The Nature of the horse

The Nature of the Horse

by
Jan Dawson
President
American Association for Horsemanship Safety

All too often at riding schools and trail ride establishments, the first lesson or pre-ride instruction is under-utilized or completely wasted from a safety perspective.

The first lesson, or pre-ride instruction, even with advanced students or riders, is the best opportunity to frame all the instruction that follows in terms of safety in a way even the most novice rider will remember and in a way even the advanced rider may not have considered. We all may say "I knew that" but we must know it so well that our unconscious survival instinct will push it to the surface when needed.

Unfortunately, a set of quickly listed rules, oral or written, is soon forgotten if the rules have no logical framework. Riders will remember them when they have heard them over and over but is that enough? How about these words following an accident, "I knew better. I have heard that all my life but just didn't think." The information had never turned into habitual practice.

The following initial ground lesson is excerpted from the AAHS Instructor's Handbook of Horsemanship Safety.

1. The very things about the horse that cause us so much trouble are the very characteristics that have kept the horse in existence for thousands of years. His instincts protected his ancestors and kept them from being eaten, so they could live long enough to reproduce offspring, including the horse your student is about to mount.

2. No matter how good the trainer or rider is, we cannot teach the horse not to be a horse. The instincts are imbedded genetically and are always there.

3. When the horse is under mental or physical pressure, his instincts take over and the training goes out the window.

4. What are those instincts? They are characteristics that have kept the horse from being eaten by predators. The short answer is to fight or flee, but that is too simplistic.

5. Man - the supreme predator - must separate himself somehow from the lions, tigers and bears when dealing with horses.

6. Predators must bring a horse down quickly if they are to have dinner. They can go to the neck and slice the jugular vein and carotid artery; they can cut the hamstring above the hock; they can cut the band on top of the neck that holds the neck up; and, if it's a group of predators, one can grab the nose and the rest can bring the horse down.

7. So, we don't approach a horse from behind, or the neck or the nose (head). The wolf that tried to bring a horse down by biting his shoulder would be squashed. We approach the shoulder, which tells the horse we mean no harm.

8. Predators must sneak up on a horse to be successful, so we must announce our arrival. We speak to the horse and wait until he acknowledges us by looking at us or turning his ears to us. Then we walk normally to his shoulder and stroke him.

9. The horse's keen sense of hearing has protected him for thousands of years. His eyes on the side of his head allow him to see almost all the way around himself. He cannot see directly behind or immediately in front of himself, which is why horses are such poor typists. So we want to stay where he can see us. We whistle when coming through a door or around a corner in the barn area to announce to all horses that we are approaching.

10. All animals with skulls protecting their brains are protective of their heads. We don't like to have someone come up and put their hands on our faces without permission, and neither does a horse. How often do we see someone reach out and touch a horse first on the face? Not a good idea.

11. Horses have stayed alive for many generations by reacting quickly to surprises - run or get away first to a safe distance, then turn and look. Don't look first or you might not have time to run. Suppose old Dobbin falls asleep during grooming, you step away to visit, and then go back to grooming. That touch to a dozing horse may trigger the instinct. Keep the horse awake. If you step away, talk to him and announce your presence before touching him again.

12. The horse has his own space. It is a circle about 12 to 15 feet around him. This is the area he can either defend or still have time to get away if here is an opening. Consider the wise old ranch horse in the pasture: you get to within 15 feet of him with your halter, he takes a step, and you take a step. He knows you aren't going to catch him if he can maintain his distance from you. He will not allow a predator within that space. So, don't act like a predator.

13. Not acting like a predator is easy. Just make sure the horse knows who you are, where you are and what you are going to do. To the horse, this means you approach him talking to him, you stay where he can see you, and you make it clear that you aren't going to hurt or eat him by making no sudden moves. Example: we run a hand down the leg of the hoof we wish to clean, we don't just grab the foot.

14. Caution must be exercised in the barn or saddling area. In most barns, the aisle is not wide enough to allow students to pass the horses without entering their space - so we approach each horse individually at the shoulder after they have acknowledged us with a look or an ear; then we keep a hand on them as we go by.

15. It is important to know where not to be when the instincts kick in. If we go under the lead rope, the horse can smash a face while stomping a fly. Or worse, if he spooks forward, we will be stomped. If he is tied to a solid wall, we may be squashed. When leading, whether you turn the horse toward you or away, the main thing (and this is really important with small children) is to stay out from in front of the horse's front feet.

