02/09/2020
⭐️🐴 The 26 Characteristics of a Great Horse Person 🐴⭐️
➡️We understand that our greatest judge is our horse. So we put our horse’s physical and mental health first, regardless of what anyone else might say.
➡️We take as long as it takes, and we appreciate the power of time and patience.
➡️We aim to be open minded, curious, consistent, patient and kind, and understand improving our horsemanship is a lifelong journey
➡️We recognise the try, no matter how slight.
➡️We don’t use shortcuts, quick fixes, gadgets, draw reins, tie our horses heads down or tie their mouths shut.
➡️We never place competition goals above our horse’s health.
➡️We don’t pull on our horses, because we understand that it creates tension, bracing and negatively influences their balance.
➡️We don’t ride long and low or forward down, because we know it is bad for our horses long term health to ride them with a lot of weight on the forehand
➡️We understand collection is not a head position, and cannot be achieved by pulling hard on the reins, draw reins, rollkur or other physically damaging approaches
➡️We understand that collection is a shift of weight from the forequarters to the hindquarters
➡️We know that self-carriage means that the horse does it by himself.
➡️We believe that groundwork builds relaxation, partnership and relaxation.
➡️We are proud to walk with our horses and we know that every mile counts.
➡️We know that true horsemanship begins with relaxation and confidence
➡️We understand the importance of riding and training our horses in a way that will improve their long term physical health.
➡️We believe true horsemanship is an art-form, that develops softness, lightness and true connection, and we follow the traditions that honor this.
➡️We live in the present, stay emotionally neutral, with an open mind and a desire to understand.
➡️We allow our horses time to evolve at their own pace
➡️We appreciate there are often differences between what the rider wants and what the horse needs.
➡️We acknowledge that a horse’s body is only physically mature at a minimum of 5.5 years of age, and the back is the last part to develop. So we don’t ride 2 or 3 year olds.
➡️ We understand that older horses are not disposable and it’s our duty to care for them in their last years
➡️ We are aware that developing a horse correctly through balance, timing and feel takes years and they are at their performance peak at over 12+ years of age.
➡️We accept the fact that the horse has more to teach us than we will ever teach them.
➡️We are prepared to quieten our minds, in order to hear our horses, however quietly they are speaking.
➡️And we understand horsemanship is a never-ending journey and we always must put the horse first
➡️We support each other on our individual journeys, and value the friendships we create along the way.
*** Please share if you agree!!! ***
As a child in Ireland, I grew up believing that every horse should be treated with kindness and patience. And every time we ride or train our horses, we should aim to improve their physical and mental health" ~ Elaine Heney.
✅ Learn more about Elaine: www.greyponyfilms.com
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