Are you worried about ruining your horse because you don't think you're a good enough rider or leader for him? Read on to learn the steps you need to take now.
Do you share this common worry that I often hear from caring horse riders? Being afraid of ruining your horse because you "aren't a good enough" rider and your horse will suffer because of your mistakes.
That concern is a good one. Not because you are ruining your horse. But, because you care enough to worry that you might be.
The truth is that you will make mistakes.
We all do. Because none of us is perfect.
The important thing is to recognize and learn from your mistakes. And to get qualified help when you're stuck or the situation with your horse is going downhill.
Even professional riders have ruined horses
There are many horses who have been ruined by "good" and very experienced riders and trainers. People who were in a hurry to get an end result. I've worked with horses who have come out of these situations.
These are the horses who's minds and bodies have been traumatized by being:
<> handled harshly, overworked and forced into compliance
<> pushed into work that they weren't mentally or physically ready for
<> ridden in ill-fitting tack for long periods of time (sometimes years)
<> kept from having adequate access to friends, forage and freedom.
Your concern tells me that you are a person who really cares about your horse's overall well being.
Riding horses is a journey
Riding and caring for horses is a journey - not a destination. I've been doing it for almost 40 years, and I'm still learning. I don't do things the same way I did even 5 years ago.
So, the best thing you can do to avoid ruining your horse is to continue learning. Keep asking questions and looking for information so that you can provide the best possible care for your horse and be the best possible rider.
Get help from reliable sources
Now, if you're looking for answers by posting in general horse interest Facebook groups, you're probably feeling overwhelmed and confused by all the conflicting responses and suggestions.
There is a saying that if you ask 10 horse-people a question, you'll get 10 different answers. And, there is some truth to that statement.
So, if you're worried that your skills or knowledge are not adequate for the challenges you're having with your horse - either for his care, nutrition or training - get help from a knowledgeable expert.
Someone who has the same philosophy and values as you when it comes to horses.
Someone who can help you set realistic and appropriate goals, create a strategy and support you as you implement it.
Sometimes all you need to get a big shift is to make a subtle change.
The next time someone offers you some horsemanship or horse riding advice, ask these 3 questions:
- Why does the person do it that way?
- How does it affect the horse - mentally as well as physically?
- What does it do to build partnership between horse and human?
What's the one thing you need the most help with to improve your riding and horsemanship?
