Native American Horsemanship
Learn to Train Your Horse With the Ancient Wisdom of Native America
Nov 23, 2008
A long history of respect, for themselves and for their horses, has brought the Native American horsemen to the forefront in training, riding and general showmanship in the equine arena. Respect for the animal is the first step along the trail of teaching the horse to, in turn, respect and perform your wishes. Native Americans view animals, and especially their horses, as being equal with them. They honor the horse with having advanced intelligence and a keen ability to bond with their rider. They view the horse as not just something to carry you from place to place but as a companion, a cohort in the adventure ahead of them. With this perception it becomes obvious that the Native American rider is not merely a trainer of horses but that they acknowledge the power within the animal itself.
Understanding Your Horse
There are probably very few children in the world that have not at some time or another wanted a pony. Perhaps, in their unsophisticated view, they realize the value of animal companionship and know the potential in a human-horse bond. Approaching the training of your horse with that simplistic attitude, friend to friend, will take you a long way to understanding the animal's capability as a follower and you as a leader. Horses are herd animals. In their wild state they acknowledge one leader and will follow them at all costs. You need to think of your horse not as another human being with independent thoughts but as what it is: a follower. You are responsible for your animal's behavior. He will react in kind to your actions, moods and even thoughts. But you must also be attune to his behavior patterns. If an animal is ill, or frightened, or senses your own unrest it will sometimes 'act out' and become uncontrollable. It is up to you to comfort, ease and bring back a sense of calmness.
Training Your Horse
In the book, 'Out of the Saddle' by Gawani Pony Boy, he states, "There is only one thing that stands between horse and rider performing as one creature; only one hurdle that separates the perfect combination of two- and four-legged; only one stumbling block that awaits the horse and rider who wish to act as one. It is communication. A horse and rider who can communicate successfully can do anything----anything! " Training a horse to communicate with you takes time and patience. Remembering that you are the herd leader takes concentration. The horse is watching you, waiting for your actions. If you display fear, the horse will react with fear. If you display indecision the horse will become nervous. You must communicate positive thoughts through words and affection, and always show love and respect to your animal. If one time you are gentle and the next hurried the horse will not know how to respond and whatever training hours you have put in will be lost.
Praise and Gratitude
One of the essential ingredients in having a well behaved horse is praise. Horses, like people, relate to kind words sincerely spoken. If the horse has performed well, let him know it. Tell him you are grateful for his companionship. For centuries Native Americans were taught this natural politeness. They brought that teaching into their relationship with the animal world and found it to be beneficial in establishing the needed closeness and respect that made them, and their horse, one with the wind.
For further information: training your horse the Native American way
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