Horses & Awe: Resist Complacency

Many of us are born with a deep-seated attraction to horses that shapes our lives in significant ways. For me, there's a satisfaction in being with horses that sets my day right. No matter what else I do, my day doesn't feel complete until I've spent time with my horses. It's not always about riding; their simple presence is enough. This feeling is difficult to convey to those who don’t possess that same inherent, inexplicable pull towards horses.

I still feel in awe of horses and at the same time, I consistently remind myself never to take horses for granted. As a full-time trainer and clinician, becoming indifferent is a possibility. I've seen so many people who started out with a true passion and love for horses become indifferent or feel somehow owed something by their horse. Perhaps it's the external pressures, unrealistic expectations or complacency, or maybe it's simply forgetting what a privilege it is to have a horse and to ride one. Each time I mount a horse or help one learn something new, I remember what a privilege it is to be in their presence. These thousand-pound animals don’t act for personal gain; they respond to our requests even if it goes against their natural instincts.

When approached correctly and given the necessary time, their response feels like more than just compliance—it resolves tension between us, suggesting a deeper connection, as if a connection was always meant to be between horses and humans.

As we improve communication and become leaders they trust, akin to their herd mates, this bond deepens, enabling them to rely on us and interact with the world in a way they never could without us. Given we ask so much, I think that's the gift we give them back.

To pay the ultimate respect to a horse is to meet them where they're at. If they're in full self-preservation mode due to past experiences, then we need to undertake the tough, long process to show them there's a better path. If it’s about developing from a clean slate, we need to take the time to bring their mind and body together so they can be healthy in performance and enjoy longevity. This study requires more than most think and remember, it's not about how far you get down the path, but that you get on it.

To me, that means not viewing the horse through some starry-eyed lens of a human who doesn’t really see a horse for what it is. Nor should we view horses as if they owe humans something, or see them merely as a paycheck or a means to satisfy an ego-driven result. The true beauty emerges when you know your horse trusts you. And the approach to achieving that trust can take many different paths.

Don’t ever let it boil down to just "kick here, pull there." Not all horses fit into a simple, cookie-cutter training process. There’s more to them; their personalities, sensitivities, backgrounds, breeds, biomechanics, environments, care issues, days ridden recently, feeding and turnout programs and the herds they were raised in. Consider the genetic influence of the mare and the stallion too. The intricate layers and the fabric that make up who the horse is each day is where the beauty lies. That is where the true essence of horsemanship is found.

This is a deeply satisfying journey and well worth the effort. Stay inspired by horses, my friends!

Jonathan

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