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Launching The Harmonized Hub: A Haven for Harmonious Horsemanship
In the world of horsemanship, where the bond between humans and horses takes center stage, I'm thrilled to introduce The Harmonized Hub—an exclusive community for horse enthusiasts who believe in putting the relationship with their equine companions at the forefront.
A Community for Like-Minded Horse Lovers
Are you someone who sees your horse not just as a riding partner but as a friend? Do you believe that a strong and positive relationship with your horse is the key to unlocking harmony in your interactions? If so, you're in the right place. The Harmonized Hub is more than just a Facebook group; it's a community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for fostering meaningful connections with their horses.
The Power of Relationship-Based Horse Training
At Harmonized Horsemanship, I stand by the philosophy of relationship-based horse training. It's not just about getting your horse to perform tasks; it's about ensuring your horse has a good opinion of you and genuinely sees you as their friend. Why? Because a horse that sees you as a friend is a horse that performs more happily and willingly in all your equestrian endeavors.
Think about it—when you're friends with someone, you're more likely to go above and beyond to help them out. The same principle applies to our equine friends. By building a relationship based on trust, understanding, and friendship, you're laying the foundation for a partnership that goes beyond the saddle. It's a bond that enhances the joy and fulfillment you both experience in every interaction.
Why Launch The Harmonized Hub?
You might be wondering why I decided to create this community. The answer is simple: connection. My passion for fostering harmony between horses and humans goes beyond geographical boundaries. I formed The Harmonized Hub to connect with people across the country, and to create a space where experiences, insights, and challenges can be shared and addressed collectively.
The Harmonized Hub is more than just a group; it's a platform for learning, growing, and supporting one another on the journey to Harmonized Horsemanship. Whether you're a seasoned equestrian or just starting your journey with horses, my community welcomes you.
What You Can Expect:
Community Support: Share your experiences, ask questions, and connect with a community that understands the value of positive horse-human relationships.
Exclusive Content: Gain access to exclusive content, including tips, insights, and resources, directly from the heart of Harmonized Horsemanship.
HH Challenges: Engage in fun and educational challenges designed to deepen the bond between you and your horse.
Live Q&A Sessions: Participate in live Q&A sessions with me, Jess, the founder of Harmonized Horsemanship, and get personalized insights into your horsemanship journey.
Join The Harmonized Hub
If you're ready to join a community that values friendship over dominance, understanding over force, and harmony over control, then welcome to The Harmonized Hub. Let's embark on this journey together, connecting horse lovers from all walks of life, and creating a space where our shared passion for horses thrives.
Join The Harmonized Hub today and be part of a community that believes in the transformative power of positive horse-human relationships. Together, let's build a harmonious world for both horses and humans alike. Now through February 1, 2024, you can get an annual pass for just $65 and get early-bird access!
Buy an annual pass to The Harmonized Hub with exclusive, early-bird pricing! You will receive an email link to join the Facebook group within 2 business days, or you can request to join after you’ve paid at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/harmonizedhub
Welcome to a community where the heart of horsemanship beats strong— The Harmonized Hub awaits you.
Forgiveness and Freedom: A New Year's Resolution for You and Your Horse
As we step into the dawn of a new year, it's the perfect time to reflect, release, and set intentions for a brighter future. Just as we extend forgiveness to ourselves for past missteps, it's equally essential to extend the same grace to our four-legged companions. In the realm of horsemanship and the horse-human connection, the beginning of a new year offers us a chance to redefine and rejuvenate our partnerships.
Letting Go of the Past: A Gift to You and Your Horse
It's easy to get caught up in the tapestry of our past experiences with our horses. We've all got a history with our horses—ups, downs, and everything in between. It's easy to get caught up in the "should've, could've, would've," but here's the real scoop: horses don't wake up plotting chaos. They're emotional, sensitive beings, responding to the energy and cues in their environment. They're tuned into our vibes, our energy. More often than not, it's our human shenanigans that create bumps in the trail.
The Quickness of Equine Forgiveness
One remarkable aspect of our equine friends is their ability to forgive and move forward swiftly. Horses live in the present moment, and unlike humans, they don't carry grudges from yesterday's struggles. It's a profound lesson we can learn from them—to let go of past grievances and embrace the potential for positive change.
The Human Element: Breaking Free from Negative Patterns
Understanding that horses thrive in positive, happy relationships, we must acknowledge our role in shaping the dynamics. The journey to a harmonious partnership begins with us. It's not about forcing compliance but rather fostering trust and connection. As we embark on this new year, let's embrace partnership-based, force-free horse training—a method that places the emphasis on collaboration and mutual understanding.
