This is Jess (Bay Stallion) and his gal Starlight (gray mare). They have had some nice foals. They both belong to my friend Nila. I love this picture!

I will attempt to explain my personal belief on why horsemanship may be considered natural in as few of words as possible. It may make sense to some and then it may not. Anyway it is just that,” my belief." I'm not suggesting that you or anyone else has to believe it.

I believe for some reason man and horse have a special bond. It often seems there is a mystical quality about why we are so attracted to this prey animal. It's almost as if God made us to be together in some sense. The horse seems to be the only prey animal we have this strong desire to bond with. "Bond”, appears to be ther correct word. Many humans are driven to know this animal, to make friends with it, to teach it, and to learn from it as well.

I often wonder when this relationship with man began. I've read about certain accounts and theories. I do know this, it has a very long and sometimes not so pretty history, as well as miraculous and inspiring stories.

One thing that inspires, draws, and amazes me about this wondrous creature is how it is so capable of making incredible changes. That's why they have probably survived millions of years of abuse, conflict, and friendship with the ultimate predators on earth. To think that they can trust us to not only capture them but ride on their backs is just short of a miracle of nature in my eyes.

You don't see us obsessing, going around trying to ride a bunch of cows or other prey animals like deer, elk, etc. Why is that? It's just not natural to want to ride a cow, unless you are a Bull rider (which means you may have too much testosterone).

Horses have my vote of respect, and I want to return their enormous spirit by being as natural with them as humanly possible so that I don't break that spirit! Natural meaning: Not expecting them to think and act like a human. But rather putting myself in their skin. Then learning more about how they think, act, feel and play, so that I can have a more understanding relationship with them.

I believe that horses are nature in it's finest form. So that is why I say horsemanship is natural.

There seems to be something deep inside us which draws us naturally to this beautiful species. It's somehow different with other pets, like dogs and cats because they are also predators. I do have a dog and I love him. I have cats too, but there is something so different inside me with a horse that I can't really put it into words. I know that a lot of other people know what I'm writing about with great inadequacy. True natural horse lovers are shaking their head right now in agreement. Maybe it isn't necessary to try to write it down, because it may be best left in our hearts.

It totally humbles me when I realize an animal so in tune with nature could be willing to accept me as his Alpha, or his partner. To feel close to nature is to be with a horse.

To say horsemanship is natural is a very inept way of trying to describe the thing inside of us that we can't let go of because it somehow makes us complete. It's that unexplainable natural attraction and affection that goes on forever and ever. It's not a technique, a competition, or a success, it's an unexplainable LOVE!

"Power consists in one's capacity to link his will with the purpose of others, to lead by reason and a gift of cooperation" -- Woodrow Wilson

Happy Trails,

sherry

www.heartinyourhand.com