About Horse Trainers

Humans have been interacting with horses since the two species met millennia ago. Horse trainers have been of particular importance for centuries in the arena of horsemanship, whether for transportation, battle or pleasure. The history and developing types of horse trainers have significantly contributed to the way the two relate.

History

People on many continents and lands have domesticated horses in some way. The earliest written document on horse training is from 430 AD by the Greek historian, soldier and mercenary, Xenophon. He is known for his writings on the times he lived in and is said by some to be the first "horse whisperer" due to his work "On Horsemanship." This piece of writing details the first principles of classical dressage. Xenophon was clear that his training methods be conducted in a nonabusive manner. Many methods have since developed in Native American, European and American cultures.

Significance

Horse trainers were a necessity in many cultures before the locomotive was born. Horses were used in battle and to get around. Though it may be said that horse trainers are not a necessity in present day, the human-horse connection that remains is too valuable to describe. Horse trainers strive to establish a communication with these large animals in order to build trust and relationships that can withstand ranching, farming, racing, show jumping and pleasure riding, among other activities. In Amish cultures, horses are still used to pull carts and buggies.

Types

There are several branches of horse trainers that all utilize slightly different methods for different purposes. Generally, horse trainers are divided into categories such as classical dressage, Western, show events or racing, though many trainers combine methods. Some famous trainers in the horse-circuit include Western-style trainers like John and Josh Lyons; contemporary dressage trainers like Kyra Kyrklund; horse behavior specialist Monty Roberts, also known as the "Horse Whisperer"; trainers Pat and Linda Parelli and horse communicator and behavior specialist Pony Boy.

Considerations

The language of Equus can be hard for a human to reach. Pony Boy says "A horse is a horse," meaning no matter what type of training someone chooses, the animals all speak the same language. Horses are flight animals and will instinctively flee when afraid. They will seek to partner with the trainer after learning they need not fear them, despite humans' predatory nature.

Misconceptions

With the media depicting horses unrealistically, it is easy for those who aren't involved in equestrian training to assume that the horses are the only ones who need training.
"The most important thing about training animals is that the owner needs training, too," said Torin Judd, a mixed-methods trainer at Miles to Go Farm. "People often think that animals can just be magically "fixed" when there is a problem. Usually the owners are the problem. Humans are natural predators and need to relearn how to act around horses so the horse feels comfortable communicating on the same level."

Benefits

A good horse trainer has patience. Finding or becoming a good horse trainer can mean the difference between a happy, secure and confident horse and a fearful, confused and angry one. The discipline can also improve interpersonal relationships, as well as human-to-animal relationships.

Potential

The more hours spent with a horse, the more the human-horse connection flows. Some trainers have been able to accomplish amazing partnerships with their horses so that the animals can be ridden without saddle or bridle. Some can get their horses to perform complicated tricks on command. The movie industry would never have made countless movies without horses trainers.