I took in a horse for training last month that supposedly had seven months training.
I told the owner I estimated it had two to four weeks training, with much of the basics skipped. Many show horse trainers do skip much of the basics. They tend to practice only what the judge will see the horse do in the three-minute period at the show. These trainers might have 20-to-40 horses in training, so they set up an assembly line with riders getting horses ready for them. They then ride them for 15 minutes or so and then put them on a hot walker to cool them off. They are tempted to do only what they feel they will be paid for.
Many horse owners also skip the basics. They might feel if a horse lets them on its back, then they are good to go. The basics cover de-spooking, with better respect and control (in all “hovercraft” moves) in varied situations. These are the things that make a horse much safer, think better, be more versatile, last longer and enjoy work more.
I always like to point out that true religion does the same thing. It fosters respect and want-to for our Creator (likewise horse to human). It helps us think better for safety, versatility and endurance. It also helps us enjoy and balance work more so we do not fear it or abuse it so much.
To break the spell of doing only what we get paid for, it fosters a volunteer spirit. True religion started schools, hospitals and libraries. It dared to do what others were afraid to do or did not have time for or get paid for.
It was valiantly modeled in Christians such as Harriet Tubman and Susan B. Anthony in fighting slavery. This is also what we need for true horsemanship. Horse people who dare to fight fear, balance of time and can volunteer to not skip the basics.
1. Safety is the not so easy obedience of God’s first three commandments.
2. De-spooking a horse is less scary if we develop the non-robotic feel in God’s fourth commandment.
3. God’s Fifth Commandment helps us learn from others experience so we can live longer.
4. Not skipping the basics helps us not murder in God’s Sixth Commandment.
5. Consistency develops the self-control of God’s Seventh commandment.
6. Caring enough to learn to be aware of our horses’ footfalls is the Jesus Christ, walk in our horses’ shoes – God’s Eighth commandment.
7. If we have been serious about the prior commandments, we will get the timing right in God’s Ninth commandment.
8. God’s 10th commandment helps us be versatile for anything.
These basics excite me because they get horses and humans to do the opposite of what they would normally do. Give credit where credit is due, don’t blame others and do a good job of leading, following and getting out of the way for real teamwork.
Mike Daniels is a horsemanship trainer and barefoot trimming specialist from Raymondville. Email: rlhorse58@yahoo.com.
