How to teach horses and humans.

by Elaine Polny
(Palgrave, Ontario, Canada)

I believe we are all students as well as teachers of the world. It comes to us at different stages of our lives along with the wanting to find purpose and fulfillment in life. I hear these words from many people when asked, "What would you like to do with your life?" A natural reply is, "I want to help others. I want to improve upon what currently exists and make things better for everyone."

We all said and hoped for these words at some point then life quickly sweeps you away with the "buts". But it is too hard, but I am only one person, but I don't have enough time, but I am too old or too young etc.

Then much of society takes us further away by saying, "You are right! You can’t!" Your dreams fade away and you spend many years wishing you did or could.
What can be done to improve this situation? What can we all do? Let's get back to the original natural goal for everyone wanting to help.

Well the first thing we need to do for ourselves is leave all the "buts" behind! Because you really can do, have or be anything that you desire!

What do all students (horses & humans alike) want to know?

Horses and humans want to know that learning is easy and they want to know that they are intelligent beings thus they never want to have the feeling of being wrong while learning.

I understand the "EASY" part Oh too well when I embark upon learning something new. I like everyone else would like it to be easy. And when all goes well, I feel intelligent, when it doesn't, I feel unconfident and defeated. Knowing this allows me to understand how a student would like to learn so my goal when teaching is always the same, have the human or horse FEEL GOOD about themselves or HAPPIER than they did prior to us spending some time together. In other words having FUN is a priority because when we have fun, learning comes easily and confidence is created!


There is no such thing as constructive criticism in my opinion. It inevitably leads to a negative feeling which defeats effective learning. When we apply too much negative reinforcement with horses (and humans) what we are really doing is offering nagging criticism.

The best thing a teacher (meaning all of us) can do is:

Through your smile you will let others know they are adored, intelligent and able to accomplish anything they desire. Through your confidence you will let others know that all is well no matter what challenges they face. Through your lightheartedness you will let them know the world is a happy place and everyday they have the "choice" to decide what they will focus upon. Through your clarity you will help them to know that they too can be clear. Through your humor you will help them to know how fun life can be... should be….and therefore will be!

It has taken me years to become clear regarding many subjects involving horses. I can now see through the veil of myths, traditions and ego that encompass so many of the things we choose to do with them. This often leaves me with a feeling of isolation yet as I stand in a place regarding any subject that makes me feel better, I open a door for others to find a place to stand next to me, but only if they CHOOSE to.

We all have one thing in common and that is we all want to FEEL GOOD! So spread good feeling moments with everyone you come in contact with! And Never tell anyone that they CAN’T.

"HAPPINESS makes the world a better place and sadness leaves us stagnant." Elaine Polny