| Horses are very sensitive animals. They need to be | | | | guess what, he'll feel that too. He can take that as |
| aware of changes in energy around them so that | | | | a signal that this is how you want him to behave and |
| they can avoid their natural enemies in the wild. We | | | | it can cause him to start acting up. |
| pamper our domesticated horses by feeding them, | | | | The best emotion you can have is calm and |
| keeping them warm with horse blankets in cold | | | | assertive. That way he knows that you are serious |
| weather and protecting them from midges with fly | | | | and that he should behave sensibly to get the job |
| sheets in the warmer weather. This doesn't mean | | | | done. He will feel confident that you know what |
| that they've lost their ability to sense what's | | | | you are doing so he'll feel safe taking your |
| happening in their surroundings. Whenever you ride | | | | instructions. |
| a horse you are in close contact with it so it will be | | | | That's easier said than done, of course. It is natural |
| picking up much more than just the sensation of your | | | | to have some nerves before a competition and the |
| seat, legs and hands at their points of contact with | | | | extra adrenaline can be extremely useful. You just |
| its body. | | | | don't need too much. |
| Human beings are capable of reading body language | | | | Just before you approach your horse to mount up |
| and animals can do the same. They may even be | | | | stand still for a moment and focus on yourself. |
| more sensitive to it than humans. When you think | | | | Take a few deep breaths and let each one out |
| about it your horse can probably sense when you | | | | slowly. If you feel 'butterflies' in your stomach |
| are in a bad mood. You not only move in a | | | | imagine them calming down and slowing down. |
| particular way that displays anger but you are also | | | | Think about how you would ride the perfect round |
| broadcasting a strong energy. If they can sense | | | | and how it would feel. Focus on the end result and |
| that anger even if you aren't touching them imagine | | | | how it feels to achieve your goal. Then, when you |
| what they can feel when you are on their back. | | | | feel calm and centred, approach your horse and |
| So, when you ride in competitions how do you feel? | | | | mount up. |
| If you are nervous your horse will pick up on it | | | | This takes a bit of practice so keep doing it. If you |
| straight away. That can be very confusing for him | | | | find it hasn't quite worked the way you wanted then |
| because he's looking for you to guide him and show | | | | think about what you did and identify one thing you |
| leadership when suddenly he finds someone in control | | | | could change that might improve it the next time. |
| who is unsure of themselves. | | | | Good luck and above all have fun! |
| If you are excited and eager to get going then, | | | | |