Several recent happenings inspire this topic of horsemanship.
One, the O’Briens are fast approaching. One of my favourite categories is the Award Of Horsemanship.
Two, I recently had a lively discussion with a colleague about the difference between doting caretakers and people who humanize horse-isms.
Three, I just finished reading Crazy Good last night. (If you haven’t yet, you must.)
And four, through the marvels of Facebook, I found the crazy girl in highschool who galloped to class like a horse (and spent every lunch hour crafting horses from pipe cleaners). She’s now an accomplished artist, specializing in horse sculptures made from recycled socks. Wow.
Possessing not a single ounce of it myself, I’m fascinated to hear the definition of ‘horsemanship’ from those who ooze it — and make a living from it.
Is horsemanship an innate gift — you’ve either got it, or you don’t?
Is good horsemanship actually based in the ‘firm but fair’ philosophy?
Are there guiding principles that change the horsemanship approach under different circumstances (ie. a work/performance horse vs. a hobby horse)?
What defines someone with exemplary horsemanship?
How the heck does someone actually make a living selling sock horses?
horsemanship cant not be
horsemanship cant not be taught,,,,you either have it or don't. to me it means caring for these noble creatures to bring out the best in them, without the aid of anything illegal in their system as that would not be good for the horse. "natural horsemanship" to me is a misnomer.... if it is natural... how come you have to take a course? doesnt matter whether they are race, riding, companion,, horsemanship means putting your head on your pillow every night with the thought you did everything legally, morally and for the betterment of the animal in good conscience.... as an ad on the radio says right now.... good character is what you do when no one is looking because it is the RIGHT thing to do