Learning the Art of Horsemanship
One may follow a protocol or program, which roughly corresponds to the obvious requirement.
For example the green rider must learn how to stay balanced on the back of the horse. The green horse must learn that the saddling process and subsequent mounting by a human is not something to be fearful of.
Although these are elementary stages in the work with a horse, they are of the utmost importance. Here is where the foundation of trust and confidence is built.
Later the more experienced rider needs help and guidance in order that they can be successful in the more advanced/upper level work. And so too does the horse. At this point, the two (horse and human), should have a great deal of confidence in each other. This will then enhance their work together, leading to an even more harmonious relationship.
In the early stages of working with a horse we often have to deal with their reactions to various stimuli, when in fact we would prefer them to think, and then respond.
On the most basic level humans and horses have two responses to what appear to be challenging situations, fight or flight.
Given time and confidence both human and horse can overcome natures’ imprint and weigh options, thinking rather than merely reacting.
The accumulation of programs and patterns becomes a type of conditioning that binds and anchors the human down.
Now it is foolish to deny the existence and value of other systems or disciplines, as a reaction…doing this only creates another cage, which in itself binds.
I am more concerned with people understanding the foundation of good horsemanship, the root of all communication with the animal. Thereafter the human can choose to follow whichever path, whichever discipline and have a greater sense of togetherness with the horse. It is pointless arguing which leaf, which blossom on a tree is more beautiful or pleasing…when you understand the root- the foundation; then you can truly appreciate the whole tree.
True horse sense involves much more than working on the surface Movement away from pressure by the use of a variety of aids is our basic means of communication. We can also achieve some degree of control over a horse by rattling food in a bucket causing him to come whenever they hear this sound. This is similar to asking the horse to respond to clicking sounds if accompanied by a tangible reward in the form of food. But do you really want to carry sticks, ropes, buckets, treats and clickers when you ride? The object is to jettison all training aids as soon as real communication is established. You no longer need flash cards to add and subtract or recognize letters, and at some point neither will your horse.
For more than 25 years I studied and taught Martial Arts. During the first 12, following the strictest regimens, revering tradition, I strove to win the next contest, medal, trophy, and piece of paper testifying to my achievement.
As time passed and I rose through the ranks to the point where I was in complete control of a substantially large organization, I began to reflect on how human values of measuring achievement can get in the way of learning and growing. I had no desire to stop learning but the entire process of this particular tradition of training with its emphasis on tangible mileposts, was incompatible with my desire to learn.
I decided to discard everything, and start over. I made a decision to seek the moment and not the trophy. Some people looked on it as throwing it all away, they had no understanding of the freedom I was seeking and instead looked on in puzzlement, safely ensconced in the comfort of their time honored system.
The next thirteen years were spent working from the very foundation. Building an Art that had more to do with reality and less with a trophy or certificate. This does not denigrate those who would strive for trophies and certificates, everyone is different in what they value in life. But in regard to horses and people, it is important to prioritize. When working with any sentient being, you must consider their feelings.
No one, not even your husband or sister, your wife or your brother, has your desires and dreams. You may have some in common but never all. And so it would be the height of arrogance to assume your horse shares with you what no human does. You cannot expect a horse to do your bidding without a serious effort on your part to communicate, encourage, direct and support. On this note it is worthwhile to mention that horses do not understand punishment. They cannot be made to feel guilty. They live exclusively in the moment in a way most humans can only wish to.
In the second half of my Martial Arts career, eleven of my students became recognized Champions.
This was not the result of adherence to any conscious system but a natural outgrowth of my focus on foundational principles and seeking of a deeper understanding of the essence of the “Way” of Martial Arts training. The Champions were an incidental consequence of the process and in no way more significant than the several hundred individuals who passed through my life working at various levels of physical and mental focus, but always with joy. Each person as valuable as the next. My responsibility was to ensure to the best of my ability that they be there in the moment and draw what knowledge and understanding they could from the experience.
The French writer, ‘Buffon’ once remarked that “The horse is mans’ most noble conquest”. Perhaps this is just an observation in semantics, but I never want any horse to be my slave. Rather he were my partner and my friend working with both mental and physical enjoyment.
Often I am asked how it is possible to assist horses and people from various disciplines, Hunter/Jumper, Reining, Dressage, etc all in the same arena. The answer is in perception and approach
It is the ‘Way’ in which we work that forms our relationship with the true nature of the horse. The clothing we wear and the tack the horse wears is irrelevant.
As humans we often lose sight of what is, because of what we look for ahead. Instead of simply thinking of the way to a goal, we see ‘the Goal’. One of my aims is to help the horse and rider move with as much freedom and grace as if the horse were traveling free. The rider should be there to enhance the way of going and not impede the natural beauty offered. A rider with real horse sense enables the horse to move more fearlessly while recognizing and respecting the animal’s inextinguishable instinct for self-preservation.
Listen to what the horse has to offer and gently encourage them further, day-by-day, and week-by-week. Every real connection with the horse, and you will know when it is made, whether through groundwork or riding, is a moment to be savored, if only for a second. Very few things in life are as satisfying to the spirit as creating an atmosphere of goodwill and confidence between human and horse.
Article
Learning the Art of Horsemanship
by John Saint Ryan
Author
John Saint Ryan owns Red
Rose Ranch, a 38 acre full care Boarding and Training Facility located in INYOKERN, CALIFORNIA. Lots of space for your lay ups and retirees.
A year round average climate of 79 degrees. Located directly off Highway 395, yet private and secluded, at the foot of the breathtaking Sierra Nevada Mountain range.
John's passion and interest in Doma Vaquera stems from a visit to Spain almost 20 yrs ago. He has concentrated on the discipline of Doma Vaquera with great success.
Instructional videos and DVD’s can be purchased through John Saint Ryan’s websites:
JohnSaintRyan.com
DomaVaquaraInstruction.com
To contact John Saint Ryan
email: john@johnsaintryan.com