16. When you are behind the horse, closer is better. When going behind a horse, if you are up close and he hicks, you won't get the full force - farther back you may get kicked with the power that can move the horse forward at 30 miles per hour. So keep your hand on the horse, let your arm pass to the other side before your body does. We like to have our shoulder touching the tail as we go by. If he is going to kick, he will probably do it when only your arm is touching his rump; he won't wait for your body. The fact that you have touched him all the way from his shoulder to his rump is good insurance that he probably won't kick. He knows who you are, certainly where you are, and you don't seem to have plans to eat him.

17. If students understand that it is quite a miracle that a horse lets the supreme predator ride on his back, they will have more respect for the horse. Horses can identify predators - they know wolves are dangerous and cows are not even if they have not had experience with either. Our vegetarian friends say this is due to meat odor on the body. Meat eaters smell different. The equine ancestors who reacted quickly to the smell of a meat eater lived longer and it is their descendants we ride today.

Teaching Beginners to ride

Teaching Beginners to Ride

by
Jan Dawson
President, AAHS

[Reproduced from Caution:Horses, Vol. 1, No. 4 Summer/Fall 1996]

Among the problems demonstrated by the vast majority of beginning riders are the two most common reflexes: when something goes wrong beginning or novice riders seek a version of the fetal position, hands in their lap, hunched over the pommel, legs in the flanks, or when the horse moves suddenly and unexpectedly jerking the beginner's or novice rider's upper body out of position and the beginner moves his leg to compensate, which leaves her/him with neither upper body nor the leg where they should be. Either example will probably result in a fall and a fall that will be written off to a loss of balance, one of those things that just happens. These falls are unnecessary. They should not happen.

The early education of beginners is frequently dismissed in the United States, or at least it has been since the dissolution of the cavalry schools. If not forgotten or relegated to the lesser or less experienced instructors, they are all too often allowed to specialize too early. Often this early specialization is due to the fact that the instructor her/himself was allowed to specialize too early in a career and consequently neither has nor can teach solid, correct basics. This applies to western as well as English riding.

In order to build a strong base which will give the student a secure position from which to learn to ride, skills can only be successfully taught in one order. Each skill forms the foundation for the one above. When this is done it is possible to build a strong reliable seat quickly and efficiently thereby greatly shortening the length of time when beginners are so vulnerable. It may appear to be a slower method in the beginning and the gifted, natural riders might be able to sort things out for themselves, but average students will benefit because the length of time they are extremely vulnerable will be much shorter and their positions will be much stronger. Once this base or soft balanced seat is established these average students will usually overtake and pass others.

The Mexican vaquero, the precursor to the American cowboy, was a descendant of the Spanish clabber's or cavalry omcer who came straight out of the Spanish classical school of riding. 200 years ago there was no western/English distinction. When talking about basics, the part that the clinician or famous visiting riding instructor makes everybody do over, there is no difference between styles. The nonbeliever need only look at the various rule books, 4-H materials, and Pony Club books.

Look at the body alignment of each rider. Maybe there is a slight difference in stirrup length. Neck rein? Most modern western trainers ride two-handed at home. Cavalry Soldiers (in English or McClellan saddles) rode mostly one handed for obvious reasons. Until someone either takes a leg off the horse or adds an extra there is only one way to sit on him.

Instructors of beginners that find teaching beginners difficult, or who have problems that show up over and over often have this experience because they teach the required early skills out of order. This leads to many problems which are often attributed to other causes. Instructors of beginners who limit their lessons to start, stop and steer and maybe how to hold the reins and sitting up with "heels down" not only could be doing more, they are seriously short-changing their pupils. Experienced instructors express the importance of the "base" or the seat and leg. The reason that it is called a base is that is exactly what it is, a base or foundation for everything else. It must be in place before anything else can be added successfully.

The order in which the seat must go together is as follows:

1) Correct alignment: ear, shoulder, point of hip, back of heel in a line that is perpendicular to the horizon.

2) Drop the center of gravity as low as possible; while sitting this means a heavy seat - not an artificially depressed heel.

3) Unlock the lower back, if necessary, and teach the pupil(s) how to follow the movement of the horse's back with her/his seat.

4) Help the pupil learn to move his upper body around ever a correct leg to replace the instinct with a reflex that is safer: This is taught by means of a series of drills beginning at the standstill and being carried on through all three gaits. This can also be started in on-the-ground exercises.

