Freedom for horses
Aug 18th, 2008 by Carolyn Resnick Method
As every one knows, I had an unusual life growing up in the desert with horses. Our horses were able to run free most of the day in a herd and go where they wished. They were loose and there were no fences to keep them in from doing exactly what they wanted to do. The freedom, connection and performance I shared with them caused me never to really accept the conditions horses are faced with today. Horses are not free anymore and we keep them in captivity. This is one of the reasons I invented the Waterhole Rituals. We have taken their land, called it our home and horses haven’t any claim to the motherland that frees their spirit, leaves them to raise their families and keeps them together as they wish.
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Thank you Lori! That was so nice to hear!!! Some neighbors still think I’m nuts, but since I ride more often than most everyone else, they are starting to cut me some slack. I ride bareback and barefoot most days, and I fly around the trails by my house with my three dogs following right behind. It’s not terribly classy, but I’d bet dollars for donuts that I’m having more fun out there than just about anyone else. I also think I have a better bond with my horses because of it, but don’t tell my neighbors or I’ll catch hell from them! –Carol
P.S. I was sorry to hear about your negative coaching experience. I wonder how many people have quit riding altogether due to poor instruction? I’m glad you were motivated to move on and keep learning. Bravo to you too!
Very Inspirational, as well as thought provoking when it comes to how people take care of their horses.
I would like to say Bravo to Carol LaCorte about not giving “two hoots” of how she rides. It has been my experince that with the right information, time, a connection and bond in place with one’s horse will develop and mold beautiful riders. (Without being told to keep their heels down
I think that it is so important for a person to develop their connection with their horse by gaining their own feel and have time with their horse for observational learning- as well as trial and error. In the past I had an unpleasant coaching experience. It was to the point where I no longer felt or thought- I only heard the instructor’s voice in my head. I needed more time to think and process- as well as understand the inner workings of why I was being asked to do certain things. I soon became frustrated, and so was my horse!
Since that time I can say that I have had both the honor and the priviledge to be coached by one of the best horse communicators in the world, Carolyn Resnick. This being said, I will say that having an excellent coach like Carolyn is invaluable and will enhance both the connection with your horse and riding style in boundless ways. With the right information to build on, I find that people with the proper guidance and curiousity will build a close connection with their horse. They will learn how to handle their horses in almost invisible and beautiful ways. Because of their dedication and connection they will learn how to ride correctly, because to me you can’t have one without the other.
Best of luck!
Carolyn, I’ve never read anything more passionate in my life. Your words are thought-provoking and memorable to those of us who are lucky enough to share our lives with horses. It’s truly not about what you can get your horse to do. More importantly, it’s about the communication you share and the bonds that are created. That’s where the magic happens.
I was 39 when I got my first horse. Since I have a real bond with all animals, I figured I would let him teach me what I needed to know, but in an effort to speed up this process, I began watching my neighbors work with their horses and learned what I could from them. Then I began looking at big-name natural horse trainers and picked up even more tips. All the information was helpful, but lacking. Most often I found that people were either trying to make me a better rider so I could get more out of my horse, or they were interested in teaching me different ways of controlling him. Frankly, I don’t give two hoots how I ride. That’s why I’ve never taken lessons. What I was looking for was someone who really knew horses that could teach me how to read their subtle movements so I could communicate more effectively with them in their own language. That’s where you come in.
I was absolutely intrigued after I read your book, Naked Liberty, when I realized you created your training method while immersed in a herd of wild mustangs. That’s ideally how I would have done it too, but sadly, I didn’t have the good fortune to grow up where you did at the time you did.
I so envy how you were raised, but I’m so happy to be a recipient of the things you’ve learned while studying wild horses in their own environment. What you were taught came from the best possible source, and it’s quite obvious you were a tremendous student. Thank you for sharing your wisdom with us. Your method was just what I was looking for.
I look forward to learning more from Stormy’s documentary. The trailer is just beautiful. –Carol
Dear Carolyn,
Thank you for such a well-written and beautiful message! Your reminders about providing our domesticated equine companions with a sense of freedom and divine connection is, I think more important than anything else we can do for/with them. When I give Romeo, my Quarter Horse Gelding the kind of respect and the feelings of harmony that you describe, we both feel the delicious results! I often hear ladies at our Barn ask “How was your ride?” or “How is your horse today?”. When I first became involved with horses a couple years ago and heard these kinds of questions, I wondered what the big deal was?! Why was it such an important thing to talk about how the ride went or how my horse was doing that day? I soon came to realize that what these women were really asking was “Did you feel that connecton?” “Did you experience that indescribable feeling we all seek when we are around our horses?” On the days when Romeo and I are in sync, when I connect with him in that divine realm of the Equine Spirit, I can enthusiastically reply “It was great!” or “He’s doing wonderful!”. When I see horses and their humans and the humans are beeming with that unmistakable look of happiness, that exuberance of joy, I know those people have experienced that level of consciousness only horses can give us. It could also be that they just had a really fabulous ride or time with their horse companion (!). But ultimately I think what we are all seeking, whether or not we consciously realize it, is that divine connection; that lift of spirit and confirmation of connection through love and harmony. And when we get that feeling with our horses, we honor who they really are.
Much love,
Debra