Learning how to listen to your horse's body language (their way of communicating) is essential to a successful relationship. We pride our selves on listening to you and your horse's individual needs. Often the cause of a problem is simply based on a misunderstanding or maybe not being able to recognise your horse's request for help. These horses are fascinating to work with and give you so much in return for your help.
Horses have come to us with all sorts of concerns such as:
- Riding issues:
- bucking
- napping
- rearing
- jogging
- jumping
- lead changing
- water
- traffic
- fear of pigs and cows - Issues on the ground:
- farrier work
- leading
- yielding work
- obstacles
- loading
- yearling gentling and handling
- bomb-proofing
- clipping
- leadership and partnership skills
UNTOUCHED horses are some of my favourite to work with. Travelling for the first time in the back of a lorry is frightening for a wild horse, but once they have arrived safely you know that was the worst bit over. It is such a release for them to see that someone understands what they are saying and things roll along faster than you can imagine.
Having top COMPETITION horses arrive at your yard can be a little unnerving. A horse that has exceeded everyone's expectations in the competition world suddenly stops performing and nobody can work out why. Back to basic two-way communication and listening skills are usually the answer.
STARTING
The day a horse is "started" is one of the most important and influential days of a horse's life. It means so much to us here at Learning To Listen to get it right from the start and give you both the best possible chance of a successful partnership.
I learnt the starting techniques that are used whilst training in the USA with Monty Roberts. It is a very gentle approach to backing a horse and with the correct use of communication, care and understanding, this can take as little as 45minutes.
Our aim is to build up your horses trust using their own language - listen to their every response and act accordingly.
This process is not rushed in anyway and the horse totally determines the pace at which we progress. You are encouraged to join us everyday or as often as you can to learn alongside your horse and create a truly amazing partnership.
We like to spend about one month with you and your horse to get you settled into your new roles, but there are no limits and you are welcome to stay as long as you like, where you can access further training and livery.