MY PHILOSOPHY

BEING A GOOD HORSEMAN

“Being a good horse person has nothing to do with being a top rider; horsemanship has nothing to do with winning a class. For me, a good horseperson is someone who knows how to take the horse through its different stages of life and who is able to educate it correctly – explaining and teaching the horse without stress.”
Piet RAIJMAKERS, Wosj

1. It's All About Being Gentle: While natural horsemanship emphasizes kindness and understanding, it doesn't mean being permissive. Clear boundaries and consistent expectations are still crucial for a safe and respectful relationship.

Each horse is unique in their temperament and learning style, so it's essential to approach each session with an open mind and adapt the methods accordingly.

2. It's a Quick Fix: Natural horsemanship is not a magic solution that will instantly transform your horse. Like any training method, it requires time, patience, and consistent practice to see results.

3. It's Only for Problem Horses: While natural horsemanship can be incredibly effective for addressing behavioral issues, its principles can benefit all horses and riders, regardless of their current skill level or discipline.

So let us embrace the importance of groundwork in horse training as we lay the foundation for a harmonious partnership filled with mutual understanding, respect, and endless possibilities. Together with our equine companions, we can achieve greatness beyond measure!

4. Traditional Training Methods Aren't Bad: Natural horsemanship doesn't necessarily negate all traditional training methods. Many successful horsemen and women incorporate elements of both approaches in their work with horses.

" I believe you can only achieve exceptional things if you build a partnership with a horse and that takes time and trust"

Scott Brash

"The ability to interact with the horse offering a two-way Conversation, and then believing, addressing, and supporting the horse during the interactions to create a mental availability, emotional quiet, and physical softness."

- Samantha Harvey, Horsemanship Clinician, Lecturer.