Study of all three of these areas is pivotal to success with horses and equally important to both the horse and the rider.
If we expect our horses to be physically fit and agile to perform a certain task to the best of his ability, we must expect the same of ourselves. If we wish him to be emotionally fit enough to deal with any situation, it’s only fair that we too are prepared to be emotionally and mentally up to the task also. If we wish our horses to be respectful of us, to be determined and willing to try, we also must attain these attributes. If not, we are just expecting him to fill in our short-falls for us.
Level One takes us on a journey of mental fitness and building rapport and respect, for our horse and ourselves. It is also the level where our main focus is on confident forward movement. Again for both our horse and ourselves.
Level Two is more about emotional fitness. Here we build impulsion and confidence, learn to think through things and not allow our emotions to take control of us. It is the level where our stops and backwards become most important.
Level Three is about physical fitness and flexion. Physical fitness being more than just how long we can endure but also our softness, suppleness and flexibility. Now sideways and lateral movement become our focus. All of these things will only come together once the other ingredients are in place.
In putting the foundations in place for a horse and rider, these key elements must be recognized and understood. This then is fully appreciating the fundamentals of true horsemanship. Without these rudimentary requirements, true horsemanship will not be comprehended nor obtained.
The Quantum Savvy Foundation Programme can be summed up as:
Level One
Mental Fitness
Respect
Forward (Go)
Level Two
Emotional Fitness
Impulsion
Backward (Whoa)
Level Three
Physical Fitness
Flexion
Sideways (lateral moves)
Read More Road To Horsemanship articles.
- By Meredith Ransley, Quantum Savvy.