5) Stabilize the lower leg absolutely at the trot. This can be done quickly if done by teaching a series of exercises and allowing the student to find the secure deep seat based on balance.

6) With a solid deep base or soft balanced seat the student will be able to have steady hands and legs that are free to communicate instructions to the horse who will be more comfortable, consequently safer, and able to do a better day's work.

7) For information on the exercises that can be used to teach these skills quickly and efficiently see the AAHS Handbook or contact the AAHS office for the clinician nearest you.

Equestrian Collections

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Loretta

 the natural horseman
   clear communication/visible results

Update on Stryker

The vet came out today.  Dr. Broadus said to me, "You can be happier than you imagined.  You have your horse back.  He'll be fine.  The tendon is reattached and looks great.  Weak, but great."

WOW!  YOWZA!  OMG!  Happy Dancing around the yard with tears in my eyes!


I will be creating a front porch for his run in to give him extra room to move.  We will start rehab for the leg, and he also needs physical rehab due to muscle loss from 6 months of stall rest.  The biggest thing now is for him to exercise, slowly & in very controlled settings.  He cannot have the opportunity to run and get crazy like I know he'd like to.  If he did the tendon would likely rip apart.  So I will make extra room for him and hand walk him for the next few weeks.   Then I will actually begin riding him at the walk.  I am so excited.  I didn't think I would be on him until fall!  The doctor and I are so happy and amazed he has healed with no complications and so quickly.  


I can think of a couple of people who will really enjoy riding him!  I plan on polishing up my jumping with him, so we can ease both of us back into that.


In case you haven't seen him lately he is looking really good.  Very true to his former name, Handsome.  His mane has grown out and has a ton of silver in it.  He has many brown flecks, not like a flea bitten grey, but simply random brown flecks.  I will be uploading some pictures very soon.


Thank you to everyone who helped get us through this, mentally, emotionally, and physically.  It really was tough in all of those areas and feels great to see the light come through the darkness.


This is really the news I needed.  I have been feeling down because Tango would have been 27 years old yesterday.  This helps me keep looking forward.


Loretta

Summer camp

What are you doing this summer?

Going to 20/20 Horsemanship's camp!

That's right, we are having our first ever summer camp!  Mark the dates: 

July 19-23 and July 26-30.  

• Small groups of 5-7 year olds, 8-10 and 11 +
• 9am-1pm daily
• Join us for the entire week, or come one day!
• Hands on ground work
• Riding
• Horsey games mounted & grounded
• Washing dirty ponies
• Braiding manes & tails
• Swimming
• Trail riding

Those are just some of the things I am planning.  I will keep you posted as to when I have an actual plan for each day.

I am only taking up to 5 per day.  My daughter, along with 2 adult students, will be helping.
Pricing

If you are here for:

• One day/$100.
• Two days/$200.
• Three days/$275.
• Four days/$350.
• Five days/$400.

When you're here all five days it's like getting the 5th day FREE!

Let me know as soon as possible.  I am asking for a  50%  deposit to hold your space.  Please send that to me and let me know the dates BEFORE June 5, 2010.

Loretta


clear communication
visible results

Getting to know Gemstone

Wow.  That really sums it up.  Just WOW.  Gemmy is so much more than I ever hoped for her to be.  I don't even know where begin.  Here goes:


She is sweet and polite.  Not like any other mare I have known.  She comes to you when she sees you to say hello.  


She stands to be groomed and for the farrier, very still, sometimes we don't even tie her.  She loves being groomed and usually falls asleep!  


She is a safe mount for beginners to learn on.  In fact, I would have to say I trust her explicitly.  Perhaps more than any of my other horses.  (Scottie does not read my blog-usually.)  In fact, a student of mine is turning 7.  She rides Piero, but as a little birthday treat I let her ride Gemmy.  Advanced students and riders can have fun with her.  She is learning about our ground work and has a lovely canter.  She remembers her dressage training when at the end of the lesson she heads to the center of the ring, tucks her head in and halts. :)


Now, here's where I'll ramble on forever.  The TRAILS.  She's been out 4 times.  The 1st time we went out with Gus and she was great.  She led the ride and didn't question anything.  She crossed a new bridge that I had never been across.  Honestly, I didn't quite know what to expect.  After all, she'd been in a pasture and not really used at all for a year or more.  She is 17 and has had 5 babies.  There was a good chance she'd be a little sour, just wanting to stay on permanent vacation.


