I eliminated the 'work' word a long time ago from my vocabulary when speaking about the time I spend with my horses. Work can sound like something unpleasant, something that we 'have' to do, when we would really rather be doing something else!
My goal is to make learning for all my students as fun and enjoyable as it is for me. During my clinics - and on my training DVDs - I place a huge emphasis on the benefits of lightening up, laughing frequently, adding lots of variety to your sessions with your horse and going out of your way to have some fun! Thing is, it is a proven fact that adult learning must be fun for it to be highly effective. Sure, you can still learn if you are all serious and never crack a smile, but you will relax more and actually learn more if you don't take yourself quite so seriously! Now, I'm not suggesting that you carry on like a giggling girty - just that you see the humor in your mistakes, that you are able to smile (with all your cheeks) and are able to see the funny side if your horse doesn't do exactly as you want (it's likely your fault anyway!) People tend to get all uptight if they are trying to teach their horse something (and usually are learning themselves too) and it doesn't go perfectly. They then grit their teeth and keep trying - time after time after time- determined to get it right. I believe that can be a commendable attitude; however - sometimes it would be fair to say that they are asking for too much improvement, too soon. I am fond of saying, there are no unrealistic goals, only unrealistic timeframes! If you set bite-sized goals and QUIT the exercise when you get the improvement you want, and go onto something else, you are much more likely to make steady, sure improvement. MIX UP WHAT YOU DO! Many students I speak with tell me that they get bored. I can see why, when I hear what they are doing during their time with their horse. Mix up what you do! Do some things on line, some at liberty, some with a saddle, some bareback - all in the one session! End with a great scratch, a cuddle, some hosing down! Don't turn the games of natural horsemanship into the jobs of natural horsemanship! I guarantee you that when you start to lighten up, so will your horse. Remember what motivates a horse; after safety and comfort, it's PLAY! Even refinement can be fun, if you keep the concentrated sessions short and sweet and give lots of rubs and allow your horse to flex and stretch in between exercises. Laugh out loud! See how good you feel when you laugh out loud! Just do it next time when you are with your horse! By the way, your horse will tell you if it's been too long since you had a good laugh, he may jump out of his skin and snort at you like you have gone crazy! Because he seems so amused, you'll find yourself laughing even more, and there is nothing wrong with that, unless you are in a dressage test! IT IS IMPORTANT ... It's important to note here that I do think you need to take what you DO seriously. Just don't take yourself too seriously. Natural horsemanship is an important learned skill, and requires understanding, sensitivity and patience. It requires study, practice and reinforcement to achieve excellence - and even to just progress. There is nothing frivolous or silly about it - I am simply suggesting that when you are engaged in your learning sessions, that you think about ways to make it as enjoyable for you and your horse as you can. Horses do what feels good, and if it feels good to be with you and to do what you are asking, they will continue to do it. I often liken our horses to 3 year old children - often about the same attention span and they have a need for frequent cuddles, reassurance, patient understanding and a need to play (have fun). Use your imagination during your sessions - introduce a new toy each time you do your ground play - ransack the house/garage/shed for stuff you can play with! (just make sure it's safe and used under supervision). When you are smiling and relaxed and breathing evenly, you release endorphins into your system, which give you a sense of wellbeing. When you are tight and holding your breath, you release adrenalin, which your horse can smell, and can have a negative effect on him. Laughing, playing, taking time to do fun exercises as well as the ones that are part of your study program, will pay off hundred-fold .... it's True!
