The Art of Horsemanship
Through the ages man has used the horse for a variety of purposes. From ancient times up to the beginning of the 20th Century, a primary use was for warfare.
If one looks back, even to the times of Xenophon, the Greek general and statesman, one will see that the basic principles of training are very similar, and there has been very little change over time. Today it is not uncommon for pupils / students to become confused with the different techniques and methods of training and riding styles.
To find your way through this maze of knowledge and techniques, one can follow this simple analysis. All riding horses kept for whatever purpose or discipline should be able to complete the basics of riding without resistance. They should be able to be sat upon, go forward when asked, stop when asked, turn left or right, go sideways showing simple lateral movements, backwards when required, and maybe go over a small obstacle with ease and comfort. This should all be able to be performed without danger or harm, to either the horse or the rider / handler.
Although the methods may differ slightly, the basic principles remain the same.
Here are three approaches to the Art of Horsemanship, hopefully culminating in the same end result. Over the years a number of different bodies have attempted to show that their way is the best way, however, all methods endeavour to reach the same result…. that of harmony, trust and understanding between horse and handler.
Natural Horsemanship
Natural Horsemanship deals with the fundamental understanding that to achieve the best results – one must work with the horse not against it! Very often as children, we would have a pony that we rode up from the field in nothing more than a headcollar and rope. As the mutual trust and understanding was there, and indeed grew over time, both parties were safe, and looked after each other. Very often in adulthood these very important yet basic qualities of horsemanship are lost, as we become embroiled in the hard and fast rules of certain ways of handling horses.
The goal for all those practising Natural Horsemanship (in whichever form) must be based on knowledge, patience, good communication and above all mutual friendship and respect. Natural Horsemanship is not a new concept, simply one that many have known and practised for years but now has a 'name'!
The British Horse Society
The British Horse Society is committed to improving the welfare of horses and ponies, through education and training, and promoting the interests of its membership of horse riders and owners.
In 1947 the Institute of the Horse
and Pony Club and the National Horse Association of Great
Britain amalgamated, and the British Horse Society was founded. It is a registered
charity (number
210504) and is therefore overseen by the Charity Commissioner. Its
primary objectives, as published in the Memorandum of Association,
are:
(a) To promote the interests of horse and pony breeding, and to encourage
the use and protection of horses and ponies. (Horses and ponies includes
any mare, gelding, foal, colt, filly or stallion and also any ass,
mule or jennet.)
(b) To promote and facilitate the acquisition and distribution of
the knowledge of the various arts and sciences connected with the
horse and pony,
and the use and management thereof.
The Spanish School of Equitation
The Spanish School of Equitation has always employed the classical art of riding. Unfortunately, this method has been based almost exclusively on oral tradition, as the few existing records are incomplete. This Institution is however unique in the world and can look back on a tradition of four hundred years. Tradition is the Alpha and Omega of the Spanish Riding School, but tradition cannot build up through words alone. Only from papers preserved in the archives of the Imperial Court can any light be thrown on the foundation of its beliefs.
Because of the simplicity and clarity of the work performed in the Spanish School of Equitation, the principles of the classical equestrian art are of value to any kind of riding. They came into being at a time when horses were part of everyday life, and when riding was a means to penetrate the secret of the harmony between two living creatures – horse and rider. To quote the words of a truly fine master,
“Anything forced and misunderstood can never be beautiful.”
I believe that to truly promote the Art of Horsemanship one must be open to various methods; be prepared to listen to those who have gone before us, and most importantly of all, gain whatever knowledge necessary to allow the rider to listen to the horse.
It goes without saying that trust, kindness and an understanding of such a complex subject is ongoing. If we consider ourselves to be lifelong students, the horse will have a better chance of enjoying a more fulfilling life with us, be able to give willingly to our requests, and show a dignity that is – The Horse!