Ok, back to the trails.  The ONLY thing she did 'wrong' was when asked to stand still she gets very antsy, and then, dare I say it, she reared.  Oh well, I'll nip that in the bud-everything else is near perfect as can be.


The next two times I took her out alone.  She kept looking back toward home, a very normal reaction when a horse is by herself.  Again, she displayed exemplary skill and trust.  She crossed creeks, went up hill, carried her weight behind going down hill (yeah!) and even galloped on the path toward home.  The second day was a repeat, so as we trotted up to a small log I said, "Ok, Gemmy, now's the time to show me how you feel about jumping."  I got in 2 point ahead of the jump, (not knowing what she would offer me), and she jumped over it beautifully.  Now, it was small enough to trot over, but she jumped it.  Not a big over jumping to the moon, just a nice little jump.  I think the smile on my face went clear into the next day!


Yesterday we went out again, this time with Austin.  We took a path that I don't go on often, too many low branches and debris for Scottie to fit around, under and through.  She did not hesitate the least.  Just went where I asked like she'd been there a million times.  Several logs on the path to jump and when she'd spot them, I could feel her excitemenet and she was saying, oh, please can we jump that one?   Now if that weren't enough, here's the best part.  There is a nasty revine type ditch/creek.  Steep slope down and then back up the other side.  I was hesitant.  I tried it once before and hated it.  I said what the heck, let's go for it.  So, as I was reminding myself (outloud) to keep my EYES and HEAD up and looking straight ahead, Gem proceeded down.  We were sliding, it had just rained.  Not the best time for this, but, what a great, great test of not only her ability, but her willingness, her intelligence on what to do with her feet, her trust in me, I could just go on.  My dear friend was so happy too.  She said, "Wow Gem!  I have a new respect for you girlfriend!"


She is happily teaching some beginner adults how to ride.  She is also working with a couple of ladies that are interested in learning ground work, and having that really special, spiritual type of connection.  Gem seems to really enjoy that.


I can not thank Rebecca and her mom enough for entrusting this sweet lady with me.  I am honored to have her in my life, and so is everyone she meets.  I tell her hello for you guys all the time and give her hugs, kisses, and of course, peppermints!
















Loretta the natural horseman clear communication/visible results

Fitness Tips for a Better Ride

Fitness Tips for a Better Ride

Loretta

the natural horseman

clear communication/visible results

Testimonials

Thank you, Laurie! :)

My name is Laurie Clark and I'm a new student of Loretta's at 20/20 Horsemanship. I signed up for 8 lessons and am almost to the end. I have learned so much but have so much more to learn. Although I had horses back in Texas I never rode english until I met Loretta.  Gemstone is my horse well not mine as in ownership but mine when I go for lessons. She's amazing and I love spending time with both her and Loretta. When I signed up for lessons I told Loretta I don't want to just come to learn to ride, I want to learn everything. I have to say my most favorite part is the ground work. Gemstone is such a beautiful horse with a beautiful manner and loves it when I bring carrots. I love going to my lessons not only because I love being around horses but I love learning about horses. And not to mention I love Gemstone and spending time with her. I feel blessed because through this I'm getting to know Gemstone but I also feel like I've acquired a good friend in Loretta.

Loretta the natural horseman clear communication/visible results

New fees in effect beginning May 26, 2010

Lessons:

1 hour private:           $70

1.5 hour                   $95

Mother/daughter       $95

Siblings                    $95  

Packages for private lessons:

4 lessons                  $265 (saving $15)

8 lessons                 $525 (saving $35)

12 lessons                 $770 (saving $70-like getting one FREE!)

Packages for siblings & mother/daughter:

4 lessons                   $365 (saving $15)

8 lessons                   $720 (saving $40)

12 lessons                 $1,050 (saving $90-like getting one FREE!)

Pony play date:

30 minutes. Includes grooming and ride  $40

Pony Party at your house.  Up to 8 children 2 hours  $200

Add $15 each additional child

Natural Horsemanship training:  $70/hour

Loretta Arey

www.2020horsemanship.com

www.2020horsemanship.blogspot.com

May 2010 Newsletter

20/20 Horsemanship's Newsletter 05/2010 In This Issue Current Openings Stryker'sStatus What's Going on? Stryker Status Good news!  The vet phoned to say that Stryker can be hand walked for up to 20 minutes daily!  I was so excited (as was he) to hear this!  Quick Links 20/20 Horsemanship website The Natural Horseman Blog Read the VA Equine Statute here Horsemanship Lessons Current Openings Sundays @9am Saturdays @ 4pm Mondays @ 4:30pm Tuesdays @3:30pm Remember to visit the calendar on my website to see current availability.  I post openings when I have a cancellation for a one time session.

