Feeling stuck with your horse

As a horse owner in addition to being a physio, I really understand feeling stuck with your horse...

Horses are such big, magnificent animals, with their own ideas and personality, and their own background/past. And they are wild animals, even though we have domesticated and trained them, the 'tiger in the hedge' episodes are real for them! 

Horses can actually be overwhelming, and I have experienced this with my horse Azuro,  in behaviour, personality traits, assessment, working through problems, language barriers (!!), etc, and that's not even starting on exercise and riding. 

I wanted to give a bit of confidence to you if you are feeling overwhelmed or stuck with your horse. It's not just you, and it's important to recognise this as a pattern, and make small steps towards positive change ❤️ 

I see a lot of horse owners that are stuck in ways of doing things, or in their thoughts, or not able/wanting to make any changes when they really do need to, not confident to make changes, scared of their horse, scared of what other people on the yard might say, scared they will make things worse with their horse. 

Have you ever felt like this? What is it specifically that you are stuck with? 

In my experience with horses, and in life, I find that once you can take a first small step towards a change, it all seems a lot easier to do! It's like taking the mental handbrake off! 

So whether that is asking for help, or trying to work out what is 'wrong' and therefore where you need help, or trying something new, even if it goes a bit wrong to begin with, taking small steps puts you on a new path and focusses your mind on moving forward instead of being stuck. 

If you are trying something new like a new type of training or a new training aid, you will need to go through a slightly messy 'learning' phase before it all works out, and that's ok! Being brave enough to try something new is the start of making change and getting unstuck! 

If you do what you always did, you will get what you always got.....change is good at times! 

I have tried so many different methods of training for my horse, looking for ways to improve him, and have been in situations where people looked at me as though I was CRAZY on yards, because I was doing something that looked weird to them, but it was just because I had found something new and interesting to work with. I had to put my horse first, and keep going to try new ways of working with him, breaking through some barriers along the way. 

If you are stuck with your horse, can you identify where you are stuck, what is it that isn't working very well, what can't he do, or what does he struggle with, or where does he get cross/irritated/pushy? 

What I will say is there is always a reason when horses are struggling, so don't blame them, don't blame yourself, and don't stay stuck! A lot of 'bad' behaviour or avoidance is pain related. There are so many ways that horses can be in pain, from injury, joint degeneration/pain, tack, teeth, back pain, crooked rider, lack of training, lack of understanding, stiffness, digestive issues, so it's crucial to be clear about what's going on, consult your vet and work with your qualified bodyworker/physio etc.

Once pain or injury are ruled in/out, you can move forward into retraining...and this is where I can help you! With my simplified but effective training courses and support within my private training groups, I can help, support, and motivate you! 

My course students and group members are learning so much about their horses through my training, by looking at them in different ways, and applying what they are learning to improve their horses posture and movement.. I quite often have a little tear in my eye when I receive a heartfelt message from a horse owner who has made a massive breakthrough with their horse, after implementing my fundamental training exercises. 

WOULD YOU LIKE MY HELP WITH ALL OF THIS?

I have been working with horses for over 10 years professionally, owned horses nearly all of my life, and most recently have been working with horses in rehabilitation. I have a lot of experience of working with horses that are suffering with injuries, and the behaviours relating to this. As well as horses that have needed something pinpointing before they are able to move forward in their work or training. 

If you would like my help to get unstuck with your horse, contact me and I can help signpost you. 

Always here to try and help you and your horses...Jenny x

Click here to book a Zoom call with me: Zoom sessions

Click here and scroll down page to 'EMAIL ME' box: Contact Jenny