Learn About Horses Naturally!The best place to learn about horses in their entirety is to look through their eyes from their perspective in nature. What a horse finds natural and what a human finds to be natural is quite different. The moment we domesticated the horse we took away many aspects of a natural life that we are now striving to return to them.
Another valuable place to revisit is our own minds. When we learn about horses these days the phrase “Natural Horsemanship” comes up more and more. However, we need to redefine what natural horsemanship is. This term is getting obscured from its original attempt to accomplish training more humanly. And I see many who just use the term natural horsemanship but are far from the attempt. So in order to learn about horses in a natural way, let’s start with defining it.
What is Natural Horsemanship?The term "Natural Horsemanship" has become unclear these days. It seems "natural" is just a thing to do! So what does it really mean? The dictionary defines "Natural" as:"existing in or produced by nature", and "Horsemanship" as:"the art, ability, skill, or manner of a horseman." To become proficient and learn about horses today I would define natural horsemanship; taking the responsibility to understand and offer the horse all the necessities to create an environment and relationship with humans and their own species that they would consciously understand where respect for another sentient being is recognized. They would be able to live life as close to their natural structure as possible. Not as an animal to just ride. This means that someone truly practicing natural horsemanship will be implementing the following things: 1. Learn about horses utilizing scientific research including but not limited to horse psychology, horse behavior, social structure and physiological/physical needs. 2. Refusing to put the “human ego” to win, financially gain or obtain recognition from others ahead of the individual needs of the horse. 3. All horses would be in a herd situation never isolated (other than for medical or social reasons like introducing a new herd member, but this would be temporary) Conducting natural breeding and weaning practices. 4. Keeping horse’s outdoors 24/7 with access to shelter from all types of weather - no stabling, small paddocks or confinement. 5. Feeding a diet suitable to the equine system (low sugar) grass, hay and grain (only when required) with correct mineral supplementation to balance any deficiencies. 6. Implementing barefoot practices and/or enough movement to self trim. Utilizing hoof boots when protection is needed – never applying metal or plastic shoes. 7. Providing appropriate veterinary care, and open minded to include all modalities available including but not limited to homeopathy, energy work, massage therapy etc. 8. Training and educating the horse would be done only with compassionate, respectful and conducive to the ability of the individual horse without the use of force. No bits, spurs, other equipment or methods are used that compromise the horse's ability to express their nature.
Personally, I’m going to diligently work at “Being the change I wish to see in the world!” With respect for all of us here on earth, Elaine Polny Horses by Nature, where our goal is Training Horses Naturally!
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