What is “HORSE SENSE”?  We could debate this question for years.  When I try to think of answers to this question, it causes me to ask more questions.  Such as, “Do horses have it?  Are there any people who have it?  Will “HORSE SENSE” forever elude us?  Will some of us come to understand it in a way that helps us be safer, improve our performance, and have even more fun with our horses?”

Some would call “HORSE SENSE” a “knack,” while others would say it’s a “skill,” but for me it is trying to figure out what makes horses and people tick.  It has become my life’s passion to discover and share ways that people can find a common sense approach to horsemanship where ordinary people can get extra-ordinary results with their horses.

My horsemanship journey began at the tender age of two when my Dad gave me my first pony named “Ginger.”  We grew up together and she lived to be over 30 years old.  These early attempts at finding “HORSE SENSE” were without sophistication or any special knowledge.  However, what I did have going for me was an unconscious awareness of how to be natural with horses and a sensitivity to what was right and wrong imparted to me by my parents.  Ginger and I were partners in every way even though we lacked experience, training, and maturity, three of the basic ingredients which may be vital to “HORSE SENSE.”

When I was old enough to compete in 4-H, rodeos, horse shows, and gymkhanas, the partnership I had with horses seemed to change along with my ideas about “HORSE SENSE”.  The pressure to win was both a good and bad influence on me.  My judgment was sometimes clouded by my ultra ego to look and be the best.  Therefore, I often found myself doing things that were unfair and even unkind to my horse.  I now call it a lack of “HORSE SENSE” to blame my horse for a poor performance resulting in a loss, and then take all the credit when I won.

As I reflect on this time, I realize temperance and refinement were two other qualities I needed to develop in order to regain the partnership that I had experienced with Ginger as a very young girl.  On days when I would forget about my rigorous practice routine and I could just hang out with my horse by grooming, a free gallop in the pasture, or a swim in the river with my horse, I discovered a sense of balance which kept me on the path toward finding true “HORSE SENSE.”

The next leg of my journey for getting a taste of “HORSE SENSE” took me to the Howard Pitzer Ranch near Ericson, Nebraska.  As I rode the colts assigned to me in the round pen, I kept my eyes glued on the other end of the arena where Gary Putman, Howard’s trainer at the time, showed me a reliable savvy horseman with feel, timing and balance.  His ability to decide with soundness what each horse needed was part of the refinement of “HORSE SENSE” I was still missing.  I had a new conscious awareness that I had some “raw talent,” but I was a long way from being an artisan of horsemanship, like I had dreamed.

While working for a reining trainer in Montana for a very short while, I met the first horse who scared me into paralyzing fear.  I knew right away that I didn’t have the savvy to handle this situation.  At least I was rational enough to get out of a very dangerous situation due to my inexperience before I got hurt.  I think this decision could be considered “HORSE SENSE.”

Later, another horse came into my life that left me puzzled, and frustrated.  I found myself learning to put up with a lot of undesirable behavior as normal.  In reality, the horse was training me about what not to do when around him.  It was the first horse I couldn’t load in a trailer, put a bridle on over his ears, worm him, or give him shots.  He was difficult to catch, trim his feet, he spooked a lot and oh, did I mention he pulled back when tied.  Other than that, he was the perfect horse.  Of course, I loved him and so I learned to live with all of these problems.  I only tried to solve a couple of these problems.  I finally begged a local “horse whisperer” nick-named Pistol Pete to show me how to put the bridle on over his sensitive ears and load him in the trailer.  Pistol Pete accomplished the tasks with ease, but after he left I still couldn’t do them.  

After many years of success, a suit case full of buckles and ribbons, plus a wall full of trophies I became very conscious that I now had quite a bit of experience with horses, but no formal training, and I wasn’t as smart as I had thought.  I admitted that what I understood about horses, why they do what they do and how to handle each situation in a positive progressive and natural manner was minimal at best.

Once I opened my mind  to the fact that I needed help if I was going to be one of those people with “HORSE SENSE,” a whole new horse world appeared to me that I never realized existed.  I became a learn-aholic, reading everything I could get my hands on. I went to many clinics, camps, and lessons.  I watched videos over and over.  I took notes on everything, and kept diaries of my progress.

I spent hours and hours learning from horses.  This was something new for me, because in the past my attitude and motivation was much different.  I used to do things “to horses” or just “saddle them up and ride.”  Now, my intention is to do things “with horses.”

I’m sure I don’t have perfect “HORSE SENSE” yet.  But I do know experience, training, and maturity have taught me the pieces of the puzzle I do have and those I’m still missing.  Only as I improve my understanding of what makes horses and people tick will I become the kind of horsewoman my horses need me to be in order to get extraordinary results with them.

As you travel the road toward “HORSE SENSE,” may you have more fun than you ever dreamed possible, ride safer and give your horse the best gift ever, a savvy partner with some “HORSE SENSE.”  I believe your horse already has all the “HORSE SENSE” he needs, he’s just waiting for you to catch up with him.

Visit my Web Site to find, “Camps, clinics, and private lessons where you discover more about confidence, leadership and communication so you have even more fun and success with your horse.”