Taming Horses While Building Trust and Rapport
There are many methods to taming horses and each trainer or professional has their opinion on which is best. So, which should you choose for taming your horse? Here at Equine Essential Wellness, we believe that horse health and wellness has a direct relationship with a horse’s mental and emotional being, just as much as the physical. To maintain and increase balance for a horse’s mental and emotional health, we recommend listening to what the horse needs.
I experienced this first hand, with my recently adopted mustang, Marshal. It has been many years since I have started a horse and I had a plan laid out in my head of how we would begin and what I would need to do. Turns out Marshal did not have the same plan and he added detours, short cuts, and bypasses to my journey.
Horsemanship for the Perfectionist
For a “practicing perfectionist”, I like to have plans and to-do lists. Change and spontaneity are not my strong suit and this mustang has been helping me let go of that. I recently reviewed and studied many videos and programs on starting colts and wild horses. This combined with my previous experience, I was confident I was prepared.
Although my plan did allow for some flexibility, it was quickly thrown off by how to tame Marshal already was. The first mustang I had adopted was fresh off the range and very wild. With my first mustang, it was at least a month before she was calm and accepting of my touch. Marshal was already pretty confident with people and their touch. So much so that he was actually a little contempt about it.
I had in mind, a whole series of events during our “taming horse time”. That was only the first of many throw offs. After about the third or fourth plan change, my poor perfectionist mind finally has begun shifting in the moment and into a “listen to the horse” mindset.
It is comical to me how challenging it has been for me personally, as I function at the moment and per session with all of my horse health consultations and horsemanship clients, and yet in this situation, it was very unnatural and uncomfortable.
Reach Out for Support and Guidance-
Having a close friend that has recently started a young horse has been helpful, as I share my concern and frustration. She can help me better regain and channel my focus and get me back on track. Having an open heart and mind is a tip suggested earlier this week on this topic – adjusting to fit the situation. It takes me being open to new information, help from a coach or mentor, and most of all listening to the horse and changing my agenda and plan to suit his needs.
Are you currently stuck, frustrated, or feeling lost in your horsemanship journey? Do you lack the like-minded, supportive coaching you need to move forward? If so, please know, that is what Equine Essential Wellness is here for!
How Equine Essential Wellness can Support Your Horsemanship Journey and Help You Improve Your Horse’s Health-
It comes very naturally for me to spot what needs to be focused on or changed in both horsemanship and horse health. I have helped many clients over the last decade get to where they want to be with their horsemanship and horse health! It is my hope that sharing how even I need support and guidance, can give you the assurance that you are not alone and can and should do the same.
You can get started on supporting your horse to vibrant health right now, by grabbing your copy of my book Healthy as a Horse and discover the forgotten framework of care that can transform your horse’s health. Click here to reserve your copy now.
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Life is better when you’re horsin’ around!
