While this type of horse training might have been around for centuries, many don’t know the difference between more traditional methods. Read to find out more.
Made popular by the 1998 film “The Horse Whisperer” featuring Robert Redford, natural horsemanship is a collective term used for the training techniques applied, when using a horse’s natural way of communicating through body language and their instincts. Its origin goes as far back as 400BC in Ancient Greece, where handlers used reassurance methods, rather than punishment, to train their horses. While this approach might be slower than some traditional methods, it’s much more effective and generally considered more humane.
How does natural horsemanship training work?
This type of training relies on “operant conditioning,” where the horse learns to respond to “cues” that are made stronger by reinforcement. The natural horseman applies pressure, which is then released once the horse performs the requested action or at least attempts the action, also known as a “try”. The horse learns to respond to the release of the pressure and not actually from the pressure itself. Rather than using physical force, natural horse training uses positive reinforcement and the philosophy of “firm, but fair.”
Since horses have highly developed communication systems, this form of command signalling is very effective. These techniques rely on using a horse’s instinctual body language and not through pain or fear, which most natural horsemen agree doesn’t foster the best type of relationship. Instead, the handler will need to build rapport with the horse through ground handling, such as with leading and suppling exercises. Training a horse on a lunge line or loose lead in a round pen can also help in relationship building. Once trust is earned and the horse feels safe, the handler may begin to work at liberty.
What is traditional horse training?
Traditional horsemanship generally refers to harsher methods where the handler dominates the horse and breaks its spirit in order to gain control. This approach stems from military training practices as well as those used on American ranches when backing horses. The horse’s learned helplessness tends to depend on the their reaction to fear and pain, that is, to avoid punishment by performing the handler’s requested action.
These methods force horses to accept riders who insist that they are completely submissive to their handler, which is in stark contrast to the trust that is built during natural horse training. Some studies suggest that natural horsemanship is more efficient than traditional techniques as horses show less stress-related behaviours during training without any compromise in their technical performance.
Is natural horsemanship for beginners?
Like any form of training, you need to start from somewhere. While you can watch videos online or read books, it’s recommended that natural horsemanship beginners start in either a one-on-one or group setting, with an experienced practitioner. This will allow you to learn the basics and have someone to offer you constructive feedback as you practice these methods and improve your skills. Natural horsemanship is one of the best ways to get started with your horse’s training journey.
Regardless of how much experience you have with horse riding, starting slow and going at yours and your horse’s pace is essential. Getting the basics right and building a strong foundation to work from is the most important step you can take. Many of the techniques that you will be taught are easy to replicate at home or in your own stable yard, so you can practice on your own.
What equipment is needed for natural horsemanship?
There are only a few differences in equipment between natural and traditional approaches to horsemanship. It is common in natural horsemanship to use a rope halter, similar to a hackamore, and a lead rope, usually between 3.7 and 4.3 metres in length.
Some natural horsemen work horses without a bridle and use this bridleless work as an epitome of their approach. A bitless bridle is also commonly used and is known to resolve bitting problems and has been known to enable greater control of the horse.
A final note
While the approach of natural horsemanship isn’t new, its longevity and success has proven its importance to horse handlers throughout history. Not only do these techniques help to bond horse and human, they also illustrate the effectiveness of using a horse’s natural instincts to communicate with them. Natural horsemanship training is a necessary step in any horse’s training and is vital to understanding horses on a deeper level.
At Wayne Bushnell Horsemanship, we believe in teaching through a fear-free strategy that focuses around being the type of person your horse would want to be with. If you would like to train with Wayne, please register your interest here.