When we talk about horsemanship, it is easy to think of it as a riding discipline. After all, horses have been used for transportation and work for centuries, and horse riding has become a popular sport and recreational activity. However, natural horsemanship challenges this conventional view and advocates for a different approach – one that prioritises communication over, riding.

So, what is natural horsemanship? In simple terms, it is a way of interacting with horses that focuses on understanding their natural behaviour and using that knowledge to establish a relationship based on trust, respect, and communication. Instead of using force, punishment, or dominance to control horses, natural horsemanship relies on empathy, patience, and clear communication.

At the heart of natural horsemanship is the idea that horses are social animals that communicate through body language and behaviour. Horses use various signals to convey their emotions, intentions, and needs, such as ear position, tail movement, facial expressions, and vocalisations. By learning to read and interpret these signals, natural horsemanship practitioners can better understand horses and respond appropriately.

But why is natural horsemanship considered a communication rather than a riding discipline? The answer lies in the approach that natural horsemanship takes towards horses. Instead of viewing horses as mere tools or vehicles for riding, natural horsemanship sees them as sentient beings with their own thoughts, feelings, and personalities.

Natural horsemanship practitioners seek to build a partnership with their horses, based on mutual trust and understanding, rather than using them for their own purposes. This approach means that natural horsemanship is not limited to riding or any particular activity with horses. Instead, it can be applied to any interaction with horses, whether it's dressage, eventing, reining, or simply spending time with them. Natural horsemanship is not about forcing horses to do what we want them to do, but about working with them to achieve a common goal.

Another important aspect of natural horsemanship is the emphasis on nonverbal communication. Horses are highly attuned to body language and can pick up on even subtle cues from their human handlers. This means that natural horsemanship practitioners need to be mindful of their own body language and learn to communicate effectively with their horses without using words. This requires a deep level of self-awareness and empathy, as well as the ability to listen to and respond to the horse's signals.The benefits of natural horsemanship are numerous.

By prioritising communication and partnership over, riding and control, natural horsemanship practitioners can develop a deeper understanding and connection with their horses. This, in turn, can lead to improved performance in riding and other activities, as the horse and rider become more in sync and responsive to each other's needs.Moreover, natural horsemanship can promote the well-being of horses, both physically and mentally. By avoiding the use of force and punishment, natural horsemanship clinicians can create a safe and positive environment for horses to learn and grow. This can reduce the risk of injury and stress, as well as improve the horse's overall health and happiness. Horsemanship can also be a powerful tool for personal growth and development. The skills and values that are central to natural horsemanship, such as empathy, patience, communication, and trust, are not only applicable to working with horses but also to other areas of life.

By practising horsemanship, we can cultivate these qualities and become better communicators, leaders, and caregivers.

Horsemanship is not a riding discipline, but a communication approach to interacting with horses. By prioritising empathy, patience, and clear communication, horsemanship can build a partnership with their horses based on trust and mutual understanding.

This approach can lead to improved performance, enhanced horse welfare, and personal growth. Whether you ride or not, horsemanship offers valuable lessons in communication and connection that can benefit both horses and humans alike.