How would you like to have your horse put his whole heart, desire and effort into everything that you ask him to do? To do it with a happy outlook, a positive attitude and to give you everything that he’s got, consistently? And to have him look forward to his sessions with you and to do it all with lightness, softness and imperceptible cues?
This is certainly all possible; perhaps you have already experienced this watching some of the higher-level students in the programme. Or maybe even felt a glimmer of it yourself. How then do you set about achieving such a wondrous outcome?
The key is rapport. By now this is a familiar subject, one that we have discussed many, many times throughout the programme to date. Rapport can mean many things; relationship, link, bond, understanding, affinity, connection, empathy, common accord ... and goes way beyond the boundaries of communication. Rapport is having some kind of common ground, a shared interest or desired outcome ... seeing things eye to eye. Even between two individuals that are not overly compatible, a common thread can usually be found, which gives a starting point or grounding for a relationship. When it comes to success with horses, the great news about rapport is that no matter where you begin, or how things are going, common ground can always be reached, giving you a fresh start.
In Level 3 we will take a close look at our offer; how we ask our horses to do something for us. We will also explore what it means to truly reward the slightest try. If you can take the time it takes to really consider your horse’s perspective on all things and not jump to conclusions and put your thoughts to their actions; to recognize the almost imperceptible changes and tries in your horse, rewarding them with comfort and not try to make your horse do something, your horse will recognise your try. Teach him to go looking for comfort and not only will he become lighter, softer and smoother, he will also become a more willing partner that puts extra effort into all that he does. How much harder are you prepared to try, when working for a good boss or teacher, than for one who is not so good? How much better performance will your horse give you if you make it your responsibility to create and maintain rapport?
If your horse knows that you are doing your very best for him, he will try his hardest for you. Horses never forget, but they always forgive. This then is the trait of a true horseman. One that not only does great things with horses, but whose horses do great things for them.
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- By Meredith Ransley, Quantum Savvy.