Must this dream be fantasy?

The human - horse connection was made thousands of years ago. The horse provided early man with many of life's necessities. From draft and pack animals to fearless chargers carrying knights into battle.

Early texts describe a path to training horses without the use of whips and chains, a style of training equivalent to "Horse Whispering," yet somewhere along the way this form of training was taken over by a more invasive, forceful style. Thankfully it was never lost completely and after four thousand years, there is a return to a style that enfolds all. From the tiniest ponies to the largest of the draft horses - gentle training is now the expected norm instead of training that focuses on breaking the horse's will and ultimately her spirit.

The advent of the Round-pen trainers, and the popularity of the trust-based teachers have ensured horses some respite from the assaults of lesser humans. The key to the gentler forms of training, irrespective of the path, is understanding and timing. These two topics are the keystones of the human - horse connection.

When people seek professional help for their horse's behavior problems, the answer is usually rooted in one of these two areas. Either a human has misunderstood something the horse has done and made an unnecessary correction, or the human has failed to communicate with the horse effectively because of bad timing. Training from the ground up ensures a whole approach to relationship development between horse and rider. A connection based intentionally, on trust, respect and willingness.

Through planning and kindness the human can convince the horse that as long as he is with this Almighty human, previously scary things are nothing to worry about. Creating this essential bond or dependency is the foundation to the entire human - horse connection.

The best way to start this bonding process is the same as other training procedures, whether the animal is a dog, or a cat, horse, or a chicken…begin in a distraction-free environment, and slowly work into more exciting or scary locations as the horse gains confidence with you.

"From the Ground Up" means exactly what it implies. Work your horse from the ground up, succeeding triumphantly and thoroughly with every step of the way. With each success the horse has, its perception of you will rise higher and higher - eventually enabling you to calm the horse in scary situations, but more importantly get you one step closer to the freedom of the dream…Galloping unrestricted on a saddle-less, bridle-less horse - freely in your control.

To learn more about the July 19th 2003 Clinic, contact me by clicking here.