Our History Predicts Forceful Horsemanship

That’s right, human history predicts that we as a species will use force in obtaining control. We posturalize and use our ego to intimidate, when that fails to work we can then resort to physical means even so far as to kill; and killing can mean mental, emotional or physical death for our victim. Throughout the ages controlling powers have used methods of intimidation, abuse and violent force to subjugate then access political manipulation to shrug off their responsibility.

Isn’t it always the abuser who claims “see what you made me do to you,” to the abused? Why should they take responsibility for their actions? We see political leaders make the same claims – it is always some other factor which dictates why their decision was forced rather than their own inclination. Horse culture has inherited this long-standing tradition, afterall we are only human; and it is not new. It still trickles down that we are a “dominant” species over the horse – therefore we are all wise and knowing and the horse should respond to our directions as a result of his lesser intelligence. Sound familiar? The same was claimed towards African-American slaves, natives, even peasants were viewed this way by the minority of ‘educated’, wealthy, political and religious leaders of their time.

‘Violence begins where knowledge ends.’ -Abraham Lincoln

How does this quote manifest itself in equestrian culture? Also, the following:

‘Where knowledge ends, religion begins.’ -Benjamin Disraeli
In what way do threads of teaching or methods of horsemanship begin to manifest themselves into a form of religion; composed of an idealogy, leader, teachers and followers who are wholly devoted to the beliefs being taught? Do these methods of horsemanship which are exclusive of other idols (i.e. teachings, ideas, methods, etc) benefit the horse or are they driven by monetary gain, and what is their influence over the equestrians who follow them without question?

The End of Knowledge

This thread of thinking is a majority, but not universal; and consciousness is beginning to change in all ways of life. People are waking up to be more curious and questioning of health, education, politics, human welfare, etc. Included in this is the horse.

Kudos to so many programs that make sound use of communicating with the horse in a fair and conscientious manner to teach lay-people about relationships, leadership, communication, etc. Approaches such as clicker training, bridleless or bitless riding, “Natural Dressage”, Associations and Groups promoting ‘lightness’ in riding, endotapping, etc address training the horse using alternative approaches and ideas – which are extremely valuable in pushing horsemanship as a whole to base itself off of education vs. tradition.

Do you see change happening in the approach of riders and riding methods to promote less force and more communication / relationship building? And where are popular trainers/clinicians talking this language while still employing methods of force and intimidation?