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Horsemanship can not be limited to a method or specific exercises, as all horses are different individuals and may react differently to the same stimuli. The most important knowledge in horsemanship is a basis made of principles that you will apply to all horses.
On my mind, these eight horsemanship principles are the most important of all.
- All commands are given with our body, no verbal commands, no threatening behaviour.
- Always make the wrong thing difficult, but not impossible, and the right thing easy.
- Always offer the good deal first, the firm deal second.
- Always keep the horse within your rectangle, offering it as THE safest place in the world.
- Controlling independently the hind end from the front end is a key to establish mutual respect.
- Always control the level of energy in the horse’s motion.
- Let the horse be a partner, thinking and taking decisions.
- Reward the slightest try.