Horse Sense for the Next Generation

As someone who's spent a good chunk of time teaching young equestrians, I've done my fair share of pondering about what we're really imparting to these kids and young adults. Whether it's in a conventional riding school or a therapeutic setting, the responsibility weighs heavily, especially since what I teach isn't exactly what you'd call mainstream (then again, I've never been one to fit the mould).

My lessons are founded in the knowledge of horse behaviour, insights taken from mountains of research by ethologists and scientists who've studied horses just like they have lions, giraffes and zebras. And yes, while domesticated horses might not mirror their wild ancestors in appearance—picture the sleek thoroughbreds on the racetrack—their innate behaviours haven't been bred out. We're talking about an evolutionary timeline where 64 million years of equid history has been barely touched by the last 4,000 years of human interaction. That's a mere blip in the grand scheme of things.

So, the starting point for my teaching is this: the horses in our care have the same behavioural blueprints as their wild ancestors, encoded deep in their DNA.

It's from this understanding that I teach young riders not just to care for horses, but to understand their needs, interpret their communication, and ultimately, to partner with them authentically. To me, this is how we should be educating the next generation of equestrians. It’s not about sticking to tradition for tradition's sake but embracing the learning opportunities that science has presented to us.

Shying away from this knowledge doesn't prepare our next generation for the future. It can create a mindset that is resistant to change and unwilling to confront challenges. Every session with a horse teaches a lesson in how to approach the world. Do we ignore the tough bits or learn to face them head-on, adapting and growing in the process?

When our beliefs are challenged, that's where the real teaching happens. We can show our youth how to navigate these challenges—seeing us work through difficulties, manage emotions, and emerge stronger provides a powerful example. It's this experience that promotes real growth.

This is the kind of education I'm committed to providing. It's not just about producing competent riders; it's about empowering individuals who are as well-rounded, adaptable, and emotionally intelligent as the horses they ride. For me, that's the true mark of a successful equestrian education.