In my studies of the horse, developing myself as a horseman and my horse as my partner.  I’ve learned there is a mental, emotional and physical aspect to everything in life really.  I’d like to steer this article towards the subject of horsemanship.  These aspects apply to both the horse AND the rider.  And all of these aspects are variable!  Sound complicated?  A cowboy once said to me “horsemanship is simple, but it ain’t easy”. 

I’ve put lots of thought into how I could try to write this article and keep it simple.  Here’s what I’ve come up with. 

FOR THE HORSE 

MENTAL:  Is the horse ready to accept the next step or stage of his development?  Is he willing, soft and compliant with what you have asked him so far?  Is he in a learning mode?  Is he connected to you or is he thinking about getting back to the pasture with his buddies?  

EMOTIONAL:  Is the horse worried or is he soft?  Is his mouth moist but not dry or frothy?  Are his eyes looking, but not staring or bugged out?  Is his tail soft and swaying with the movement of his hips? Is he confident? 

PHYSICAL:  Is the horse physically able to do what you are asking.  And is the horse physically showing he is mentally and emotionally collected and ready for the next thing. 

FOR THE HUMAN 

MENTAL:  Do you understand what you are trying to get from your horse?  Do you understand how your horse reacts or responds to your requests?  Do you understand what is required to be successful with what you are trying to accomplish?  

EMOTIONAL:  This is a tough one. We are human and emotional control is a challenge to say the least!   But can you deliver a consequence to your horse without getting mean or mad.  Can you run into adverse situations without becoming frustrated?  Can you think on your feet, staying in the moment with your horse?   

Keeping your emotions under control under the best circumstances, is difficult.  This is something I personally worked very hard to overcome.  And still I find myself frustrated sometimes.  Never mean or mad…but frustration can get the best of me sometimes.  Then I have to walk away and come back when I get things figured out.  (Read the article titled “In The Face of Adversity”) 

PHYSICAL:  Are you physically capable to do what is required for the task you are trying to be successful at?   

These aspects are simple to read, but difficult to apply.  It’s something you will work on continually throughout your horsemanship journey.  But if you are committed to your education and promise to yourself and your horse, you will find it getting easier and easier to be mentally, emotionally and physically capable to become the best horseman you can be.  Meanwhile, your horse will become the best partner he can be on his part.   

While it may never be perfect all of the time, having these 3 aspects in order and in control will definitely be a huge factor in your success with horses.