Adiva Murphy - Journey to Becoming a Good Horseman

The journey to becoming a good horseman comes with the task of change and growth within us. We won’t communicate clearly with anyone, let alone a horse, with high levels of stress and worry. When adversity challenges us, we must learn to relax and think clearly. The horse always looks for a calm, confident leader. The first lesson we must learn is to look at ourselves first. Look at things from the horses’ perspective and see it from their point of view. We need to assume the responsibility if our horse kicks, bucks, bolts, pulls or drags us around while leading, and not label the horse. This lesson is often the most difficult to accept, especially if the horse does not exhibit the same behavior when other people handle them.

Although learning to communicate effectively and controlling emotions has challenges, the answer lies in the horses’ language – learning to communicate to a horse like a horse. That language includes:

•    Understanding horse psychology

•    Learning the intimate world of horse communication

•    Studying your body language and how to use it effectively for communicating

•    Understanding how horses are motivated by comfort over praise

Becoming less critical and strict of our horses’ performance creates a positive environment for both parties to work in. This will parallel personal and other relationships, as well as raising children. The horse teaches us all, that if we are not part of the solution, we are part of the problem.

In becoming part of the solution, we need to understand why the horse acts in undesirable ways. Horses are incredibly sensitive animals. Their first defense mechanism is to run. Their second is to stand and fight. When we are fearful, frustrated or confused we produce the flight or fight response in the horse. Communicating effectively means being firm and fair.

Horses teach us to be emotionally and physically calm regardless of the situation. They accept us correcting them when they show disrespect as long as we do it without anger. Becoming a horseman is an art. Once learned, it permeates your personal life and all other choices you make.

If you want to know how well you are doing, just look at how your horse is acting around you. That is your mirror.

Adiva Murphy is a Natural Horsemanship Clinician and Trainer. She can be reached at:
adivamurphy.com