What is Partnership?

What does it mean to have a partnership with your horse?

I usually get a blank stare when a rider comes to me and asks something along the lines of, “My horse always looks outside the arena when I ride. Why does he do that?” and my response is, “Because you let him.”

There is a widespread misconception that horse training is about getting your horse to do what you want without little effort on your part. To me that approach is one-sided and implies a human-dominated relationship.

Here’s an example of what I mean: Your horse goes around-and-around in the round pen or down the rail at the same gait no matter if you’re paying attention to him or not. His eyes are glazed over. He just does his “job” like a machine that you dropped a quarter into. This is not partnership.

Not only is this unsatisfying for your horse, you are most definitely missing out on the experience and reward of being truly connected with your equine partner. Not only that, but a horse that is being intimidated, pressured, or treated like a inconsequential prop in order to bring “success” to his rider/handler isn’t an actively participating performer.
He will lack expression, animation, energy, and enthusiasm. In addition to his own woes, his performance will suffer as well.

A horse that is disconnected from his rider/handler is also more dangerous to be around. If he doesn’t feel trust that his human counterpart is someone he can trust and rely on or doesn’t respect (not fear!) his or her authority, then he’s going to depend on his own resources when he feels threatened, confused, or upset. That means he’ll be more likely to spook, bolt, or behave reactively than he would if he wanted to turn to his human herd leader and allowed him or her to provide support and guidance.

Here are the advantages to a true partnership:

• Superior Performance
• Increased Safety for You and Your Horse
• A Higher Level of Responsiveness, Respect, Trust, and Connection
• A More Relaxed and Enjoyable Experience for You and Your Horse
• A Stronger Bond, Better Relationship, and Greater Ability to Overcome Obstacles and Achieve Goals

Partnership is a two-way street. Partnership is about equality. Each member of the team is vital. Both members are participating and working toward the success of the team.

Your horse provides his willingness and athletic ability. In return you provide him with the tools he needs to perform, an adequate education, suitable equipment, health and comfort, confidence and the understanding of how to carry out the tasks that you request of him.

Partnership is what good horsemanship is all about…learning how to work with your horse (not against him) and giving him what he needs to be successful.

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