A three old horse is sent to me for training. He was well handled as a foal and does not just like people, but looks for them. He wanted our attention, waiting for us to spend time with him. For generations this animal has been bred to be our willing partner. He has also been bred to be a outstanding athlete. His breeder many even have dreams of him being some ones Olympic partner in one of the eight equestrian disciplines.
The horses first few years under saddle are a very critical time period. The trainer will help shape for kind of riding horse you will have as the horses career advances. As I trainer I take this very seriously. To be able to mold a talented young horse is a gift and privilege. For me this is the first thing that all trainers need to remember when dealing with a young horse. Keeping the horse first is always a priority, and its intended purpose. For example event horses are taught to go through water were jumpers are taught. to jump even the widest water obstacle.
Horsemanship in a form that can be applied today has been around since 400BC. And has evolved as our needs for the horse has changed. We no longer need a War Horse,or a plow horse or one to take us to town but a athletic partner and a friend. As well has training has evolved so have our horses. A Dressage horse from thirty years ago is a different animal then is being produced today. At the heart of matter remains the simple fact that our civilizations would not be the same with out the horse. They deserve our respect and compassion when concerning any thing we ask of them.
The first horse I started was a bay Arabian gelding named Josiah. I started working with him when he not one year old. I was no more then 14, with out any real time under my belt starting horses. That horse and had bond that went beyond words. He would do any thing for me, he was my little War Horse. I could free longe him in a open field, send him off in a canter and then call him back. He laid down on command, bowed and would do Spanish walk. Because of his up bringing and our relationship the first day I sat on his back. He acted liked I had been up there all a long. Its rare but that first day we walked, trotted and cantered with in 25 minute session. A few months later I was riding him briddless and bareback.
Know that I am a professional in the Horse industry my goals are very different. My main focuss is on FEI Dressage and Foxhunting. Most horses I do not teach such things because I do feel that it can interfere with there progressive training, and is not necessary in the training of a show horse or field hunter. But that relationship I had with that little Arab is always in my mind, and I try to transfer that to all the horses I work with. This thought process has helped me build some amazing bonds with my horses. I have had some amazing times in the Hunt field with a big Irish Sport horse that often gave people a wild ride. Now he is the Huntsmen top horse, and is as steady as a Mountain.
The moral of the story is take care how you start your horse, or who you send him to. A real trainer does not use force or gadgets, nor do theny considering flipping or tieing a horse or are naive enough to think it can be done in a session or two, Or that it is ok to work a young horse at this stage for longer 45 minutes or turn the process into some sort of competition.
We have many national associations with which we can look for guidance The USEF, USDF, USHJA, USEA, FN, BHSI, and many more. Great Schools of riding like Hanover, Samuer , The Spainish Riding School of Viena, and many more offer excellent examples.
Sincerely,
Petra
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