Natural Horsemanship for Kids and Adults

In this private individual lesson you will come into complete contact with horses. On our finca we have the great opportunity to work freely with our therapy horses. Riding is not the most important thing here, but rather your relationship with the horse. We organize the lesson depending on age and concerns.

“Horsemanship” describes, in short, the relationship with the horse. When training from the ground with the horse, we learn non-verbal language, read the energies and see our own strength in the horse’s reflection. Through this communication with the horse, we not only receive information about ourselves, but can also actively let go of old baggage and grow beyond ourselves. This increases our self-esteem and self-confidence.

Horse Care

Horse Language

Ground Work

Story
about us

“A child is born. A horse is given. Yes – that’s how it was back then. And so, as a new dad, I immersed myself in the horse world. I started as a horse groom at a pony ranch for children. In the pony herd (35!!! ) I recognized the systemic and energetic background, trained my inner strength and learned the language of the horses. When the pony ranch moved on, I moved into the stable and founded a new herd. We founded a horse farm, celebrated children’s birthdays on the farm and experienced many adventures. I studied herd dynamics and became enthusiastic about horsemanship. ETU, my loyal companion, was broken in by myself. I was there when he was born, and he learned to love myself day after day.”

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Natural horsemanship is a riding philosophy and method based on a deep understanding of the natural behaviour of horses. The approach aims to establish a respectful, trusting and cooperative relationship between humans and horses. Unlike traditional riding methods, which often rely on coercion and control, natural horsemanship focuses on communication, sensitivity and recognising the needs of the horse.

Origin and development

The term ‘natural horsemanship’ became popular in the 1990s, mainly through riders and trainers such as Monty Roberts, Pat Parelli and Clinton Anderson. These trainers recognised that the relationship between humans and horses is similar to that between two individuals of a different species: it requires empathy, respect and an understanding of body language.

Natural horsemanship is based on the knowledge that horses are naturally social animals that live in herds and have clear forms of communication. The methods used in this style of riding aim to respect and utilise these natural behaviours in order to train the horse in a sensitive manner.

Basic principles of natural horsemanship

1. Body language and communication: A central component of natural horsemanship is the use of body language to communicate with the horse. Horses are masters at interpreting non-verbal communication, and the way we move, speak and adjust our body tension has a direct influence on the horse’s behaviour. Humans learn to give precise and clear signals and to pay attention to the horse’s reactions.
2. Respect and trust: This method is not about obedience through coercion or pressure, but about creating a respectful and trusting partnership. Horses often react out of fear or insecurity when they feel threatened. A calm and patient approach wins the horse’s trust, leading to a deeper connection and more effective cooperation.
3. The natural instinct of the horse: Like many animals, horses have innate instincts that control their behaviour. They are flight animals and react quickly to threatening situations. A natural horsemanship trainer understands these instincts and adapts their actions accordingly so as not to frighten or overwhelm the horse. One example of this is the use of gentle but consistent movements to guide the horse without startling it.
4. Mutual respect and cooperation: Instead of seeing the horse as merely a ‘work animal,’ it is regarded as a partner. In this partnership, communication takes place on an equal footing, with humans paying attention to the horse’s needs and the horse being involved in the learning process. The horse is not ‘restrained’ or ‘manipulated’, but encouraged to cooperate voluntarily.
5. Sensitivity and patience: One of the key characteristics of natural horsemanship is patience. Horses need time to learn new lessons and respond to new situations. Subtle and gradual cues guide the horse towards a change in behaviour without overwhelming or frustrating it.

Natural horsemanship techniques

Techniques vary depending on the trainer, but often involve similar basic principles. Some of the best-known methods and techniques are:

• Join-Up (Monty Roberts): This method uses the natural herd instinct of horses to gain the horse’s trust. The human is presented as the ‘leader’ in a very subtle and respectful way, so that the horse voluntarily enters the human’s ‘inner circle’.
• Parelli Natural Horsemanship (Pat Parelli): One of the best-known methods worldwide, based on the philosophy that humans must understand a horse’s body language and respond to it correctly. There are special ‘levels’ and exercises that build trust and partnership between humans and horses step by step.
• Clinton Anderson’s Downunder Horsemanship: This method is based on clear and consistent communication, whereby the trainer teaches the horse to respond to various ‘signals’. Particular emphasis is placed on timing and body language in order to avoid misunderstandings.

Advantages of natural horsemanship

1. Trusting relationship: Trust is the basis of any successful collaboration between humans and horses. Natural horsemanship promotes a deeper, more emotional bond, which also makes everyday work with horses easier.
2. Stress-free training: Compared to traditional methods, natural horsemanship is less stressful for horses, as coercion and fear are largely avoided. Horses learn in a safe, respectful environment and often show faster progress.
3. Promotion of natural movement: This method respects the horse’s natural instincts and movements and promotes healthy, balanced development of the horse’s body, which in turn prevents injuries.
4. Long-term effectiveness: The principles of natural horsemanship lay the foundation for a long-term stable and healthy partnership between humans and horses that goes beyond the training process itself. Horses trained according to these principles are generally more motivated and open to working with humans.

Conclusion

Natural horsemanship is a deeply respectful and empathetic method that aims to view the horse as a partner rather than a tool. By understanding the natural instincts and body language of the animals, a trusting, harmonious relationship is built. This approach has the potential to revolutionise not only the training of horses, but also the way people understand and nurture their relationship with these wonderful animals.