Guidance with Tackless Riding

Whenever Lilo and I ride tackless, we guide each other instead of me guiding him. Because theres no way that I can "control" him, we listen to each other. I ask him if he wants to go one way, and he'll show me if it is a yes or a no. I let him choose which way he wants to go! Our connection guides us instead of force. We are linked together, giving us all of the "control" we need. I don't need to kick his stomach or force his face one way or the other, because we simply listen to each other instead. 

Our riding, just like everything else that we do, is based on love, trust, connection, energy, equality, and freedom. Letting Lilo choose his own path does not create dominance issues, because when I listen to him, he listens to me in return. There is no need to use force when riding, because if you are connected, and you listen to each other, that is enough.

My Favorite Breeds

Some of my favorite horse breeds include: Quarter Horses, Clydesdales, Haflingers, and Mustangs.

Quarter Horses - Quarter Horses are, in my opinion, the best all-around horses. You can find QH's in jumping competitions, rodeos,  and trail rides/western pleasure riding, although they are much better with western riding than english.

Clydesdales - ever been to Disneyland? Ever seen the Budweiser commercials? If so, you have most likely seen a Clydesdale. This breed is most popular for driving (pulling carts). 

Haflingers - these horses are most known for pulling carts. They are short, but stalky. Their build gives them the power to pull lots of weight for their small stature. 

Mustangs - Mustangs are the only true type of wild horse. There are still some roaming the United States, although they struggle to survive.

Our Favorite Things!

On this weeks post, I will be sharing some of the fun things that Lilo and I do together.

Grooming - when I bring Lilo out of the pasture, one of the first things that I do is grab my brushes and groom him. This is a very relaxing and enjoyable time for Lilo.

Going on walks - Lilo loves to explore, and as I do not like to ride him very much, we often go on walks. This is a very fun, calm way to get some exercise and spend quality time together.

Practice our tricks - learning/practicing tricks is a great exercise for the horses mind. Not only does it stimulate the brain, but it is also very fun!

Play with objects - bringing out random, weird, or "scary" objects is a great way to build trust and have fun. 

Spend time in the pasture together - every now and then I like to bring a book and a blanket out in the pasture and go sit with Lilo. I will read the book to him while he grazes or hangs out with me. This is a great way to spend quality time together without asking anything from one another.

Practicing hugging :)

Going for a short run!

Building a Friendship with a Horse

Being a friend to someone is a very special thing. Especially an animal! Just being there for someone, loving them, taking care of them, and showing them how special they are to you is one of the most amazing things in the world. Knowing that they love you as much as you love them - its an indescribable feeling! You should always treat your horse as a friend. Get to know their likes and dislikes, love on them, make them little treats every now and then. But most importantly, make sure they know how much they mean to you. Don't think of them as anything below you - because they simply aren't! 

Another thing that breaks a friendship down is expectation. Don't expect a horse to let you ride them or listen to you, because they don't have to! Horses, just like any being, have rights to their bodies. Riding is not our right, its their back after all! Friendship is all about love, trust, equality, and acceptance. If you told your best human friend that you were better than them, chances are they wouldn't want to be your friend anymore. Same goes for your horse. If you treat your horse as a friend, for the amazing, beautiful beings that they are, that is what you will receive from them!