Natural Horsemanship for Every Horse by Jeanine Lowry
Natural horsemanship is the philosophy of training a horse using its natural body
language and movements. Practitioners use a wide variety of techniques to yield the
same result: a bond of trust between the horse and its trainer or rider. The trust that
develops between the horse and rider during natural horsemanship training techniques is
applicable across all disciplines: eventing, working, dressage, and riding for pleasure.
Eventing
Horses trained for eventing, which includes show jumping, dressage and a strenuous
cross-country course, are pushed to the limit of their physical and mental ability each
time they compete. The horse must be 100% sound, and is tested at each step of the
competition. The cross-country course is the most dangerous portion of the
competition, as it is a course composed of miles of terrain traversed at fast speeds, and
dozens of extremely solidly build jumps. Only a horse that has full trust in its rider can
be highly successful at eventing. That is where natural horsemanship training comes in.
Natural horsemanship techniques build the bond of trust between horse and rider so that
when the rider asks the horse to do something new, challenging and potentially
frightening, the horse trusts the rider enough to take the risk.
Working Horses
Working horses still play a large part in ranching and farming operations. While some
heard cattle, sheep and other animals with ATVs or other vehicles, a horse is still the
only method of safe transportation to the most remote areas. Out in the wide open
spaces of pastureland, and mountainous areas, hazards abound. Holes, snakes, other
animals, rockslides, and unstable terrain lurk. It is essential that a horse traversing such
country is able to remain calm throughout the journey. It is also essential for the rider to
be able to read subtle signals from their horse in order to avert danger. Animals can
most often sense a change in conditions before people can. Only the rider best in-tune
with their horse will be able to pick up on cues from the horse.
Pleasure Riding
The goal of most horse owners is to have fun with their horses. Fun happens most
when there is no fear. Horses are large in size with powerful teeth and legs. For horses,
humans can seem abrupt and unpredictable. Together those characteristics can create a
culture of worry and fear. Natural horsemanship training helps absolve the fear and
build communication bridges between horse and rider and horse and trainer. When
humans learn to speak "horse," they will find that they can do almost anything with their
horses.
Dressage
Dressage training builds muscle and balance in horses and riders. Some consider
classical dressage to be the original source of natural horsemanship. Whether riding for
pleasure or competition, balance and communication established through natural
horsemanship techniques helps the dressage horse and rider achieve a higher level of
precision and grace.
Natural Horsemanship for All
Whatever a horse's primary occupation, natural horsemanship techniques take the horse
to the next level. The trust, stamina, strength and communication horses and riders
achieve by practicing natural horsemanship translate from the ranch to the show ring,
and every situation in between. To learn more about natural horsemanship and to
connect with others practicing the techniques, visit http://www.aanh.net
About the Author
Jeanine Lowry is the President of the American Association of Natural Horseman. The
AANH provides support, information and resources for practicioners of natural
horsemanship--both novice and professional. For more information about natural
horsemanship, visit http://www.aanh.net
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