Tuesday, January 14, 2014

14th January, 2014 In your own way

As many of you know, I decided to lose weight a couple of years ago so that I stopped getting in my horse’s way when I rode him. I did and it worked. I can only recommend it to other people. One of the joys has been that I have been able to get on ponies again and therefore backed Nettles myself as well as leaning over Indy and Bella more recently.

As well as getting in our horse’s way, I think we can also get in our own way when it comes to training them. We live in such a busy, pressurised world, with self-doubt, confidence and self-esteem being big issues for many of us that it’s easy to take that with us when we go into the field or stable. Not only that but we can build such a complex picture around a horse – over thinking his past and his possible future – that we can create an almighty maze that’s difficult to find the entrance never mind the exit. Dare I say it but most horse problems are actually straight forward in description, curable with time, patience AND technique. The road is often a very straight and calm, if long avenue, rather than one with lots of twists and cul de sacs.  That straight line goes from ‘check the physical’ to ridden work in most cases with a slightly different road for problems like not loading. There’s no quick fix but there should be a clear direction from the outset.

It’s often said that 99% of horse problems are caused by people in the first place and whilst that may be so, there’s every chance of solving them again if we get out of our own way.

Whilst horse trainers like myself can often work on confidence problems relating to being around a horse, there are more qualified experts who can help you with deeper personal problems.



One I can certainly recommend is Personal Development and Wellness Consultant, Lisa Skeffington.  Based in Fordingbridge, Lisa is very experienced with all sorts of issues relating to self-esteem, anxieties and confidence, along with more quirky conditions such as misophonia. Her approach is sensitive and pragmatic. She can be contacted through her website www.goodtobeme.co.uk. Lisa offers an effective and quality blend of therapies to help you to take control, feel better and feel good. As a rider herself, she shares an understanding and passion for horses also.

It may be that you have your own separate and distinct avenue to follow where your horse doesn’t need to go with you but will be happy see you at the other end.