You Have To Know

You just have to know your horse. You have to know them backwards and forwards...up and down...side to side. I mean that metophorically although it helps to know all of that stuff if your horse has any problems.

You have to know your horse better that anyone. You have to understand their mind in a way that makes you able to counteract a bad reaction. If my horse goes to kick me then there are signs. Those signs make me able to stop them or react in a way that makes me able to help make it less painful.

If my horse goes to bolt or buck their are signs for that and I can understand my horse better than anyone. I know why they stomp their feet. I understand why they impatiently nibble at my shirt or bump me with their head. Others would think that this was rude and behavior that requires punishment. No, its doesn't, it just means that they are bored at what I am doing and want to go for a ride or go eat some grass. I know why my horses bite each other. It is not because they are mean, its just because they are playing or putting the other one in place. Sometimes I believe that my horses are more mature and smarter than a lot of humans but I can say this because I understand my horse.

Honey is strong, smart, quick, leading, and caring. She has great respect but she won't be pushed around. She knows what she wants and lets nothing stop her(except me and my stern look at her that says hey old mare, don't you do it) :).

Matoaka is strongheaded, independent, loving, like a livewire, and she has a shy quality when she is being nice. She loves to run and play, and reminds me of a dog. She hates it when she isn't the center of attention. If I am rubbing Honey she will stick her nose under my arm and push her way through until she's right next to me and I am giving her a hug. She doesn't like halters and ropes or things that have a strong control over her. If I want her to cross water she digs her feet in. If I take the halter off and wait she walks through without a bit of hesitation.

My horses know me. If I am in a bad mood they both become perfect angles who rub their heads on me and nibble and lick me. If I am happy they both become relaxed and have a a certain vibe that lets me know that they are happy.

I know my horses better than anyone and they kind of understand me. I love them and respect them and in return I recieve just the same. You have to know and understand your horse to truly develop a bond that lasts a lifetime.