"Math Equation Horsemanship"

There are a lot of different programs out there for training horses, and many different techniques to accomplish the same performance goals. While you can learn something from everyone (even if it's simply how NOT to do something), it can be helpful to commit to a particular trainer/program, so you can be consistent in your training for you horse. For example, there's probably ten different ways to cue a horse to do a turn on the haunches, but it would be helpful to your horse if you can pick one and stick with it.

For some people, they bounce around between so many programs, they never really get their horse trained. But for others, they get so locked into one program or method, that they may not be willing to adjust when their horse needs it. Most programs out there, including my own, will try to create a step by step progression of horsemanship skills for the rider and the horse. Having clarity and consistency within a program is very important, but a good trainer also knows that horses aren't robots, they don't all respond the exact same way. And this means adjustments have to be made along the way.

One pitfall of a lot of programs is the slow (and often unintentional) slide into what I call "math equation horsemanship." (We are talking about 2+2=4, sort of thinking.) Or more plainly, "do this specific thing with your horse and this will be the result every single time". That's great, until you meet the horse it doesn't work on. When we fall into a "math equation" mindset we can miss out on the individuality of each horse and easily become frustrated when the horse isn't progressing in their training the way we hoped. We can also create horses who mentally check out because we are so concerned with following the steps and checking the boxes that we aren't engaging with the horse in a meaningful and intentional way.

Do you understand the why behind what you are doing? Does your horse? Consistency is important. Repetition is important. Having a plan to follow and logical steps to progress through is important. But don't fall into the habit of ritualistically going through maneuvers and exercises without any thought as to the purpose of those things. To train a horse is to engage in a conversation, not to give a lecture. I think far too often people fall into "lecturing" their horses, because they don't have the awareness to read what the horse is trying to communicate to them.

Can you read when a horse is anxious? Can you tell when they are thinking about doing something naughty or pushing the boundaries? Can you let go of your plan for the day and adjust to what your horse needs from you in a given moment? Training involves experimentation. I have had many times I tried out something new with a horse, only to go, hmm that didn't work the way I thought it would. I've misread horses and misunderstood what they needed from me. But I also do my best to learn from those experiences and apply that knowledge with other horses. As Maya Angelou said, "When you know better, you do better." To me, math equation horsemanship is a huge hindrance to real learning. The most difficult horses, the ones that don't fit in neat organized boxes, often teach you the most. Sometimes the lesson is knowing when to let a horse go to another owner or getting help from a trainer because you don't have the skills or the time maybe to help them. Sometimes the lesson is how break down a training goal into more steps than you have ever thought of before in order to help them understand. If working with horses isn't requiring you to use your critical thinking and problem solving skills, (at least to some degree), you probably aren't doing it right. The horse is not a bike or a 4-wheeler. They have thoughts, feelings, and opinions of their own. And good trainers, will teach you to how authentically engage with your horse and build a relationship with them, not just follow a program.