Permission to Imperfection: Learning and Growing Together
Perfection is an illusion, and nowhere is this truer than in the world of horsemanship. Giving ourselves and our horses permission not to be perfect is a liberating concept. It means embracing the idea of learning and growing together. Every challenge becomes an opportunity for understanding, every misstep a chance for improvement. In this mindset, we create a foundation for a long-lasting, positive relationship with our horses.
Setting Intentions for the New Year
Picture this: a year where you and your horse communicate in a dance, every misstep is a lesson, and progress is the name of the game. Set intentions that prioritize patience, understanding, and joy in our interactions with our horses.
In Conclusion: A Year of New Beginnings
This new year holds the promise of a fresh start, not only for ourselves but also for the incredible companions who grace our lives—our favorite equines. As we forgive, release, and set intentions, let's remember that every day is an opportunity to deepen the bond with our equine friends. May the coming year be filled with moments of connection, growth, and the pure joy that comes from sharing our lives with these extraordinary beings. Here's to a year of new beginnings, both for you and your horse.
If you need some support along the way, be sure to join our mailing list and watch social media for a chance to join an exclusive, members-only Facebook group all about helping you deepen the relationship with your horse!
Embracing Winter Horsemanship: Quality Time Trumps Quantity
As the days get shorter and the air turns chilly, it's that time of year when our horsemanship routine gets a winter makeover. Let's be honest, who really wants to brave the cold for hours of training or riding? Not only is it hard on us, but riding your horse in frigid temps is not good for his body either. So here's a secret you should know: it's okay to chill out during the winter with your horse.
Quality Time Matters
Horses are pretty simple. They don't keep track of how long you ride or how many training sessions you've clocked. What they truly cherish are meaningful moments with you. Truly Harmonized Horsemanship is all about taking your and your horse’s needs into consideration. In winter, you don't have to stress about rigorous training sessions. As long as your horse’s needs are met (more on that in the next section), all your horse needs from you is quality time and mental/emotional enrichment.
Winter is a great time to focus on bringing more mindfulness and presence into your daily interactions with your horse. How often do you find yourself totally lost in thought, or worrying about something that happened weeks ago? The constant internal chatter takes us away from the moment we are in. And remember, your horse lives in the present. So unplug and ground yourself in the moment. You can practice some simple breathing exercises or dive into a meditation practice regardless of weather, footing, or lighting.
Meeting Your Horse's Needs
Winter brings colder weather and shorter days. Anyone who has a horse knows that meeting their needs in the colder months seems like a daunting task. Ensure your horse has access to free-choice forage, room to move and a heated water source. If your horse has a hard time keeping weight on, you may need to supplement with a blanket to ensure they aren’t cold and using vital calories to keep themselves warm.
Horses need to move! Let them go to turnout with their friends and frolic in the snow. On days where the footing is not safe for turnout, make sure you take them out on a walk or turn them out in an indoor arena (if you have one.) If your horse lives outside 24/7, place their food in different areas around the pasture so they have to roam to find it!
Ideas for All-Weather Activities
Quality time comes in various flavors. When riding is on a winter break, you've got plenty of options. Here are some ideas:
1. Grooming Sessions: Pamper your horse with some quality grooming. It's like a spa day for them, and it’s easy to get lost in the moment while you go to work removing mud and loose hair from their coats. Try to stay as present as possible. Feel their hair underneath your hands and listen to the sounds the tail brush makes as it works through their tail. This presence and mindfulness will be recognized by your horse…and she will appreciate it more than you know!
2. Fun on the Ground: If you feel the desire to do something WITH your horse, then explore some low-energy/low-movement groundwork exercises. Things like the head softening exercise, Orbit the Sun, or Friendship Walking are all exercises you can do in almost any footing or amount of space. (Even a barn aisle!) If you want to learn more about these exercises, check out our online program.
3. In-Hand Adventure: Get out there with some in-hand exercises in whatever bridle you use to ride your horse. This can strengthen your communication from behind the shoulder, which translates beautifully to when you’re on their back again.
4. Walk it Out: Take leisurely walks with your horse, exploring the neighborhood and letting them sniff around. It's their version of a relaxing stroll in the park and is one of my favorite things to do with horses…especially after a snowstorm! This increases the trust your horse has in you as you help him navigate new sights, smells and sounds.
Remember: It's not about complexity; it's about the quality time you share.
Winter's here, and it's time to toss the guilt out the window. Let's give a welcome to a different kind of horsemanship. Quality time and tending to your horse's needs are what matter most in the chilly season. Focus on creating those magic moments of connection, understanding, and just hanging out. Your horse values your presence, and they appreciate your love more than the longest ride.
