The Secret to Effortless Harmony
Let’s talk about "Practical Purpose"—but before we do, we need to understand the "Principle."
The Principle is the ABC of every movement. It’s the fundamental knowledge of a horse’s movement and knowing when, where, and how to apply your cue to achieve the desired outcome. These principles are practiced repeatedly until they become second nature, forming the bedrock of our communication with our horse.
Practical Purpose, on the other hand, is the ability to apply those ABCs seamlessly in real-world situations. It’s when those well-practiced principles are executed quickly and instinctively, without needing to pause and think. This is when muscle memory takes over, ensuring that both horse and rider act in harmony.
Why is this distinction important?
1. It allows students to progress in their horsemanship.
2. It equips them to make independent decisions, understanding when and how to apply cues.
3. It builds confidence in both horse and rider, enabling quick and effective responses when needed.
A Real-Life Lesson: Camp and Lyric’s Journey
We arrived at camp on Monday evening, and the horses settled in for the night. The next two weeks were designed to build independence for both the horses and my students. One of the key exercises I use is asking students to move around camp with just themselves and their horse during groundwork. This exploration allows the horse to show where it may be uncomfortable and to what degree. I often call this part of training “scribbling on the page”—a time for exploration, fun, and learning how to read a horse’s communication. Are the horses confident? Are they hesitant? Or are they scared? These are the questions students need to answer through experience and observation.
Adjusting to a new environment posed typical challenges, especially for horses not accustomed to travel. Traveling as a group had also fostered some herd-bound behavior, so part of our focus was to build each horse's confidence in being alone, whether in their stalls or during work. This was especially important at this camp, where we had four horses but only three riders, meaning one horse would always be left at the barn. Teaching horses that they can be comfortable and secure on their own is a crucial part of training.
Introducing Lyric: The New Kid on the Block
Among the horses at camp, Lyric was newer to both traveling and trail riding. While the other horses settled in and adjusted quickly, Lyric faced more significant emotional challenges. Throughout camp, he made steady progress, and I felt he was ready to move to the next step: heading out on the trail through the trailhead. But as we prepared for this, Lyric's anxiety reappeared as soon as he was mounted. These moments require patience and a focus on grounding. If a horse isn’t emotionally settled, rushing them is not an option. The priority is to set both horse and rider up for success by ensuring the horse feels confident, relaxed, and willing.
At this point, we were operating on Lyric’s timeline. No matter the task, it’s crucial for a horse to find calmness and grounding before progressing. We worked for over two hours to help Lyric reach this emotional state. This wasn’t about pushing a specific timeline—it was about listening to him and letting his emotional state guide the pace. Ensuring he was calm was essential for preventing future problems.
As we prepared to set out, I noticed Lyric’s strong pull toward the trailhead. Although he was relaxed at camp, he was not fully settled at the trailhead. He was trying to push through, as if wanting to "get it over with." This behavior is risky; left unchecked, it can lead to moments of chaos that endanger both horse and rider.
Applying Principle to the Moment
This is when I called on Dee and Dewey—the “Double D” team—to step in. Dee had been riding Dewey for three years, honing her understanding of the principles and perfecting the timing, pressure, and responsiveness needed to guide Dewey effectively. Their practice meant that when they needed to act in real time, it was automatic and seamless.
As we rode around camp, calm and grounded, Lyric’s anxiety grew whenever we approched the trailhead. He would pull or rush toward the trailhead repeatedly, making it difficult for him to think clearly despite my efforts to redirect him. This is where Dee and Dewey came in to ride alongside us as a supportive buffer. If Lyric attempted to rush or hurry through the trailhead, Dewey was positioned to block him and guide him back. I wanted Lyric to be as calm and grounded at the trailhead as he was in camp setting him up for a relaxed ride on the trails rather than one of anxiety at every step or corner.
The Moment of Practical Purpose: The Test Begins
What happened next was an extraordinary display of how principle becomes practical purpose. Lyric was relentless, trying every trick he knew to break past Dewey. But Dee and Dewey were ready. Dee didn’t pause or think through each response—her cues were instinctual. She halted, backed up, performed rollbacks, and shifted directions without hesitation. Their movements were fluid, precise, and automatic.
The standoff lasted nearly 30 minutes. Lyric tested every option, pulling forward and trying to bypass Dewey. But Dee and Dewey met him at each attempt. Dee’s calm demeanor and Dewey’s solid presence reinforced the boundary, teaching Lyric that his attempts wouldn’t succeed. It was a back-and-forth of strategy, with Lyric trying to outmaneuver and Dee blocking him every time.
As time passed, something began to shift in Lyric’s behavior. His anxious energy waned, and he started to slow down. The battle of wills softened, and Lyric began to follow Dewey’s lead with more ease. Finally, he was calm and centered, willing to move without tension. The scene was breathtaking—a testament to what happens when practice meets real-world challenges.
The Power of Consistent Practice
Dee and Dewey’s ability to handle the situation was not luck; it was the result of years of consistent practice. Because they had invested the time to master the principles, they were able to apply them effectively in a moment of need. The principles they had worked on—the timing, the understanding, and the pressure—allowed Dee to respond instinctively, ensuring the safety of everyone involved and teaching Lyric a valuable lesson.
Bringing It Back to Principle vs. Practical Purpose
This moment reminded everyone at camp that the small, seemingly repetitive tasks we practice day in and day out matter. Those moments build muscle memory, so when it’s needed, you can respond without hesitation. And when those principles are so ingrained that they flow seamlessly into practical application, you and your horse can move together in perfect harmony.
So, yes, the small stuff matters. It may not always be the most exciting part of training, but it’s what makes those magical, effortless moments possible. And that is the goal: to move with your horse as if you’re both one, united and confident in every step.
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