal realm; you need to learn to 'listen' in a different sense, by carefully observing their body movements. Pretty much EVERY movement has a meaning and is 'sent out' with deliberate intention. The talent on your part is to interpret the body language accurately.

Point in fact - the horse's social structure works on a basic hierarchical system. Lower-level horses always defer to the herd leader. In other words, if the herd leader moves into the direction of another horse, the lower horse is expected to move away - from the hay, from another horse friend, or simply from the herd leader himself.

Neglecting to move away often results in a more aggressive movement from the herd leader - including the possibility of a swift kick in the lower-level horse's direction!

This submission has developed over the millenia for good reason - the herd leader HAD to be the one who moved the herd around. In nature, without a good leader to tell the others what to do and where to go, the herd's safety would be at risk.

How does this involve you, the human? Your actions will dictate your current and future relationship with that horse. Here is a possible scenario: while you are leading the horse beside you, the horse steps into your direction, almost walking on top of you. Your possible responses:

- you think it's cute that the horse wants to snuggle up to you, and you step back as the horse walks into you

- you see the horse coming in your direction and you push the horse on his shoulder so he doesn't continue coming into your space

Each reaction on your part gives the horse a different message. The first reaction - stepping away - will tell the horse that he is the herd leader between the two of you, and that he should be the one to make decisions. Many times, this 'herd dynamic' works just fine for your interactions, because chances are that your horse is kind and generous and usually will not be inclined toward stepping on you or dragging the lead rope out of your hand.

But unfortunately, the one time that he feels he must impose his authority on you (if he feels threatened by an unfamiliar object), you will not have a say in his decision-making. As the lower ranked member of your herd, you must obey - meaning, you'd better get out of his way as he tramples you to get away from the fear object!

If instead, you choose to not move away and push him back out of your space the moment you notice him stepping toward you, you impart a very different message. In this case, you are telling him that you are the herd leader, and he needs to respect your personal space.

This is the preferable role for you as human, since you are likely more than six times smaller and lighter and at risk of being easily injured based on just the size difference itself.

As you learn to listen to your horse, you will realize that there is constant communication going back and forth between the two of you (whether you know it or not). So instead of assuming the subservient role, pay closer attention and work on asking your horse the questions. If you move into his space, will he move away from you? If you need him to stop moving his feet, will he stand still?

Make a habit of routinely asking him questions. If he answers "yes" to your questions, you can be thankful and reward him with a pat and a "good boy" vocal response, but your job is not quite complete. Just getting an affirmative is not enough - as soon as your horse gives you the 'yes', you need to ask him the next level of question.

Maybe it could be something like: "Will you stand still and not dive for the grass while I lead you in the field with the yummiest grass?" The next level might be, "Will you walk nicely and not prance around while I lead you away from the barn and your herd members?"

Each time you get the 'yes', think of something that could be the next step. Pushing the envelope is one step in developing a trusting, confident relationship with your horse.

What are some questions you ask of your horse?

Want to advertise your business on Horse Listening? Click here for more info.

Buy the book for many more riding tips! Horse Listening – The Book: Stepping Forward to Effective Riding

Available as an eBook or paperback.

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What Responsible Horse Ownership Really Means: We need to keep in mind that horses are prey animals and long-time domesticated livestock. If we listen well enough, we discover that what we think of as giving might not be what the horses truly need.

10 Tips for the Average Rider: Are you an average rider? Then join the club!

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Ask 25 Horse People One Question….

... and you get 25 different answers!

This phenomenon is a well-known fact in the horse industry. Over the years, I've been approached time and again by people new to the horse world, in a mixed-up state of frustration and confusion. Who do they listen to? How can EVERYONE have a different way of doing something? Isn't there a 'standard' method in the industry?

New horse owners go to look for a boarding barn and discover that every barn has a different feed program, turnout routine, barn rules, and so much more. Or, they take lessons from one instructor and then watch a clinic and discover that there are many ways to train one movement. Turn the horses out 24/7 or leave them in most of the day? Ride with contact or go 'on the buckle'? There are so many extremes to horse keeping and riding, and then there are all the gray areas in-between. Where is a newbie to start?

For example, look at the variety of disciplines found in the horse world. Although every horse has four legs, a head and a tail, you find such a huge variety of activities from riding (so many sub-classifications in just riding) to driving (almost as many possibilities as riding), vaulting, ski joring (look that one up!), line/breeding classes, trick training, and so much more.

And you can't stop there. Feeding horses can be as varied and emotionally-laden as the discipline you choose. With the huge variety of 'complete feeds' as well as the old 'tried-and-true' grains, it can be hard to make a decision - especially when even in one barn, there may be as many different types of feed as there are horses!

After you get past the information overload, you will realize that the various points-of-view are in fact, often helpful and inspiring. However, you may not agree with everything everyone says, and you may find that you are attracted to certain 'types' of horse keeping and riding over others. Part of the appeal of the horse world is in fact that you can find your own niche among a variety of options that matches your wants and needs.

