As we discussed in an earlier article, horse and human both learn by patterns. We use these patterns and programmes to layer our understanding, knowledge and skills, so as to learn them solidly and consistently without over facing or overloading our mental, emotional or physical capabilities. Our goal is to stretch our comfort zones to new horizons gradually, not to over bear it.
One of our main goals in this Foundation Programme is to have a Foundation Horse. That is, a horse that we can take anywhere, anytime and both of us enjoy the process. To do this we prepare ourselves and our horses mentally, emotionally and physically in a process that is layered over the first 3 levels of the QS programme.
For the human to prepare mentally means to be open to new ideas and concepts as to the approach and training of horses. Many traditional beliefs are challenged and put aside. For a human to look at things from the horse’s point of view rather than insisting that they succumb to our ideas, can be quite a test for some people. For example we’ve all heard the old saying that it’s a bad thing to let a horse ‘win’!
For a horse to become more mentally fit means for him to learn to trust and respect us. These are the first layers for both of us in the learning process and are areas we cover in Level 1.
Emotional fitness in horse and human both relate to stretching our comfort zones and over coming our fears. For us it is reducing the need to be in control; to learn to look for the positives and not expect the worst. “What you expect is what you’ll get” - be it good or bad. For the horse it means learning to overcome an instinct that is millions of years old; flight from fear. If we become a good enough leader, our horses will respect us, trust us and learn to run left-brain with impulsion. This next layer is covered in depth in Level 2.
Lastly, the final piece of the puzzle in the Foundation Programme. Physical fitness - for us to not expect the horse to fill in for our inadequacies. To be physically up to the task whatever it is and be an equal partner for our horse; to enable him to perform at his absolute peak. To become the kind of person that horses will respect, trust and follow in all things. For our horse, this last layer is about softness, willingness and flexion. To allow the positive engagement of his whole body, in all gaits and directions. To perform with the strength, agility and grace that he was destined to do so. Again, this has been something we have layered, to introduce slowly and consistently to allow confidence and assurance to bear equal parts.
Take the time necessary to develop yourself and your horse through the Foundation Programme Levels 1, 2 and 3. If you are consistent with your communication, build rapport, take the time to layer each step placing importance on your ingredients and respecting your principles, you will be rewarded with an incredible combination of horse and man - synergy with horses - true horsemanship.
Level 1 – Respect
Level 2 – Impulsion
Level 3 – Flexion
Read More Road To Horsemanship articles.
- By Meredith Ransley, Quantum Savvy.