LOVE:
Understand the individual horse’s needs. Some horses are extroverts, others introverts. Some are right brain (unconfident/fearful) others are left brain (confident/dominant). Each needs a different approach or difficulties ensue.
Put the relationship and the horse’s needs first-his need for safety, comfort, food play; for bonding, for communication and interaction.
Learn to flex your behavioral style to gain rapport and respect from the horse.
LANGUAGE:
Use equine psychology and an understanding of heard dynamics in terms of bonding and hierarchy.
Learn the language and way of horses, which is primarily body language and playful interaction.
Start on the ground, it is better for horses and for humans. This is the best place to form a relationship, read the horse, communicate and gain understanding.
LEADERSHIP
Become a good leader for your horse, override predatory tendencies (impatience, direct-line thinking, autocracy, tendency to micromanage) understand the horse’s perspective, put principles before goals.
Train your horse without punishment.
Analyze your horse and determine his or her individual Horsenality. This ensures horses are treated according to their needs for calmness trust and motivation rather than all horses being treated the same. You’ll learn when to speed up or slow down, to ask more or ask less, when to focus on confidence and trust, and when to focus on advancement.
Put the relationship first. When a horse truly trusts you, there is no down time. Even after long breaks horses remember everything. It’s like picking up a relationship and conversation between best friends.
