Horsemanship

My Week With Tom Curtin

By |2023-01-19T14:42:26-05:00January 19, 2023|Categories: Horsemanship|Tags: , , , |

A week ago today I swung my saddle onto the back of a five-year-old quarter horse under the watchful eye of Tom Curtin.

The horse took a few concerned steps as my stirrup swung over his back. I looked up to see Tom’s grin under the brim of his hat, and he said,
“You were thinking about saddling that horse, weren’t you?
You need to think about that horse while you saddle him.“
Last week I spent the week with Tom and his wife, Trina. I noticed a reoccurring lesson throughout the week.
The everyday activities I have done my whole life with horses took on a new meaning. “You were thinking about brushing that colt, you need to think about that colt while you brush him.” And, “you were thinking about bridling that mare, you need to think about that mare while you bridle her.”
Tom said, “No matter what you do, never forget that horse”.
So there I was, playing cowboy for a week, learning about colt starting, riding young horses, checking cattle, but deep inside it all, learning how to be with a horse in a very intentional way.
It’s a sort of contract, you see. You’re not demanding that your horse give you their attention without an even exchange. Asking a horse to bring their attention to me now feels more like saying, “Remember I’m right here, thinking about you… In exchange can you think about me?”
The gift of Tom’s colts was that they already knew the feeling of being kept in mind, and they were good at telling me when I’d lost track of them. The calm that came over these horses when I thought of them as I went about my daily routines was just wonderful.
All it took was being mindful of their existence and attentive to their needs. We typically have some sort of goal with our horses that can provide a wonderful sense of purpose, but the goal is meaningless if we lose track of our partner in the process.
I hope in reading this you can be as inspired as I am. When you go out this week and do whatever you do with your horses, whether it be jumping fences, working cows, dancing in a dressage arena, chasing hounds, etc, see if you can go about your business with purpose, but never forget your horse.
~ Justin
Picture Credit: Erin Gilmore Photography
Read More
 0

The Power and Promise of Collaboration

By |2021-05-07T12:27:25-04:00May 7, 2021|Categories: Horsemanship, Sport psychology|

     I have always been fascinated and excited when I discover similarities or commonalities in different systems. Whether that is a repeated pattern in different people, or a commonality across species, or an identifiable dynamic in different systems. My eyes light up when I notice these connections. Perhaps this is because, by my very nature as a human, I am desperate to notice patterns and predict what is going to happen in order to survive in this world. However, I like to think it is more a result of my curiosity and my interest in helping people. You see, it is my experience that the awareness and understanding of patterns and similarities that exist across species and relational systems are often the key in helping people progress toward their goals.
     I think this is what people mean when they say that “horses are our mirrors.” In their interactions with horses they become aware of a pattern that they recognize either within themselves or in their relationships with others. At times, these patterns represent positive and adaptive qualities. At other times, the patterns are unproductive or perhaps even destructive.
     Learning and growth is all about creating new patterns. This can happen by learning and adopting entirely new and different patterns of thought, emotion, behavior, and/or interaction. Or, this can can be accomplished by shifting old patterns through smaller changes. The challenge is often recognizing our patterns, both good and bad. And, at the same time, growing our awareness of the possibility of new and different ways of being. Simple awareness of existing patterns without openness and connection to the possibility of growth only leads to self-judgment and despair.
     Connecting to a world of possibility, growth, and change requires us to be open to others. We seek out instructors and mentors in order to open doors and windows to growth. As insightful or gifted as an instructor can be, I am always aware that each mentor (I include myself in this) is limited by their own knowledge and experience. In seeking out new ideas, how can we prevent ourselves from being tossed around in a sea of different and contrasting perspectives? How do we know when a new and different approach has value?
     The answer to these questions is not simple. I can only share with you how I approach this in my own life and horsemanship. First and foremost, I connect to core values. For me these are compassion, empathy, integrity, passion, and respect for horse and rider. I look for these in every mentor I seek out. Second, I look for the spirit of collaboration.
     True collaboration is an amazing thing. When people collaborate with each other they are saying, “I have something to offer” and “I have something to learn” at the same time. My advice for you as you look to advance your horsemanship and grow as an individual is to surround yourself with people that embody this true spirit of collaboration and approach every interaction, especially those with your horse, this way.
     Have an amazing day. ~ Paul
Read More
 0

If I Could Change One Thing…

By |2021-04-02T12:06:13-04:00March 11, 2021|Categories: Horsemanship|Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , |

Horse training in Northern Virginia.

If I could make an impact with equestrians in only one specific way I would absolutely focus on influencing the way we lead our horses. Focus on leading and it could change the quality of everything you do. 

For me, leading is a lot more than getting from point a to point b. It’s an ever present mindset that builds clarity and allows a relationship to grow. It’s my horse’s confidence in me to choose a wise and safe path forward, my knowing he will be by my side, and my confidence in myself to make decisions that will affect both of us. It’s saying “this is the path I’m choosing for us right now and I’m asking you to allow me to take us.” It’s about being together, not rushing, not forcing. 

In the most concrete sense, leading is about safety and communication. When I stop my feet, my horse stops his feet, and I have influence of the nose, shoulders, and haunches by way of body language, lead rope, and driving aid (whip, end of lead rope, flag, whatever it may be). Their movement mirrors mine as well as their energy, focus, and groundedness. 

If there’s an issue with the relationship, there will be an issue in leading. Working out the leading will improve everything, especially riding. If your horse pushes through the bit, they’ll probably push past you on the ground. If they have trouble bending on a circle they’ll probably lean on you with their shoulders when walking in from the paddock. It’s all connected and can’t be ignored, because it truly makes a difference. 

~ Justin 

#horse #horsemanship #psychology #lead #liberty #classicaldressage #mindset #mindfulness #horse #growth #cowboy #personaldevelopment #gratitude

 

Read More
 0
Go to Top