Horses have survived for millennia on this planet, arguably longer than any other prey animal. As a species it has evolved and honed its survival skills and its ability to be a part of its environment to an art form. The instincts and hierarchy of the herd have become a part of the rhythm and flow of nature itself.
Throughout the Foundation Programme so far, we have learnt many new tasks, skills and strategies. We have isolated all the skills we need to learn in order to achieve success with horses. Now its time to combine them together to create a whole; like notes to music.
At the end of each Level, we have set a series of assignments in the Levels Challenge Cards, for you to put your horsemanship to the test with and hone your skills. The assignments are not compulsory. You can move on through the levels without an official assessment. However, we recommend that you try these assignments, either officially or self assess, for your own benefit. This will give you an accurate idea of how you are progressing, plus give you valuable feedback if you do them with your coach.
Each card has a series of tasks that must be completed in flowing succession, without pause and within a certain time frame. You’ll notice that when you get a rhythm going with a horse, everything starts to flow more smoothly and softness will be carried over from one task to the next. If you stop and start, the rhythm is lost, the task will become awkward and erratic and you’ll find you have to work harder to keep things moving.
If you find that one part of a card is difficult and needs more practice, we ask you to resubmit the entire card. Working on one task will not fix the problem. Working on your principles and communication will. Practicing the whole card will help you develop rhythm, flow and impulsion and help you not become over focused and predatory about one task. Your horse will see the pattern emerge and begin to look for the comfort offered. Each time you practice the card, the two of you will improve until the whole card is easy.
Read More Road To Horsemanship articles.
- By Meredith Ransley, Quantum Savvy.