What is Partnership?

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What is it to have a partnership with your horse?

When a rider comes to me and asks me a question such as, “My horse always looks outside the arena when I ride. Why does he do that?” My response is usually, “Because you let him!" Horses need guidance. They need leadership. They need you to be their partner as much as you need them to be yours.

There is a widespread misconception that horse training is about getting your horse to do what you want with little effort on your part. To me that approach is very one-sided and does not create true partnership.

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 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. A horse that is being intimidated, pressured, or treated like no more than a means to an end in order to bring “success” to his rider/handler isn’t actively participating. He's going through the motions. He will lack expression, animation, energy, and motivation. He won't be self-motivated and enthusiastic, and he will not be able to reach his potential.

A horse that is disconnected from his rider/handler is also more risky to be around. If he doesn’t feel that his human counterpart is someone he can trust and rely on when he's feeling insecure, or doesn’t respect (not fear!) his or her authority, then he’s going to depend on his own instincts when he feels threatened, confused, or anxious. That means he’ll be much more likely to spook, bolt, or react dangerously or even aggressively than he would if he felt calm and confident with his human herd leader. Horses need support and guidance, and when they get it they can feel more secure and relaxed about life and whatever it may bring.

Partnership is about equality. Each member of the team is working with the other toward common goals. Both members are participating for the success of the team.

Te advantages of true partnership are:

Superior Performance
Increased Safety for You and Your Horse
The Ability to Overcome Obstacles and Achieve Goals with Greater Ease
A More Relaxed and Enjoyable Experience for You
An Enriched and Enhanced Life for Your Horse
A More Closely Bonded Relationship
A Higher Level of Responsiveness, Respect, Trust, and Connection

Your horse provides companionship and his ability to perform. In return you to provide the tools he needs to be a successful athlete and partner: training, nutrition, physical comfort, and and emotional balance.

True partnership should be the foundation for all that you do with your horse for his well-being and success, and yours. Learn how to work with your horse, not against him. You will be rewarded with the best possible experience and have trustworthy, capable, and dependable equine partner for life.

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