Horse Agreement

Horse agreements sound like something your doctor, lawyer or significant other might have you read, sign and make official in the form of some lengthy legal paperwork before you ride and even though in some cases that might be practical or even sensible that is not what I'm describing. Horse agreements are something between you and yourself and you and your horse.

An agreement is much like a promise and it is not meant to weigh you down with oaths or difficulties. It is a simple way of defining some terms that can help you avoid mistakes, misunderstandings and the tools to handle those things if they arise. Horses have made agreements from the day they were born. Some of those are obvious to humans some not. For instance, horses agree to do the best they can to stay mentally and physically balanced; to be vegetarian for life; to run from threats and only as a last result, defend against nature using their legs and body. Whether wild or domesticated they have the ability to honor this without much help from us and for these reasons, this is why we are so drawn to the mystery and magnitude of a horse.

Horses have also agreed to attempt the impossible, especially when humans bring their expectations to a horses' life. Things like carrying a rider on their sensitive backs; Being pulled by their heads and mouth in all manner of ways and reasons; Being exposed to frightening experiences and removed from the ones that give them security and having to learn how to deal with it. They agree to honor any number of ways they are taught to do these things even though many times it comes at a great price to their mind, body and spirit. It's amazing to me that today, in 2008, we still have people using barbaric methods such as lying a horse down and covering its entire body with a tarp calling that training just to get a horse to submit to the trainer. What kind of life from that point on could a horse ever expect to live? There are only a handful of trainers in the United States qualified to do this maneuver and even those use extreme caution in attempting it. Never let someone or yourself try this, for it can have grave consequences literally for both you and a horse.

This next part may come as a bit of a shock to you, but yes there is a weight limit to what a horses back should be expected to carry. It is part of your agreement with yourself to work on your physical fitness. If you are serious about safely riding and controlling your horse , be honest about your ability to do that by taking a comprehensive look at your stamina, balance and coordination. I myself recently did the same thing with my body evaluation and it was obvious that I was out of shape which was affecting not only my riding skills, but my mood and my long term health. Make changes gradually, seek advice from a professional, journal your intentions, your program results and your goals. Make it a fun and positive part of your agreement with yourself . Trust me, your horse will appreciate it and also your riding will be safer and more enjoyable.

Do not place the unknown on your horses mind and body and expect him to figure it out for himself or for the two of you. Horses can be very in tune, but they are not mind readers. We have to work very hard in helping them understand what we expect from them and this cannot be done in any quick fix manner or method. Put a lot of integrity in your efforts to teach and train them. Teaching is showing and explaining, training is reinforcing and testing through simulation and actual experiences. You must be impeccable in your desire for a good outcome. Do this with time and you will see great things appear on and off the horse. Your horse is like daily life experiences. There will be days when nothing appears to be going right and there will be days when you just can't explain the magic that has just occurred. Do not let yourself get caught up in either of these moments. Both will frustrate you if you're searching for too much meaning. A horse is a projection and a reflection of the life he is leading and the person or persons handling him.

If you put your needs first and his second or even lower on the list of your priorities do not expect more from him in return. I know it's hard to juggle the many responsibilities of a work schedule and family life while attempting to care and ride your horse. But, if that is the care then maybe this is where you examine your agreements between you and yourself and the horse you own. Horses need you as much as you need them and if all you can squeeze in is ten or twenty minutes a day then agree to that. Overall, it will make a difference and who knows your priorities may change for the both of you. That is called doing the best you can, and nobody can ask for more than that. By agreeing to put some extra effort into your mental, physical, emotional and spiritual actions, you've moved yourself and your horsemanship toward a positive supportive agreement. Why, because you have set something useful in motion and that is how things begin to change.

The next time you see your horse, try to shift your perspective from what you've always seen and done and bring something new to the relationship. Prepare him for your next big trail ride by examining his legs and back for tension, soreness, proper shoeing or the fit of his bit and bridle. Is his blanket or pad in need of cleaning or replacement? Is your trailer floor or trailer in need of inspection? Are you feeling good these days and when was the last time you had a physical check up or fitness evaluation? I'll agree to keep supporting your efforts if you'll agree to keep pursuing safe, proper, effective horsemanship. Who knows, maybe we'll meet on the trail and swap stories and results on the horses. At least for a little while and that I'll agree to anytime.

Stay positive, true to your desires and remember this is meant to be fun.

Happy Trails
Robert M. Liner

Recommended Reading to better comprehend this article:
Kinship with all Life by: J. Allen Boone
The Four Agreements by: Don Miguil Ruiz

Instructor/Trainer -Robert M. Liner has helped thousands of people improve their understanding through his Intuitive Equine Guidance(tm) seminars, clinics and lessons. For more Information: See his Spirit of the Horse(tm) demonstrations or visit www.equineinline.com