Through our pursuit of excellence in all things related to the noble horse, one overarching philosophy stands before all others. It is from this philosophy that horsemen develop true understanding into the hidden nature of the horse, and it is that which sets the stage for growth and lasting success.
Horseman’s Creed: The Horse Is Never Wrong
(and what does this REALLY mean?)
The Blame Game. It’s a common enough malady we’ve all seen, and we’ve certainly all heard it at some point during our instruction. So who’s fault is it? Is it ours? Is it the horse’s? Perhaps it’s his first owner, his second, or even his fourth owner that is to blame? All of the above may be the case, but whether the problem is a jump refusal, laziness, skittishness, or something grander such as, “it is the horse’s fault that I am not more skilled or more graceful,” placing blame never produces the result you set out to achieve.
In place of blame, we must quiet the ego and ask ourselves, “what is the source of this misunderstanding?” Almost always, we find that it is a foundational weakness in the rider or horse that can only be resolved through care and attention. We call this being impeccable with our practice. A case in point: if you struggle with a specific issue but a more advanced rider can make the issue improve or go away entirely, this insight has rewarded you with an opportunity to improve your technique. In the horse, if you cannot get your horse “confirmed in the flying lead change” for example, but you see that it can do so at leisure in the field, examine foundational deficiencies such as those related to under-saddle balance and strength, and potential pain points such as those related to saddle fit and beyond. Certainly, solving any “pain point” by buying a new horse in either of the above scenarios could only be a temporary bandaid.
Foundational Deficiencies
Ongoing problems usually can be deconstructed back to foundational deficiencies in balance or strength. Sometimes that deficiency lies in the horse and sometimes that deficiency lies in the rider. As these two qualities of balance and strength are developed (or re-developed), Adaptive Development EQ builds upwards until we find the source of the block that is keeping you from achieving the results you desire. With diligence, all other traits of fine riding follow, including confidence, quietness, sensitivity, and timing.
Hidden Issues
Remember, according to the old masters, your horse is never wrong. Let’s elucidate this further, by noting that it is also extremely unlikely that your horse is inherently bad, cheap, mean, dumb, clumsy, (insert your choice of negative trait). Ongoing problems in horses arise because of underlying, often hidden issues. Adaptive Development EQ addresses all of these issues, including:
- A history of improper training, abusive training, or frequent changes in trainer
- Physical pain (often not a visible lameness, and runs the gamut from ulcers to improper shoeing, and everything in between)
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Negligent preparation (the horse is not mentally or physically strong enough, fit enough or far enough along in their education to succeed at what they are being asked to do)
- Ill-fitting, inappropriate or unnecessary tack (e.g., long term use of excessive equipment: severe bits, nosebands and other training aids originally meant for short term use in extreme cases only)
- The horse’s athletic ability or level of training is mismatched to the current level/ability of its rider (usually, the horse is too green, but sometimes, we see that the converse happens with a very highly trained horse paired with a rider who is multiple levels below the horse
If you take nothing else with you to the barn but this one thought, “the horse is not to blame,” then you will have already improved your horsemanship without ever having to lift a finger. For it is through this thoughtful practice, that you begin to hear the very quiet voice of your horse. What you discover within (both yourself and your horse) will transform your frustrations into joys, reward you with knowledge gained, and open the door to a higher level of partnership and achievement.
Equine Wellness: A Holistic Process
For new clients, Adaptive Development EQ works to resolve stumbling blocks on a case by case basis, and trains (or re-trains) horses for the correct development of the individual horse’s natural mental and physical ability. This often will require adjustments to diet, hoof rehabilitation, equipment changes and other areas of noted deficiencies. Training is also adjusted in order to best match the rider’s skill level, confidence, and personal goals. This is a process that cannot be rushed, and requires the horse be treated with patience and generosity.
Expect that Adaptive Development EQ is a program that will not improve more extreme cases unless you make at least a six-month commitment to the program (note that this is a commitment you are making to your horse). However, when a comprehensive wellness package is selected, visible changes usually begin to emerge after about three months in training. In conjunction, you will ideally be working to strengthen your riding skills and horsemanship alongside your horse’s advancing education. Horses working with Adaptive Development EQ often are required to retrain in foundational deficiencies, which means you may miss a season of showing. Some horses will begin to thrive almost immediately, others may take a year or more.
To read more about what Adaptive Development can do for you and your horse, see What Kind of Training is This?, as well as our services page to get an idea of what happens over the course of training and see if scheduling an initial consultation might be right for you. Adaptive Development EQ offers equine wellness consulting services that take the long view. Your horse approves, we hope you do too!
To see an example of how Adaptive Development EQ can transform your horse, including before and after photos, please read Euki’s article, “In Defense of the Average Horse.”, read about Euki here, or see examples of her work from her sampling of featured transformations.
