|
Training
and Equipment
Without
a solid grasp of the basics in training, a horse with potential will get
nowhere, no matter who the rider is.
In
riding the most well known Cliché' is,
"You
are as good as that which you sit on."
And
sadly, if what you sit on has no manners and no discipline, everything
stands in your way. There is no excuse for rushing a horse through its
basic work. There should be no tolerance for anyone who forces a horse
into a frame it finds unbearable. Those who put paid to these practices,
are either driven by the lure of false achievements and prizes, or is
plain and simply driven by their egos. Their horses suffer, and more often
than not break down under the strain, long before their potential has been
realized.
Bringing
on, and training a horse is a long-term goal, it is not a short-term
achievement. Someone who boasts that they can back and school a horse in a
week, is either the next best thing, or completely naive and full of
themselves. My vote lies with the latter.
The
process of backing a horse could take only a few hours, however years are
spent on producing a horse capable of carrying itself and it’s rider, to
achieve the levels of suppleness, straightness, elasticity and submission
with a willingness to move forward, that high school work requires of a
horse. (Did I mention I love Dressage)
There
are no short cuts, no quick fixes. Both of these often only serves to
cover up a greater underlying problem. No gadget, or piece of equipment
will fix a problem, if the horses’ mental and physical being is
compromised or underdeveloped.
The
latest buzz in the horse world is that of Natural Horsemanship vs.
Classical Schooling. Which do I prefer... Well I practice both. There is
no harm in approaching and working a horse in the same way as a “Natural
Horseman” would. Many of their chosen methods of training has root in
true Classical riding.
And
here is the truth: Both Styles of Horsemanship
Condone
the use of a whip as punishment; it is an aid or extension of one’s arm
or leg, depending whether you are on the ground or riding.
Believe
in allowing the horse to find its balance under the rider before
collecting it up.
Believe
that Collection comes from the Quarters, and not where the horses’ head
is.
Believe
in systematically and progressively training the horse for its work.
So
whether you ride in a general-purpose saddle for pleasure, or in a
dressage saddle aiming for the grand prix tests. They may go under
different names the two are however more alike than one thinks.
Note:
This site will in no way tolerate any bickering
about which of these two methods are better, the same as no trainer or
training method will enjoy endorsement from this site. We have always
believed that the proof lies with the results. If you and your horse are
happy with you current training method, and it seems to be working for you
don’t be tempted to change, however if not, be open to change, and try
it out, as long as you are doing it with you horses’ interests at heart,
not your ego.
Subjects
Covered thus Far
back
|
