Functional Horsemanship
What is Functional Horsemanship, and how does it apply to you and your horse?
Simple, your horse is not the problem.
Functional horsemanship is understanding that.
"Be the person your horse wants you to be" Kat Howard
Let me clarify, because that is really what this is all about- Clarity
You wake up with back pain, you can barely get out of bed, putting on your socks is an unimaginable feat. So, you call your boss, you can’t make it in today. Then you do whatever it is you do to feel better. You have that power.
Your horse can’t do that.
When your horse experiences discomfort it typically goes undetected until it causes a performance issue. Or it is pegged as poor behaviour.
Functional Horsemanship is understanding how to listen to the hints your horse gives you to their physical and mental well being before it becomes a problem. It is understanding how to help your horse move and function to the best of their ability. It is prevention. It is understanding your horse.
Have you ever sat down and truly thought about what you want out of your horse? Not a better lead change, or to never spook again at the door, but what YOU truly want? What is at the base of your drive to go out to the barn every day, spend hours in the mud, sun, snow or wind, with a big, hairy, smelly animal covered in dirt and poop and god knows what else, only to be yelled at by someone you pay, or constantly beating you head against the wall because the right bend is like trying to find gold at the end of a rainbow.
Obviously no one who is a horse person looks at it that way, no matter how accurate it is. So, what’s your drive? Is it the relationship? the connection? the feeling you get when the stars align? It can be different for everyone, but deep down it’s the same. It’s something that only horses can give us. That something that is so addictive, that an OCD neat freak will look past all the dirt in the world for their horse.
Sometimes that something can feel like it’s always just out of grasp, it seems almost like when we find it, it was by chance. That is, until you understand deep down what it is for you.
Horses are capable of guiding us to a better version of ourselves. It is our responsibility to listen. Something that has become increasingly hard. But yet, it is so simple.
Be with your horse. In the moment.
Pay attention to the details.
Your horse is never the problem, they do not have a secret vendetta against you.
Work with them mentally, not physically.
NEVER stop learning.
That’s the what you have to do, here’s the how.
Learn how to meditate. Do it every day.
Become aware of your own body. (Yoga, pilates, etc…)
Work with a coach that can help you, and your horse feel good.
Be softer. Always.
Maintain open mindedness. Read, go to clinics, progress.
and finally the why:
Horses are capable of honesty, unselfishness, and humbleness. If we can be present, accountable, and respectful they will do things, and show you things you did not know were possible.
Not only will your horse experience be improved, your entire life will be positively influenced.
