Читать книгу Geoff Teall on Riding Hunters, Jumpers and Equitation - Geoff Teall - Страница 34

The “less is more” philosophy is a tremendously important part of what I do. I really believe that we are too quick to humanize horses and assign our values to them. At the end of the day, we like to have a nice shower and get cleaned up. I am not at all sure that horses do.

I am quite sure that they don’t like braiding and pulling and twitching and trimming and all of that nonsense. I think horses would much rather lounge around in their pajamas with their socks half off.

I try to consciously create “downtime” for my horses. I like to pull their shoes and let their manes and coats grow. I like to let them get dirty. For some time every year, my horses live like…horses. I believe that this downtime is good for their bodies and their brains.

If I had to give just one word of advice for improving your horse’s life, it would be “Stop.”

Stop picking at him. Stop clutching the reins. Stop smothering him. Stop fussing. Just stop.

Horses don’t like fluffy boots. They don’t like lengthy bubble baths. They don’t like being brushed and braided and primped and polished all the time. They don’t like wearing clothes.

Horses like wide open spaces with a little dirt, a little water, and lots of grass. They like being left alone to eat and socialize with other horses.

I am not suggesting that you stop spending time with your horse. But make the time that you spend with him count for something.

Improve your riding so you are capable of telling the horse what you want from him. Be clear and specific. Let him give you what you want in small pieces. Reward him when he is done. For a horse, the best reward is just backing off and giving him some downtime. It improves his learning curve faster than anything else.

Make the most of your time on the horse and in the saddle. Get rid of the “time-wasters.” You and your horse will both benefit from a more focused approach to your training.

2.9 No work for a period of time makes the horse more willing the rest of the year.