The trick is to find a mentor, or instructor, who is willing to take you under her wing for your first few years of horse ownership. You should find this person to be knowledgeable, competent, honest, and most of all, interested in seeing you progress into becoming a self-sufficient horse owner. This person should be willing to explain his or her reasoning and teach you how to make an informed decision among the various options. She should be willing to listen to other opinions and then capably explain why she either accepts or rejects that opinion. Finally, your mentor should be interested in seeing you grow and meet your own goals.

Try to stay with that person for some time. Switching from coach to coach will only serve to confuse you and cause a disservice to your horse. Learn all you can before heading off to "greener pastures" because although it may be tempting to jump on the next (band)wagon, too many differing opinions too early in your understanding of the horse world will cause another well known syndrome: "a little knowledge is a dangerous thing". Be sure that you stay with the person long enough to have a complete understanding, at least from their perspective.

There is another part that you must play too - you must read (books and magazines), watch videos, attend clinics and seminars, take courses, and find a good boarding barn and lesson situation that helps you acquire the knowledge you need to be a responsible, educated horse owner. In essence, you need to 'study'. No one else can do that for you.

And finally, we go back to the original question: what about the multitude of answers to that one (seemingly simple) question you asked? You have two points of reference to weigh the answer against. First, how does the answer balance with what you have learned to date (and ask your mentor for his or her opinion if you don't know). Second, just listen to your horse! He will always be honest!

What do you think?

On Enjoying the Path

I can hear you now – you’re groaning… the path?? How can “the path” be fulfilling?

You might ask: doesn't “the path” translate to tedious repetitions, lack of acknowledgement or recognition, stumbling blocks, frustrations, steps backward more than forward, and all the other associated negativities that occur when something is practiced day-to-day, week-to-week?

What about the glory of the goal, the clear, final call of reaching the destination, the accolades and the photo finish? How about the sense of accomplishment, the personal gain, the reward of achievement?

Well, you’re right of course. Goal setting is paramount in all activities, especially if they are long-term and difficult to complete. Without a sense of where we want to go, there would be no ‘path’ to speak of. And we all require and crave (at some level) for a sense of recognition and a feeling of a job well done.

But in horse riding, the majority of the time is spent on the path itself. The achievement of goals are short and fleeting, maybe because the horse is a living and breathing entity unto himself, and he has opinions, desires and interests that may not match yours! It is well known that there is a horse somewhere, sometime, that will humble every person. I would argue that the lessons learned from those horses might be the most meaningful of all.

Often, those lessons are not technical in nature. Rather, they teach us about our ability to persevere, to be patient, to set aside personal desires and ego, and so many other deep lessons that are essential in developing wholeness of being and strength of character. They develop our very human-ness and sense of place in the world.

And so, the next time you find yourself stuck on an exercise, struggling to achieve your next desire, and falling flat on your face (hopefully not literally) despite all your effort and dedication, try to step back and see the whole picture. What path are you on? Where have you been and where are you now? How does your current place in the (horse) world fit with where you want to be? What can you do to take just one tiny step closer to the end goal?

And remember, as E. Joseph Cossman put it so well, "The best bridge between despair and hope is a good night's sleep." Sleep on it, and go at it again the next day.

And enjoy the path!

"Walker, there is no path, you make the path as you walk." ~Antonio Machado.

If you enjoyed the above article, you might enjoy these too:

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https://www.horselistening.com2011/11/23/what-you-ought-to-know-about-instant-gratification-in-horse-riding/

https://www.horselistening.com2011/12/10/too-good-to-be-true-finding-your-horses-happy-place/

https://www.horselistening.com2022/01/24/9-signs-your-horse-is-about-to-or-did-spook/

https://www.horselistening.com2022/01/04/it-isnt-magic-top-5-reasons-why-practice-will-take-you-far-this-year/

Horses. Riding. Life.

Category: philosophizing

Top Nine Ways to Prevent Your Horse From Finding His “Happy Place” in Riding

With Thanks to Hickstead

The Truth About Balance

But there is so much more to balance.

You must find balance in:

Well, you get the idea.

What other areas do you find balance in your horse riding and keeping endeavors?

Want to advertise your business on Horse Listening? Click here for more info.

Buy the book for many more riding tips! Horse Listening – The Book: Stepping Forward to Effective Riding

Softly Determined – A Poem

Finally! The Ultimate Rider-Centered Program!

Become A Horse Listener!

Buy the book for many more riding tips! Horse Listening – Book 4: 20-Minute Exercises To Add Variety To Your Riding Routine

The “99% Lucky” Rule

**How to be in the right place at the wrong time (stay in that 99% lucky zone):**

Buy the book for many more riding tips! Horse Listening – The Book: Stepping Forward to Effective Riding

Speaking “Horse” (a.k.a. “Pushing the Envelope”)

Want to advertise your business on Horse Listening? Click here for more info.

Buy the book for many more riding tips! Horse Listening – The Book: Stepping Forward to Effective Riding

Ask 25 Horse People One Question….

Finally! The Ultimate Rider-Centered Program!

Buy the book for many more riding tips! Horse Listening – The Book: Stepping Forward to Effective Riding

On Enjoying the Path

Finally! The Ultimate Rider-Centered Program!

Buy the book for many more riding tips! Horse Listening – The Book: Stepping Forward to Effective Riding