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I ran across this quote today, and it's always been one of my favorites...it's clean and crisp, and oh so honest:
"Remember, a horse can tell you a lot of things, if you watch....and expect it to be sensible and intelligent." ~ Mary O'Hara
So, as I mulled this over for the umpteen hundredth time, I asked myself what horses really think about the ways we attempt to "listen", and communicate, such as the 7 games and clicker "training". Most horses don't need education in the area of "How To Be A Good Circus Horse", yet many folks find such joy in seeing their horses master these false magic tricks. They swear that it leads up to a better saddle horse, but I have yet to see that....and I've been doing this for over 20 years now. I would've noticed.
A blog I follow that belongs to a sensible and unfortunately retired trainer talks about how plain and simple we need to keep things with the horses we work with. Why do we complicate things for them? What makes us think we need to constantly improve our methods? If it ain't broke, why fix it? Do we need to be flexible and let the horse tell us what they need? Absolutely! But, if they say they need time, why do we buy them a new watch?
These questions will forever go unanswered, I'm sure. And, it's methods like I mentioned above that help me stay in business. I do find pleasure in helping the horses be secure again. I just wish I didn't have to see them be so screwed up to start with.
It's just one of those days, I guess...I'm feeling down and blue, and really need some CJ to cheer up. Tomorrow night, for sure.
Excellent post girl! ;)
ReplyDeleteSonny sends some slobbers, and a request for me to get offa my hiney and get the *gasp* dirt off of him. (He hates being dirty. Go figure...lol)
I cant remember- have I told you how much I love that header shot of CJ?? He has the prettiest eye...
Chin up Baby. It's all good- I promise. All will work out (referring to the post below now,) and where one door may close, others open. Yeah, I know- cliche city. But... they are true. Kisses to CJ. He'll help bring you UP!
Most people don't listen to each other, so it's tough for them to listen to their horse. We are fortunate that there are so many wise old trainers to mentor us, I've been around a few of them and treasure the things they have taught me that are now second nature to me. But most of all I treasure my horses and the things I learn from them. After all, who taught those trainers, but the horse?
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