Horse Behavior Specialist
Licensed 2 Star Parelli Professional
www.nancyslater.com
18 / Sport and Trail Magazine
We must trust that they will behave
Talking with a friend who used to show horses, it was mentioned that when you had 2 judges, you weren't able to fix a problem in the show ring, you'd get caught and marked down. Seems like horses are snickering at us when we want them to show their best. Frustration takes over. I've shown with people who will wait till the judge looks away, then jerk their horse's chain, literally.
Without getting through to the root of negative horse behavior, we will never be able to trust that our horse will do his job without us micromanaging him. We must trust that they will behave. Preparing for the show ring will make positive responses a habit and not an exception. All horses should and can be taught to have a work ethic without us intervening and nagging them. A great work ethic will make it easy to compete and win. In all equine sports, the judge is looking for a harmonious partnership between horse and rider. Not two individuals arguing!
Imagine a run down for Mounted Archery and your horse is steady and straight. In Competitive Trail he moves freely, carefully maneuvering obstacles. In Working Equitation he is soft and supple, floating along as he does flying lead changes. In Eventing he looks looks eagerly towards the next jump, without rushing or refusing. In Cutting, that cow is held! And on and on...
Horses are smart animals. They are social beings and like interesting things to do. They can learn a job and do it well. We've all seen the great ones. They stand out in our minds because we watched them and said aloud, “Wow! I wish I owned that horse!”
Photo by Aponi