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Physicians learn to "First, do no harm". What a wonderful philosophy, to be extended to all aspects of life, including our training of the horse. This simple thought was first articulated by Hippocrates, a Greek philosopher (whose name, interestingly, translates loosely into "Horse Master"), in about 400BC.
The following are excerpts the Hippocratic Oath, written by Louis Lasgna in 1964. Its amazing how few words need be altered to offer good thoughts regarding the training of the horse.
"I swear to fulfill, to the best of my ability and judgment, this
covenant:
"I will respect the hard-won scientific gains of those {physicians} [trainers] in whose steps I walk, and gladly share such knowledge as is mine with those who are to follow <snip>
"I will remember that there is art to medicine [riding] as well as science, and that warmth, sympathy, and understanding may outweigh {the surgeon's knife or the chemist's drug} [so many possible substitutions... half-halt, side-reins, gadgets, drilling...].
"I will not be ashamed to say "I know not," nor will I fail to call in my colleagues when the skills of another are needed for a patient's recovery [horse's progress].
<snip> "If I do not violate this oath, may I enjoy life and art, respected while I live and remembered with affection thereafter. May I always act so as to preserve the finest traditions of my calling and may I long experience the joy of {healing}[training] those who seek my help."
By Dr. Cynthia Edwards |
