Respecting the Horse
- Suzy Maloney
- Apr 1, 2017
- 3 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
I looked up the definition of respect and came up with – ‘regard with deference, avoid degrading, insulting, injuring or interrupting and treat with consideration’. Respect is a word that is heard often in horse circles, usually when a person is saying a horse doesn’t have enough respect for them. This is considered a very bad thing and the horse must be taught to show more respect for humans immediately. I usually start feeling very uncomfortable when I hear people use this word in reference to horses as it usually means the horse is in for a tough time. I wonder if people are actually creating fear in their horses and calling it respect. The methods used to create this ‘respect’ certainly don’t fit in with the definition of the word above.
Which brings me to a very important question, ‘is the person respecting the horse’? Are the same people who want the horse to respect them returning the favor? Or is it a one way street? These are important questions to ask. If the horse is not treated with respect during the training process, there is every chance the training will result in a fearful, distrustful horse. Then this horse will then be classified as one that isn’t showing enough respect. And so the cycle continues.
Going back to our definition of respect, how many people regard a horse with deference? Just the fact that they allow us to sit on their backs is an amazing act of giving on their part. To show deference to these incredible animals that do so much for us should be easy, but unfortunately a lot of what they do for us is taken for granted and taken as our ‘right’. Do we make sure we never degrade, insult, injure or interrupt a horse? I think that not degrading, insulting or injuring a horse is pretty obvious and most people would know if they cross this line. But crazy as it sounds even interrupting a horse is showing a lack of respect. A simple act like scratching the head on a leg is regularly interrupted by people quickly pulling the horses head up and not allowing it. And treating with consideration, this means consider how things are for the horse at all times, how is it for them?
Imagine a relationship of mutual respect between us and our horse. In such a relationship there is time to be aware of the others needs and wants. Our horse is relaxed and happy in our presence, knowing we will not force them into fearful situations that we have not prepared them for. Knowing that we will take moments to tune in to them and find out how they're coping with what is happening. Our horse respects our judgement and feels safe in our presence, and because of this resistances fall away and self-confidence grows. Our confidence as a horse person also grows because we now understand how things are for the horse. This knowledge brings a feeling of empowerment and connection for us both. We find the time spent with our horse is now fun and full of and wonderful surprises as we open up to each other in an ever deepening relationship.
Respect is a wonderful thing if it is two way. If we check in with ourselves, are we willing to respect the horse as much as we expect our horse to respect us? Once we can say yes to this question, we are on a beautiful path that could lead us anywhere.
Suzy Maloney B.Eq.Sc.Dip.Couns.
Happy Horses Bitless
Considerate Horsemanship
Lismore, NSW, Australia
Ph: 0401 249 263
Email: suzy@happyhorsesbitless.com
Facebook: Happy Horses Bitless Bridles
Comentários