I think why this comes as such an important thing in my mind, is that I think it can easily be overlooked or overshadowed by all of the other thoughts that cloud our minds as riders and trainers. The thoughts about ourselves and just being aware of what we are doing in the first place – intentionally and unintentionally – is enough to keep every other thought at bay, in particular any which are focused on the horse’s well being. But, I think if we place the horse’s well being above all else, we will see progress in ourselves, and while slower, in the end it is improved because we do not then carry the baggage of now knowing the abuses we may have inadvertently put upon the horse over the course of our learning.
Some of my thoughts surrounding this is in part spurred by a short discussion recently in which it was talked about a book written by Etienne Beudant titled “Vallerine,” the name of his favored horse. In my mind, to write a book titled after your horse is dedication enough to the horse’s value in your mind, and the amount of respect paid to the knowledge gained from working with that particular horse. The word, ‘have a love affair with your horse,’ come to mind for me as well. When I think of the time I spend with my own horses casually rubbing their favorite spots, like under the neck, the top of the tail, around their ears or on the forehead, or several of them much prefer getting their cheeks massaged simultaneously. But I guess, learning the intimate details about what makes your horse happy, upset, nervous, excited, etc., being as important in the process of his training as any other element.