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July 2007 • VOLUME 23 • © HORSES For LIFE™ Magazine
Much scientific knowledge and technical data is now available to help
us as riders and trainers to advance the training of the athletic
horse. The performance of sportsmen and women is now greatly
enhanced by the amount of information we have available relating to the
human body and how it can best cope with athletic development. However,
even with all this technology at our fingertips, many sports
psychologists are employed to motivate the individual, in order to
gain maximum performance. Without the positive mental approach, it
would seem that even with such in-depth physical knowledge, the
athlete may still not be successful. Confidence and motivation would thus appear to play a very significant part in the journey for any performer. Many professional sportsmen take advice and motivation from “sports psychologists” as it has been recognized that for maximum athletic performance the person has to be not only physically fit but confident and enthusiastic. For example, it is interesting to watch a player in a tennis match. The game may be in full swing with pace and confidence within the match, then suddenly just one small mistake is made. The game begins to change and the player’s game falters. For that player, one mistake may mean that he rapidly loses confidence. As a result, the points begin to fade away. Although humans may experience problems with self doubt, we must remember that initially it was their personal choice to take on the challenge as an aspiring athlete. However, when we are training a horse, it is obviously not his choice to take this path, so it becomes our responsibility to help him enjoy the journey. We need to take a close look at these aspects from the perspective of the horse, since if these principles of motivation and confidence are true for humans, then they are certainly worthy of consideration for our horses. The journey of training, for us, should encompass a desire to understand the horse and his nature. We need to take the path of true horsemanship where we can develop friendship with the horse, as his trusted herd leader. This bond will be founded upon a desire to learn and work in harmony – as one. THE HORSE ENJOYS MOVEMENT – LET US ENHANCE HIS PLEASURE The horse in his natural herd environment enjoys movement, which is an expression of his pleasure. He can frequently produce brilliance of gait, worthy of any dressage arena. I think it is helpful whilst training the horse to not only think of the movements in dressage as technical exercises, but also as an expression of the personality of the horse. The horse is capable of demonstrating brilliant paces and movements - for instance, extension and passage - whilst he is at liberty. This can be an expression of his joy and pride and if we can enhance the personality of the horse, then exercises will not only be performed as technically correct but can also convey his individual character. The horse will then look to the rider for friendship, trust and respect and from this relationship he can gain his confidence.
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