I often feel like a translator between the horse and the human. 

The human is what I call “control-oriented”.  The horse is “communication-oriented”.  I try to help the person think the way the horse might, or at least understand the horse’s viewpoint.  When you approach the horse with this open-ness, you start offering a better feel to the horse.
 
What a horse really cares about is intention.

What kind of feel are you offering?  Not just in physical pressure but in mental and emotional guidance as well.  If that horse knows you are trying to understand, he will try the same. 

And in order to understand it takes breaking things down to steps, to maneuvers, and to ideas.  When we finally get ourselves on the “Idea” track, we can start looking more at the way a horse thinks, why they do what they do and how we can influence the mind, body, and spirit without interrupting the natural grace and beauty that draws us to them. 

That’s what it’s all about, learning to always give to the horse without taking away. 

It’s a lifelong challenge and commitment, not to be taken lightly in the slightest. 

I’ve met many people who are ready for it and grow not only as capable horse-hands but as human beings. 

But it’s not some dreamy Hollywood picture. 

This requires change on the part of the horse but more so on the part of the horse handler.  And this change oftentimes requires a removal of the “Disneyland Goggles”.

I like things that work, and this horsemanship does.  If it didn’t, I would stop using it and change. 

The guess-work is simplified, the fear is gone.  As the legendary Ray Hunt says, “Confidence is knowing you are prepared.” 

With just a few basic ideas and maneuvers, you and your horse can be on the road to increased lightness, softness, suppleness, athleticism, bravery, ability, finesse, and so many more positive qualities.