Foundation: These are the 3 basic building blocks upon which natural horsemanship stands:
1) Relationship 2) Communication 3) Partnership.
Understanding the Preditor/Prey Relationship
The relationship between horse and human is that of prey animal to predator, and building a relationship with this barrier between us poses some interesting challenges. Imagine trying to communicate and relate to a grizzly bear, one of our most fierce predators. What would it take for you or I to trust a grizzly enough to allow him on our backs? Undoubtedly some long hours together with the grizzly gently, patiently, but persistently gaining our trust until we came to believe that he really wasn't just trying to get close enough to eat us for dinner. Even after that, it would require consistant reassurance that he hadn't changed his mind! Now Imagine yourself as that grizzly and your horse as your potential meal and you'll begin to understand her fears.
Communication: The Language of the Horse
Horses communication primarily through body language, with some vocalizations for emphasis. To relate effectively to them requires that we learn their language, when we do we can bridge the predator/prey barrier and create trust. As herd animals, horses use body language to let others know what they are thinking and feeling. When you work with your horse, she will first see you as a predator - then, as she learns to trust you, as a member of her herd and ultimately - when you learn to communicate with her clearly, as the leader of her herd. That is the moment when partnership can begin to form.
Partnership
coming soon!
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