BRAVE HORSE

JULY 2014

Photo By:  Marilyn Merrick

Craig  Cameron

A Better Way...the Ebb and Flow  

    Many times we get in a hurry in life, but we can't get in a hurry with horses.  That doesn't work. It takes time to make a great horse and a brave horse.  The horse doesn't see life as 24 hours a day; I think he just sees it as straight ahead.  If we do good jobs today, our horses should be better tomorrow.

    Our horses  are going to get better gradually if we're handling and working them correctly, but there still are days when they're unsure of their work.  We have to ride that ebb and flow. Every day is not going to be perfect.we have to stay casual throughout the processor trying to create brave horses, and not let ourselves get upset, troubled, mad or frustrated.   When we get that way, the horses tend to follow our feelings, and that's not what they need.  They need positive leadership.

    As your work with your horse, pretend your favorite horseman is watching you, or that thousands of people are watching you, so you are always at your best. Treat each day as if you're in a world championship setting, being judged for your horsemanship skills. Remain calm and in control.

    Remember all the while that horses are individuals, and some can be brought along further or faster than others.  Some horses are tougher to deal with.  Some are naturally braver than others, and some are naturally more frightened .  But with a purpose and goal in mind, and good training methods, you can help the vast majority of horses, bring them along steadily, and make them feel safe, confident and brave horses that we all desire. 

Excerpt taken from Craig Cameron's "Ride Smarter" book.