So, as snowflakes twirl and the barn creaks in the winter wind, take a deep breath. Remember quality over quantity.
Stay warm out there.
Trust, Not Control: The Key to Harmonized Horsemanship
In the world of horsemanship, there's a long-standing tradition that often places the concept of dominance at the forefront. This approach stems from the observation of horse herd dynamics, where a dominant horse naturally emerges as the leader, commanding respect and authority. But let's dive deeper into these dynamics and take a closer look.
In the world of horsemanship, there's a long-standing tradition that often places the concept of dominance at the forefront. This approach stems from the observation of horse herd dynamics, where a dominant horse naturally emerges as the leader, commanding respect and authority. But let's dive deeper into these dynamics and take a closer look.
Within a typical horse herd, you'll indeed find a dominant individual, often a seasoned and experienced horse. This leader takes charge when it comes to making fundamental decisions, like selecting grazing areas or guiding the herd to safety in response to perceived threats. It's like a manager in a workplace, orchestrating various tasks and responsibilities.
However, it's crucial to acknowledge that while the dominant horse may be respected for their leadership skills, they might not always be the most sought-after companion during times of stress or relaxation. In fact, they can sometimes find themselves met with avoidance or distance from other members of the herd.
Picture this: the herd encounters an unfamiliar or potentially dangerous situation, such as a sudden loud noise or the presence of a predator. In these moments, the dominant horse assumes a stance of vigilance and control, directing their focus toward the perceived threat. Meanwhile, the rest of the herd disperses, seeking comfort and solace in their bonds with fellow herd members, rather than gravitating toward the dominant leader.
This glimpse into herd dynamics highlights the limitations of dominance-based approaches in our interactions with horses. When we insist on being the "alpha" or the dominant figure in the relationship, we inadvertently create a dynamic where our horse associates us with stress, control, and vigilance. In addition to being afraid of a perceived threat (like a trailer, flapping plastic bag, etc.), your horse also has to be afraid of your reaction to them being afraid.
But there's another way. It's the path of partnership-based horsemanship, a journey that places cooperation, mutual understanding, and compassion for your horse at its core.
It's about becoming more than just a leader in your horse's eyes. It's about being a reliable friend, a source of comfort, and a trusted ally in every situation, whether it's in a moment of relaxation or uncertainty. It's about nurturing a bond where your horse willingly chooses your company, not out of fear or dominance, but out of genuine affection and trust.
So, where do you begin on this transformative journey? Our online training program is your gateway to a new way of connecting with your horse—one built on trust, cooperation, and mutual respect. We'll guide you through the principles of partnership-based training, providing you with the tools and insights you need to redefine your relationship with your horse.
Join us on this remarkable journey and discover the power of Harmonized Horsemanship. Let's reshape the way you connect with your horse, creating a bond that transcends tradition and stands the test of time.
The Power in Vulnerability
Yesterday, I got to witness some magic. ✨ I was coaching Shawnah through a training session with Clyde, in the middle of a rain/hail storm in the indoor arena. We were working on softening the head and helping him re-establish his relationship with movement. Towards the end of the session, he actually started to looking at Shawnah with curiosity and was looking for a connection. As he looked at her and moved towards her, I felt some hesitation. The following is what transpired:
Me: “So, what are you feeling?
Shawnah: “I’m feeling a bit uncomfortable because I don’t know what he’s going to do when he’s this close to me. I’m waiting for him to try to nip at me or push into me with his nose.”
Me: “Aha! And so we’ve now discovered the next ‘hardest thing’ about training horses the way we do here. We have to be willing to let down our guard. We have to embrace vulnerability. We have to be okay standing in front of a horse on their best AND their worst days and being open and vulnerable. We cannot expect the horse to soften and open their heart and soul to us if we don’t do the same.
And so you have options here. You can either ‘ride the wave’ and authentically tell the horse you’re feeling anxious about him being this close to you. You can sit with the feeling and experience it. OR, you can ask him to take a step back. You can set a boundary for yourself that allows you to feel safe and secure in the space with this horse. One is not necessarily better than the other. It’s all about what allows you to remove the wall you have built around you and be in this space with him to show him how good, how freeing it feels to be vulnerable and open.”
I watched as Shawnah took some deep breaths. She rode the wave, held the space and stayed in the moment. Then Clyde began to breathe a bit deeper, blink a bit slower, lick and chew.
Then he yawned. I mean, BIG YAWNS. 8 or 9 of them, all in a row. The first ones since he’s been at Harmonized Horsemanship. I am SO proud of them both. Shawnah let her wall down and Clyde followed suit. And that’s the magic. ♾