The Magazine September 2021
More from this issue
A relationship for results
Posted 20th July 2021
We all want the best possible relationship with our horses, but how can you go about it? Sue Palmer shares four easy-to-follow steps
Are you looking for closer companionship or better competition results? Whatever you do with your horse, building a better relationship is sure to be your ultimate goal. Top-class horsepeople do this by learning to listen to their horse and responding appropriately to his needs.
By sharing knowledge, experience and understanding, we can recognise more quickly and easily what our horses are trying to tell us. The better you’re able to understand and communicate with your horse, the stronger your relationship – and the more rosettes you’ll bring home. So, here are my top tips for improving your relationship and results.
TOP TIP
If you notice a change in your horse’s behaviour, think about whether the cause could be physical, or related to his management or environment.
It takes a village
Whatever you’re looking to achieve with your horse, his welfare must come first. The equestrian world is gradually recognising that equine performance is related to physical and psychological wellbeing – just as it is in humans. The trouble is that horses can’t verbalise how they’re feeling.
This is why having a trusted, experienced and well-qualified team of equestrian professionals to support you, as well as an appetite for learning, is essential for success. And it’s equally applicable whether you’ve ridden at the top of your sport, are aiming to step up to affiliated competition, or simply want to have fun and be safe out hacking. In fact, it’s probably the most important for amateur riders, who don’t get to spend as much time with their horse as they might like to. The more time you’re able to enjoy with your horse, the quicker you’ll recognise what’s normal for him and, therefore, the easier it is to know when something isn’t right. Equally, the more horses you know, the easier it is to recognise normal from abnormal.
A credible professional will know what normal looks like, especially if they see your horse on a regular basis. They’ll help you quickly pick up whether something needs addressing, often before it starts to show in your horse’s performance or behaviour.
For more ways to build a better relationship with your horse, pick up a copy of September Horse&Rider, on sale 22 July 2021.
