Brindabella Farms

Today, in the year 2010, we live in a world in which we are constantly bombarded by an endless stream of information. Thanks to the development and explosion of the Internet, the world is literally at our fingertips. Have a question? Type it into the query box of an online search engine, and answers miraculously appear in milliseconds, conveniently sorted into links and stacked by relevancy and quality of content. The days of calling up experts, asking friends, or—of all things—spending long hours in a library scouring old references for a glimmer of pertinent information are long since over. We want—and expect—our demands to be met now, now, NOW.

kaichi How does this relate to the world of horses? Unfortunately, many have abandoned the old training methods (such as those of the Vaquero horsemen who did not consider a horse to be fully “broke” until he was at least seven or eight years old and had thus been under saddle for four or five years). Instead, the push is to put young, emotionally and mentally immature horses into training as soon as possible, sometimes starting them as young as 18 months, and then introducing hard riding and complicated maneuvers. This not only confuses the adolescent animals (thus leading to resistance, misunderstanding, and gaps in training), but it also takes a heavy physical toll on the horse’s still-growing body. Colts who were futuritied on in their three and four-year-old years are often completely used up and crippled by seven, the time when Vaquero horses would just be coming into their prime. These used-up athletes are then sent to an early retirement, the breeding farm, or a perhaps less pleasant fate if they are truly unusable. This makes way for the next year’s crop of young horses, and the cycle repeats itself in the race for instant gratification and the greed of competition.

This is the mindset and background of both the equine industry and the 21^st century at large, and this is what riders unwittingly stumble into when they make the decision to start “taking lessons.” The quest for competition and its glory and thrill so fully permeates the industry that often the rider, once having established the most rudimentary basics of horsemanship, now believes that he or she is on the fast track to an Olympic show jumping career or to the National Finals Rodeo. “Taking lessons” quickly turns into wanting to go fast, wanting to jump, wanting to enter a week-long endurance ride without proper preparation or conditioning. People want to compete, to show, to win ribbons, to impress their friends, to own a champion horse of awe-inspiring proportions and a fiery temperament.

Not so fast. This scenario is particularly common with adult riders who reenter the sport later in life, perhaps recalling the carefree attitude and daredevil antics they enjoyed while mounted as children. Children, as the saying goes, are more apt to “bounce.” Adult riders—especially those who are not very fit—are and should be very concerned about and aware of their physical realities. Mostly they have traded in the child’s flexibility for, hopefully, adult wisdom and judgment.

The same goes for the deceptively difficult art of riding itself. Riding as an art form (and not as a casual weekend diversion) is a remarkably complex activity. Think of all the variables: the conformation, disposition, skill, fitness, and background of both horse and rider; the discipline; the tack; the surroundings, environment, and terrain; the weather; the various distractions....the list goes on and on. The very act of willed communication between man and beast is a phenomenon whose intricacy cannot be overstated.

In fact, thinking of riding as an art form can be incredibly helpful in understanding the learning curve of progression from novice, to intermediate, to good hand, to trainer or competitor or champion. Remember the quote from Michelangelo who, when asked about his magnificent sculpture, replied: “I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.” This may be a tedious, painstaking process, but the rewards are great. The potential is there if only the individual is willing to work for it, putting in the necessary hours and yes, some blood, sweat, and tears. [Alas, our much-loved computer technology has little to offer to the mastery of riding and horsemanship. Chat rooms, DVD’s, and other media may provide helpful ideas, but they are a poor substitute for hands-on immersion in the riding process.]

Choosing a good instructor is key. You want someone who understands both the general problems of adult riders as well as your specific concerns. And listen to your instructor, as well as other experts in the field. There’s a reason that you are paying them for their advice—they know what they are talking about. If they give you an assignment that seems unnecessary or less than “fun,” there is probably a good reason for it. Remain humble and never over-exaggerate your skill level or physical fitness. Listen to your horse, as well. Your mount can tell you much about yourself that may be hidden from your human companions. Your horse is also a good indicator of whether or not your riding is effective and efficient. Horses respond directly to both the conscious and subconscious subtle cues that their riders give them. What can you do to become a better communicator to your horse? Be an attentive partner; listen. Be clear, consistent, and patient. Enjoy the learning process. Enjoy your interactions and friendship with your horse. Isn’t that what riding should be about, anyway?

Finally, keep in mind the old adage, which still rings true: Success is a journey, not a destination.

( c) 2010 Shanna Nelson