Katie's Philosophy
I believe that horses were put on this Earth to help people learn to be better people. They can help us find our inner betrayals, so we can change our behaviors and attitudes towards the world around us. Consider this thought: In the horse - human relationship, when the horse is not doing what we want, people want to blame the horse but, the horse is only half of the equation.
I'd like to share this poem...
The Horse
Here is nobility without, Conceit
Friendship without, Envy
Beauty without, Vanity
A willing servant, yet NO Slave!
Author unknown
Philosophy
For centuries, Man has been using horses for work, transportation and even as food. The traditional training methods most often, used force and intimidation to gain control. Control over the horse gained by way of force sometimes, produces a very hostile slave and seldom a willing partner.
Today, horses are owned more for recreation. Todays owners are more educated and more open to learning better ways to work with their horses. Training techniques previously used by only the exceptional horsemen (some were called 'Horse Whisperers') are becoming more available for the average horse owner to learn. The philosophy and training techniques, have been called 'natural' as a way to distinguish it.
What motivates the horse and how their mind works, is very different from humans. Horses are prey animals and they gain security by being part of a herd. They use all of their highly tuned senses, to detect possible danger and their first response is flight. They have a strong sense of self-preservation and are extremly perceptive. They use their body language to communicate their feelings and they never lie.
A horse will accept our leadership if, we prove we are a trust-worthy leader and consider the horses' natural ways. Allow him to keep his dignity and sense of self-preservation (mind, body and spirit ) and his world will open up to you.
