This kind of horsemanship does not need any previous training
to work. One very important detail it is to be aware of
our behavior at all times, when we are with a horse. Equines
never switch off their senses, or consideration for other’s
behavior. This awareness, that horses have consistently,
let us deeply influence their behavior, even when we are
not meaning to do so. While practicing reciprocal movements,
human and horses establish a silent dialogue, that
will support their communication in any other situation.
Looking at the interaction in terms of the physics of motion,
we can purposefully modulate our communication by the
direction and the energy of our movements. Energy is not
intended as a mental entity, we can physically modulate
it by controlling the combination between our body mass
and the speed at which we move. The way the horse and
the human being move under each other influence, has
implications in the values of the social relationship, but before
going into these details, it is necessary to learn how
the horse is influenced by our movement. It is a known
and accepted fact that the dimensions of the space,
and the surrounding circumstances have an effect on the
horse’s behavior in the horsemanship. Both of these instances
are very important for exercising, or training a horse.
In communicating between horses, the meaning of the
movement has a purpose, related with the position of the
individual they are addressing, and they use their sight in a
very expressive manner. Having experimented with modulating
the communication through sight when interacting with
a horse, I found differences in doing so side by side, or when
I am directing them to execute a request from where they
can see me with both eyes. When being side by side, Human
and horse are in each other’s field of vision, but not the
object of each other’s attention. The action of human and
horse side by side is in sync when the relationship is working.
When we are asking a horse to execute a request we are
the focus of its attention, and the horse can see us with both
eyes. When the horse is complying he will move in the direction
where we are looking, and his actions will reflect the
energy displayed in our movement that is expressing the
request. Horses interpret behavior, including intent, mood,
motivation, confidence, awareness, and will respond by
modulating their position relative to us in space. Their response
is in connection to where they are, and where they
are heading. For the horse, the communication through
movement does not change when free to move, or under
saddle, or confined in a stall, however, being tied, in a confined
space or under saddle, would definitely put a physical
constraint in his ability to express communication. Because
of his prey animal nature, a horse that cannot move, and
put distance between other entities, often does not feel
safe, and can become dangerous for people to be around.
In the next issue of Elite Equestrian we will cover more elements
on how to physically manage space, considering
the senses in a relationship that can transfer from the
ground work to riding, and efficiently and instantaneously
support Equestrian performances.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
EE
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