It's so easy to take life for granted. I'm sitting in a pasture watching steam rise from the backs of grazing horses, and I'm struck by the peacefulness of it all. I'm also struck by how lucky I am that horses are a part of my life like a vein in my arm. How remarkable, … Continue reading Happy Horses
Tag: Horsemanship
Are you in an Abusive Relationship with your Horse?
Recently, I was observing the handling of a few horses. I aim to observe through the lens of curiosity rather than judgment, though at times it's certainly a challenge. There are many different approaches to horse training, everyone does it differently. My least favorite approach is domination, sometimes called "horse breaking" which happened to be … Continue reading Are you in an Abusive Relationship with your Horse?
Building Connection (Friendship)
I stand atop a hill in the pasture, eyes on my pony below. I observe her for a moment munching hay or napping. I take in a lungful of air and loudly call her name, then follow it up with a loud wolf whistle, a whistle I chose specifically so she would know, that I … Continue reading Building Connection (Friendship)
The Horse -Curious, Creative, Whole
Client working with her horse Casper on a new trick Desensitizing has become a somewhat controversial word in the horse industry. On the one hand, we don't want our horses to flee from horse monsters such as plastic bags or bodies of water, puddles, shadows, etc. On the other hand, too much too soon, also … Continue reading The Horse -Curious, Creative, Whole
A Vulnerable Conversation with Your Horse
In your most vulnerable moments, are you afraid that if you really show up for your horse, he might not like you? Are you afraid that if you own up to your fear, lack of knowledge, or lack of experience, or other perceived short-coming you might have to give up your horse, and by proxy, … Continue reading A Vulnerable Conversation with Your Horse
Amanda Soper 