This post is about taking a step back from your daily routine and stopping to smell the roses.
We all strive for progress and success but this approach will open your eyes to a new angle of training. Being a passenger isn’t always a bad thing!
Being a passenger at the right times is actually very productive! What I mean is this, jut spending time with your horse is bonding you two stronger but sitting on your horse while they graze does more than that! While you’re just relaxing and watching them graze from their back you may braid their mane or find a good itchy spot or tell them about your day. To you it’s just you sitting on your horse enjoying the soothing sounds of them chewing. To them they are reading your body language, you’re relaxed, happy and trusting them. You’re not telling them what to do, you’re not working them hard, you’re just enjoying each other. They are bonding more because you’re not asking much of them at all and they can cruise around as they please and you’re just a passenger. This is a huge break from the normal where they are expected to obey your every whim.
This helps youngsters learn to carry a rider on uneven ground in a relaxing environment with minimal pressure. The youngster will also respect you more for being a friend and not a bossy “herd leader” per-say.
So next time it’s too hot to ride you can always do this, hop on, enjoy each other and your partnership will be healthier for it!
J Randol horse training 