Friend of the Horse...my brand of horsemanship

Recently I got a chance to visit and work with the folks at Blue Roof Equestrian Center (www.blueroofequestrian.com) in Lafayete, Colorado. I had a wonderful time and the welcome was warm and genuine, something you don’t always get. While there I was asked a question that I could not answer and after stumbling over it I thought it was time to concentrate and answer it. Dawn Fisher, trainer at the facility, asked me what I called my brand of horsemanship.

While I had spent a few years following the Natural Horsemanship gurus, I certainly do not classify myself as a natural horsemanship trainer. Having retained some NH techniques, I know for a certainty that other techniques that I use would be the death knell of any NH endorsements or acceptance.

Even though I might look like a cowboy, and that could be debated, I certainly do not train like a cowboy. The rough and tumble attitude and techniques of the modern day cowboy, trying to hold onto the ways of the west, no longer interest me. If truth be known, it really saddens me to see the way animals are handled by those who call themselves cowboys.

I am not a dressage person either. Yes, I have ridden and competed in lower level dressage, but just like the cowboys I have a hard time with the techniques they employ. In fact, many modern day dressage practices have left the time honored traditions of the old maters in exchange for the microwavable, hurry-up techniques of modern dressage.

So what does that leave? Maybe I am just a friend of the horse. One who understands their plight and the stress they face living among humans. I have studied long and hard to understand the principles that can make the difference between conflict and happiness in the life of the horse. I am constantly evaluating techniques and the things that are said to be true. And from time to time am criticized for lashing out against unjust and unfair techniques that do more harm than good, even though they have an acceptable, politically correct label.

Yet as a friend, I understand that if my horse is successful I am successful. No longer is there a rift that develops because I am busy trying to exert my dominance or leadership. Those things have become immaterial and only serve as marketing ploys. A friend does not need to be dominant. They need to be clear and reliable; there when needed.

Lastly, being a Friend of the Horse has given name to what I do best- a friend who helps in troubling times. I find my greatest joy watching horses change from a nervous conflicted animal to one that brings joy and happiness to the hearts of the owners. As I worked with the folks at Blue Roof Equestrian Center, I was once again reminded of the joys of friendship, both with humans and horses and I want to give a big thanks to Dawn for helping me put a name to what I do.