Kind Connections

Connection. That is the epitome of horsemanship. Without connection, we have nothing. So, what is connection? What does it look like? What does it feel like? How do we get it?

To me, connection with your horse feels like breathing. You are fully aware its there, it is imperative to your survival, it is deep, it is soft, and it is so natural at times it becomes effortless. That is the type of connection I strive to achieve with my horses.

But how does one go about establishing a connection like this? A connection so strong that horse reads your mind, knows what you are thinking before you do, and is always there with you, stride for stride. Well, the answer is so simple that it is unbelievably complex..... Time. The answer is time.

Time spent with your horse. Time spent around your horse. Time spent learning about your horse, establishing mutual respect, striving to build curiosity in yourself and in your horse. Time put into training is important too, but building connection has to be about more than always asking your horse to give to you.

There will be days you need to go to the barn and simply sit with your horse, asking nothing of them. Simply breathing the same air they do. Seeing the world from their perspective. Learning what slows their breathing or sharpens their nostrils. Listening, watching, feeling...in order to gain understanding of your horse's needs, wishes, wants, and desires. Those things create connection and understanding. And those things take time.

So, go to the barn...and simply be with your horse. Ask nothing of one another, but listen to everything.