Meet our new blogger, Joseph Baker.

Joseph Baker is an avid horse rider and an emphasis on natural horsemanship. He is an ardent jumper, and exercises skills which lead to practical application of riding techniques.  Professionally, he is consultant working with companies to encourage individual health insurance and wellness as it relates to physical activity.  He believes that working with horses improves all areas of life, from patience to proper communication.  Additionally, Joseph knows that any miscommunication between he and the horse is probably his fault.  You can find some of his other blogging work at www.eatbreatheblog.com and www.professionalintern.com.

note from Allen and Sue

We love Joe's work! Let him or us know if there is a particular aspect of Imagine A Horse training that you would like him to cover.

Kindness for All

By Joseph Baker,©2011

Joseph Baker, who writes this post on behalf of Sears, is an avid horse rider and ardent jumper who believes that working with horses improves all areas of life, from patience to proper communication. Additionally, Joseph knows that any miscommunication between him and his horse is probably his fault.

Whether you are a horse owner, or the owner of another kind of animal, it is sometimes easy to take your position for granted, and expect your animal to bend to your will at all times. However, any seasoned animal owner will tell you that, as soon as you have set your mind to a task for your animal, he will dig in his hooves (pun intended) and refuse to comply. Raising your voice, using intimidation tactics, and punishing your pet won't change this scenario. So how should you react when you are faced with a truculent animal? Kindness and understanding shows your pet that you respect him, and will go a long way toward mollifying your animal, and coaxing him to do what you desire of him.

Comfort Is Key

Oftentimes, when a horse or other pet is misbehaving, it’s because he is trying to communicate something to you. Much like a child who hasn't yet learned to speak, if your pet is uncomfortable, he will try to let you know in whatever way he can. Look around. Are his quarters clean and comfortable? If not, why not spruce up his surroundings a bit? If his space is dirty and cluttered, take the time to clean it thoroughly. If he is staying where it is drafty and cold, try plugging up any holes and placing a few heaters to warm things up a bit. Remember: a comfortable animal is a happy animal. Take the time to address any needs that your animal may have, and he will thank you for it.

Positively Positive Enforcement

Positive reinforcement works for people and animals alike. Instead of punishing your animal for disobedient or unruly behavior, praise him and offer treats when he does something right. In this way, you are essentially ignoring poor behavioral choices and only focusing on the positive, which naturally encourages more of the preferable behavior. After all, if given the choice between being in the proverbial dog house and receiving goodies and praise, which would you choose? When administering treats, be sure that you are always consistent and that any treat or praise happens right after the positive action, so your animal will make the association between what it is that he did and the prize that was won. After a while, you should be able to offer fewer treats while receiving the same good behaviors.

Just a Little Patience

Impatience is usually based upon frustration at events that are going counter to how we believe they should. When interacting with your animal, it is important to practice patience at all times. Animals can sense hostility, even when we have taken pains to hide it, and they will react accordingly. Try to put yourself in the place of your animal; listen to your tone of voice and observe your body language. If you are exuding impatience, then take a step back from the situation, take a deep breath and count to ten, and try again. Learning how to be patient will benefit every aspect of your life, from your interaction with family and friends to the way that you handle everyday stressors at work. In this way, your animal can be your teacher every bit as much as you are his teacher.

For animal owners, the key is to treat your animal the way that you would like to be treated. By showing respect and admiration, rather than being overbearing and punishing, your animal is far more likely to learn the proper behaviors much more quickly than they would otherwise. Just remember to be thoughtful, positive and patient, and the rest will fall into place.

Joe's newest- "Natural Horsemanship Defined"

What we loved about this article is that it is fresh and new and not a rip off of the word "Natural" as in a marketing machine but from the mind and heart of a real horseman.

Sue and Allen

Natural Horsemanship Defined

By Joseph Baker © 2011

Though the practice of natural horsemanship – training techniques based on understanding a horse's herd instincts and psychology – has long been around, the term only came into prominence about 20 years ago with the publication and movie release of Nicholas Sparks' "The Horse Whisperer." The practice has again made headlines with the recent release of the award-winning documentary Buck, which follows natural horseman Buck Brannaman around to clinics he conducts about horse behavior. The humane treatment of animals isn't new, but following the guidelines of natural horsemanship serve as excellent metaphors for life. 

Your relationship with your horse

Natural horsemanship is built on the belief that horses can be trained using trust, respect, and proper communication rather than trying to coerce and intimidate the animal into behaving. Despite your best efforts, animals can still be unpredictable. Animals and humans will always instinctively protect themselves when threatened. Proper training techniques will prevent a horse from relying on its defenses. Convey your message nicely but authoritatively – much like you might speak to a child – and provide positive feedback when appropriate. Form a relationship of mutual respect and always remember to be patient. Frustration is inevitable but it doesn't have to pollute the good work you and your horse are doing.

Your responsibility as an owner

Horse lovers and horse owners are not necessarily the same people. Some may purchase a horse as a source of relaxation, but it is paramount to remember that your horse will still require care and proper instruction. Be mindful of your role in the horse's life. Be smart, reasonable, kind, gentle, and always approach your horse calmly. Know yourself, your mood, and how you react in times of stress. If your horse is acting out, the horse may be reacting to your negative attitude and energy. A horse exhibiting behavioral issues may also have an undiagnosed physical problem. Never assume that your horse is just going to know what to do, no matter how much time you've spent together. Failure to properly train a horse can result in serious injury and the need to have on hand a medical alert system.

Your respect for your horse

Have realistic expectations about what your horse can or can't do, especially if the horse was poorly treated in the past. Invest the time in correcting learned behavior, keeping in mind that realistic goals are paramount to your success as a trainer. Treat your horse as you wish to be treated, i.e., encouraging the animal towards the right answer rather than trying to force the animal to learn. Negative feedback is stressful and likely to prolong positive results. Everyone has a bad day. Before you give up, assuming your horse is purposefully disobeying you, consider the day and your environment. Whether you need to change your perspective and try again or come back another day, know that proper training takes time. Always respect your horse's abilities and limitations.

Anyone can be a natural horseman, whether you choose to define yourself that way or not. Base your relationship with your horse upon respect and open channels of communication; this will help you easily move through your training to a successful outcome.