Lovely Friesian cross gelding
A wise sage said to me yesterday -
‘how you treat your horse, what tack you use, and how you chose to ride it really depends on whether you see your horse as a piece of sporting equipment, or as a sentient being’.
I think this is quite profound, thanks Rebecca for sharing that powerful insight…
My beloved soul mate says there was a time when he did not realise that horses had diverse ‘personalities’ and the rich tapestry of behaviours and instincts that he now sees.
How do you see your horse? Has it changed over time? Did something happen that made you think about horses and the horse-human relationship differently? I would love to hear your stories.
No related posts.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
I agree with the quote. The more I learn about horses in general, and mine specifically, the more I hold them in awe. This has changed since my Pony Club days, when I was more focussed on – well, to be honest, staying on – and achievements. Getting over that jump, passing the next test, winning a ribbon.
Now that I have seen a little of equestrianism that respects the horse as an individual, I think of the horses differently. I have huge respect for my old mare who has suffered all sorts of fools in her years. And done so stoically. I try to make her life as comfortable as possible, and just wish she could let me know what she wants for her future.
I think the thing that made me change my thinking was coming across Andrew McLean’s work through Jody Hartstone. For the first time, I was given a scientific explanation of horse behaviour and how they think, learn and work. As a scientist, it all clicked into place. And I have a great coach who believes in doing things the old fashioned, slow and methodical way. I would love to see more people consider the horse, and indeed, treat them ethically.
Hi Sharon,
Aren’t horses amazing creatures? Glad there are still a few ’slow and methodical’ out there, there’s a lot to be said for it than a money-driven, pressure-cooker approach, in my view.
There are some people out there taking the horse-centric approach, and they are not always in the limelight. It is interesting for me, writing this blog, where the readership is from globally. There is a strong following in the U.S. and increasingly in Europe, including Germany.
My German-born friend was telling me today, how there is a wide range of equestrianism in Germany, and was telling of how some of the ‘non-competitive’ riders (often riding quite ‘common’, stocky horses) have very good relationships with their horses. This led us to a discussion of
I think you know what we decided!
That’s a very wise quote and I agree with it 100%. It’s similar to another quote I remember hearing a long time ago, and it was something along the lines of, ’show me your horse and I’ll tell you who you are’.
Hi Jessy, Glad you like that wise quote. I am not so sure about
Sometimes it may appear to be true, but it does not explain the different horses owned by one owner, which are sometimes quite different – UNLESS you look at environmental factors (such as temperament, genetics, housing situation) and past history (learned behaviours acquired through experience).
Thanks for sharing – it’s nice to have your perspective!