Loving the horse first with Amy from Amy Skinner Horsemanship
If you're a horse lover or owner, you know that horses can sometimes baffle us with their actions.
They're more than just animals; they're our companions, and when their behaviour goes haywire, it's time to dig deeper.
In this captivating conversation, Amy Skinner, a seasoned expert in horse rehabilitation, unravels the mysteries of horse behaviour, shedding light on the often-overlooked causes of their quirks (links to the episodes at the end of this blog).
Horses, strong and resilient as they are, can suffer from physical issues that affect their behaviour. Amy Skinner points out that problems like back pain and joint stiffness can turn a sweet horse into a grumpy one. Imagine if you were in constant discomfort – your performance would plummet. The same goes for horses. Recognizing and fixing these physical issues are crucial for improving their behaviour and happiness.
In our fast-paced world, we often forget the simple joys. Horses are social creatures. They thrive when they're out in the pasture, mingling with their buddies. Amy Skinner reminds us that neglecting this basic need can lead to stress, anxiety, and all sorts of difficult and sometimes dangerous behaviours.
“Stability and balance aren't just for gymnasts; they're critical for horse training too”, says Amy Skinner. Imagine a horse as a dancer, needing poise and equilibrium. To help your horse perform at its best, you must ride it with balance. Keep a steady seat and give clear cues, and you'll help your horse find its own balance during training.
Amy Skinner emphasises that you, the rider, hold a powerful sway over your horse's behaviour. How you communicate with your horse matters immensely. Confusing signals from you can leave your horse frustrated and acting out. To understand and fix horse behavioral issues, it's vital to grasp your role as a rider. Learn and practice a quiet seat, independent, balanced seat and quiet steady hands that your horse can trust and relax into to seek for direction, and you'll be on your way to our third pillar of connection training - physical integration.
In this chat, we've gone deep into horse behaviour with Amy Skinner. We've explored the hidden physical causes of quirks, from sore backs to the need for freedom and friends. Remember, you're like the dance partner to your horse – find your balance, and you'll help your horse perform beautifully.
As we continue our journey with Amy Skinner, we'll dive even further into the fascinating world of horse psychology. Understanding both the physical and behavioural sides of horse training will empower you to truly connect with your horse and bring out its best.
It's a journey every horse enthusiast and owner should embark on.