Getting started with empowered horses
Published by Cari Zancanelli under empowered horse trainers, empowered horses, horse training on 9:05 PM
So far I've shared with you why I have started working (or not working) in a way that empowers the horses. I'd like to take a moment to take stock and give some suggestions if you want to try it yourself. After reading Empowered Horses by Imke Spilker, I felt kind of lost as to what to do next. She suggested to me that this was OK, and that feeling empty because all of your former tools have been removed is good. In other words, erase your mind of everything you knew before and approach the horses with a mindset of openness and wanting to communicate. Ask them questions. Ask yourself questions. Give the horse a chance to give you feedback. Observe, don't be so controlling, be gentle. See what happens when you act this way.
First of all, you really have nothing to lose by trying this. Remember that your horse doesn't know if you are doing the "Parelli method" or "natural horsemanship". Basically, all they know is that you are interacting with them. It's probably best to give it a few sessions though so that you can see what happens. It takes time for the horses to realize that something very basic has changed. If you don't like it or it isn't working for you, going back is always an option.
Here is what I would suggest if you want to try working with your horses in an empowered way. It's also kind of counter-productive to give you a formula. What I will do is give you a place to start. What you do with it is up to you, because you are empowered just like the horse.
Empowerment is about two-way communication and allowing the horse to have a voice. It also involves being aware of what's happening. Here's what some of your first sessions might look like:
- Spend time just hanging out with your horse, finding out where they like to be scratched, or just being together.
- Do a grooming session (put away your phone and all distractions) where you focus on the horse completely. How are you brushing them? Are they relaxed, do they like what you're doing? Think about how you would like to have your hair brushed.
- Go for a walk with your horse. Walk in rhythm with them. This creates synchronicity which horses tune in to and like. Think of driving teams and how they move in sync. Walk around the pasture and let them choose where to go.
While you are around your horse, think of games that they might like. So far, games have been a difficulty for me. My horses are mainly older and not as playful as they once were, which doesn't help. So if anyone has suggestions for games I'd love to hear them!
Also, after your sessions, review what happened and what didn't. Watch what happens in the next session. Is your horse acting any differently? Is he reacting to you differently? Any experiences you would like to share, I'd love to hear about them. I think you'll be surprised at the results - good luck!
First of all, you really have nothing to lose by trying this. Remember that your horse doesn't know if you are doing the "Parelli method" or "natural horsemanship". Basically, all they know is that you are interacting with them. It's probably best to give it a few sessions though so that you can see what happens. It takes time for the horses to realize that something very basic has changed. If you don't like it or it isn't working for you, going back is always an option.
Here is what I would suggest if you want to try working with your horses in an empowered way. It's also kind of counter-productive to give you a formula. What I will do is give you a place to start. What you do with it is up to you, because you are empowered just like the horse.
Empowerment is about two-way communication and allowing the horse to have a voice. It also involves being aware of what's happening. Here's what some of your first sessions might look like:
- Spend time just hanging out with your horse, finding out where they like to be scratched, or just being together.
- Do a grooming session (put away your phone and all distractions) where you focus on the horse completely. How are you brushing them? Are they relaxed, do they like what you're doing? Think about how you would like to have your hair brushed.
- Go for a walk with your horse. Walk in rhythm with them. This creates synchronicity which horses tune in to and like. Think of driving teams and how they move in sync. Walk around the pasture and let them choose where to go.
While you are around your horse, think of games that they might like. So far, games have been a difficulty for me. My horses are mainly older and not as playful as they once were, which doesn't help. So if anyone has suggestions for games I'd love to hear them!
Also, after your sessions, review what happened and what didn't. Watch what happens in the next session. Is your horse acting any differently? Is he reacting to you differently? Any experiences you would like to share, I'd love to hear about them. I think you'll be surprised at the results - good luck!
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| The "gang" having a winter picnic |
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| Angel, Tequila and Bella in summer (I'm tired of looking at brown landscapes!) |
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