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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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.

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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You don’t always need to direct a horse with equipment on the horse and physical aids. Your inner vision, energy & body language are effective communication tools. You can use the whip as an extension of your arm and energy rather than as a physical support.

You can control all four feet with these tools.

Your horse is constantly observing you and reading your mind, energy and body language, so that’s why these are very effective tools.

It’s a good idea to check if these tools are working

Remember: It’s not you – the reins – the bit – the mouth as if these are separate things.

You ARE the reins, you ARE the bit

You connect with the horse through your ‘extension’: the reins and bit.

We use reins and bits – and many other tools – to establish a link between ourselves and our horses, but before any tool is used, there has to be already a bond between the rider and the horse.

The reins and bit are not only an extension of your physical but also of your mental and emotional part. For example: You can have loose reins but the horse can feel emotional stress through the rein.

Bits, reins and other tools are only an extension of you and your visualization and your energy. They don’t become energy until you touch it. So never use any tool if you are tense, anxious, angry or frustrated, be sure you are calm and relaxed.