Post by Calaminty Jane on Nov 27, 2012 21:22:16 GMT -5
Most of us know of a horse/human relationship where the horse is wonderful under saddle and often unruly and sometimes dangerous on the ground. Did you ever wonder why that is?? Does ground work actually transfer to the saddle and..... if so..... why isn't the reverse true?
I've thought quite a bit about this and now believe the explanation is quite simple. Horses get to practice every day how to interact with stable mates. Always checking on which one of their herd is in charge. They try now and then to move up the pecking order. As we have learned, it’s all about moving and controlling the others feet or movement. When we come into the picture, the horse and we become a herd of 2. If we haven't learned how become a leader for our horse, they can become quite unruly on the ground. If we have learned how to become a leader for our horse, their ground behavior improves daily. What about when we climb aboard? When the horse is experiencing his first ride, what does the horse have to compare this too? Nothing! It’s a whole new experience to them. They have no idea what we are doing up there. I think most horses except us on their back because they don't know if it’s good or bad, as again, they have nothing to compare it to. If we don't scare or hurt them...... most rides can be pretty successful. So, even without a leadership role on the ground…… we can still have an obedient horse under saddle.
If we have established our leadership on the ground, it can easily transfer to the saddle and make the experience even better for us and the horse.
__________________
Carol
Remember to Direct your horse so you won't have to Correct him!
I've thought quite a bit about this and now believe the explanation is quite simple. Horses get to practice every day how to interact with stable mates. Always checking on which one of their herd is in charge. They try now and then to move up the pecking order. As we have learned, it’s all about moving and controlling the others feet or movement. When we come into the picture, the horse and we become a herd of 2. If we haven't learned how become a leader for our horse, they can become quite unruly on the ground. If we have learned how to become a leader for our horse, their ground behavior improves daily. What about when we climb aboard? When the horse is experiencing his first ride, what does the horse have to compare this too? Nothing! It’s a whole new experience to them. They have no idea what we are doing up there. I think most horses except us on their back because they don't know if it’s good or bad, as again, they have nothing to compare it to. If we don't scare or hurt them...... most rides can be pretty successful. So, even without a leadership role on the ground…… we can still have an obedient horse under saddle.
If we have established our leadership on the ground, it can easily transfer to the saddle and make the experience even better for us and the horse.
__________________
Carol
Remember to Direct your horse so you won't have to Correct him!