I have dealt with a lot of so-called ‘problem horse’, which eventually turned out that it was actually a certain problem that the owner had with a horse, that could be solved.

Besides, the biggest problem is that riders think they are supposed to NOT have problems with their horses.

But remember, it’s not happening TO you, but FOR you:

“You can’t always get what you want, you get what you need… “

You better love problems with your horses, see them as gifts, as a challenge, as an opportunity to learn and grow!

Ask yourself: “What’s good about this? What can I learn from this?”

Because of the problems with my horse Maestro I learned everything about natural asymmetry and straightness training!

See every problem as a challenge and look at negative experiences as an opportunity to learn, correct and grow and turn it into a positive!

And remember: The goal is not being without problems, but getting ‘better quality’ problems so you can learn more

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In earlier times it was a matter of life or death if your ‘war horse’ was or wasn’t obedient.

Gustav Steinbrecht (1808–1885):

“The young horse must first learn the art of understanding its rider and must be familiar with the aids before it can be expected to be obedient. Its response to the aids is therefore based primarily on systematic familiarization; with increasing practice it learns to pay attention to the aids. If it is treated correctly, the horse thus gradually arrives at willing obedience.”

The word “willing” is very important, because the horse’s got to WANT to behave
rather then be MADE to behave.

Willing obedience is always better than forced obedience.

Every method, every tool can be used, non-used, misused and abused.

It is always the individual rider who can easily use, non-use, misuse or abuse a method or tool.

Think first, act later.

Never use any method or tool if you are tense, anxious, angry, or frustrated.

We have to master our emotions.

If you have a vision for yourself and your horse and you want to have a good relationship, achieve something or reach some level in your chosen discipline, then you have to be a good leader to your horse.

True leaders have the ability to care, to give their horse what he needs and to connect with their horse so they can teach him the things he needs to know.

In my opinion, leadership is mostly about growth and progress:

• It’s the capacity to create a safe and comfortable environment where your horse is able to learn new things.

• It’s the ability to influence your horse’s behaviours and action in a positive way.

• It’s the quality to be able to motivate you horse to do things.

• It’s the ability to improve his skills and to develop his talents in your chosen discipline.

In my experience, there are three basic leadership styles.

Styles of leadership

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A leadership style is a manner and approach of providing purpose and direction in your life with your horse.

I define the three major leadership styles as:

1. Telling
2. Coaching
3. Hand over

It has been my observation that good leaders use all three styles, and less successful leaders tend to stick with one style.

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You will never have to tell your horse that you are sad, happy, confident, angry or relaxed.

He already knows—long before you do.

While we can fool another human with words, we can never fool our horses.

Our emotions and moods are language to our horse!

Energy is the expression of emotion and horses sense vibrations of energy.

So be aware of your emotions and energy at all times.

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