Greetings! I hope everyone is enjoying a happy, yet hot, spring. Please read to the end, there is a lot to cover.  I did not send out an April issue and here it is the first week of May! I'd like to welcome all new students: Jenn & Ashley (Our first mother/daughter pair) Numair Lori Alex KC Alyssa Erica (back from a winter break) Sheila Sincerely, Loretta Arey 20/20 Horsemanship Stryker's Status Good news!  The vet phoned to say that Stryker can be hand walked for up to 20 minutes daily!  I was so excited (as was he) to hear this!   After providing me with some ACE (sedative) I was able to have him venture out.  He was wonderful and very interested in eating the grass that he has been watching grow. The second time I took him out, I did not wait long enough for the ACE to kick in.  How did I know that you ask?  Because he bucked, with a hind foot brushing my thigh.  Back in the stall for another 15 minutes he went.  The second attempt was much calmer, however he still bucked, out of my range, twice. Some interesting things we have noticed.  When Stryker's water bucket is empty he makes a big ruckus!  Banging it around and making all kinds of noise.  When you approach to fill the bucket, he will point his head repeatedly to the big water trough as if to say, "There, that's what I need." Stryker also points his entire head to the field.  He says, "Come on, over there is what I want.  Why can't you understand?" All in all this is great news.  He is feeling good and now able to get out for a bit.  I did not expect to be hand walking him  until July-so May is ahead of schedule! What's Going On? Everything! This is the official announcement of our new online logo apparel and gear!  WOOHOO!  Get your own 20/20 Horsemanship tank top, t-shirt, mug or water bottle.  I even have a couple of items with Piero and Gem on them, and even Lollipop! Visit the store from my blog, or go directly to: 20/20 Horsemanship Logo Gear In addition to the logo items, I have revamped the Amazon store.  It is looking good and is much easier to navigate.  If you haven't visited in a while, please do! This is the home page: 20/20 Horsemanship's Amazon Store There are some really fun things in there!  Toys, Breyer and other models, kids furnishings and decor, even shower curtain hooks and door knobs! Fun stuff for kids Are you looking for new boots, breeches or half chaps? Kids Breeches Boots and chaps The Charles Owen helmet I recommend is also there: Charles Owen Helmets I hope you find what you are looking for, or simply have fun browsing.  Please remember to bookmark the page! What are you doing this summer? Going to 20/20 Horsemanship's camp! That's right, we are having our first ever summer camp!  Mark the dates:  July 19-23 and July 26-30.   Small groups of 5-7 year olds, 8-10 and 11 + 9am-1pm daily Join us for the entire week, or come one day! Hands on ground work Riding Horsey games mounted & grounded Washing dirty ponies Braiding manes & tails Swimming Trail riding Those are just some of the things I am planning.  I will keep you posted as to when I have an actual plan for each day. I am only taking up to 5 per day.  My daughter, along with 2 adult students, will be helping. Pricing If you are here for: One day/$100. Two days/$200. Three days/$275. Four days/$350. Five days/$400. When you're here all five days it's like getting the 5th day FREE! Let me know as soon as possible.  I am asking for a  50%  deposit to hold your space.  Please send that to me and let me know the dates BEFORE June 5, 2010. About Us Well, you've finally come to the end of this newsletter.  I hope you've enjoyed reading about our happenings.  If you haven't come out yet, or in a while, please stop on by. Our Mission Statement: To provide a safe, fun & effective environment for our students. To teach true horsemanship using feel, intuition, timing & leadership. To never use force, but to know when to use the right amount of pressure and release.

Loretta the natural horseman clear communication/visible results

New items in Store

Please visit our updated Amazon store. I have added many new items and have reorganized everything in an easier to understand fashion.


Need something to spark up your pony crazy child's room? We've got it!


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Need a birthday gift? We've got Breyers, plush, all the Breyer jumps and accessories and much more!


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Need a new pair of (inexpensive) breeches? We have them too!


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Maybe your daughter would like a pink backpack full of pink grooming tools?


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Show shirts, boots, half chaps, helmet covers, crops, you need (or want) it, and we've got it!


Visit now:
http://thenaturalhorseman.blogspot.com/p/2020-online-store_27.html

Loretta the natural horseman clear communication/visible results