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RE: [RC] Being the Herd Leader - Marv WalkerIf the "be the herd leader" concept helps you to establish a working relationship with your horse, then by all means use it. But if it doesn't, that's okay....because it is a bullshit concept, and I guarantee you, no matter how you may be decieving yourself, your horse does not think of you as another horse....and a good thing too. I have seen the way that horses treat each other, and I want no part of that kind of a relationship. :) Not being contentious here... How do you know that horses don't see you as a horse? I have seen horses treat each other in totally different ways. True, I don't want to be treated like some treat other horses but I have no objection to being treated like some horses treat other horses. But I insist that they treat me as a herd leader and I ACT like herd leader acts. You do not get in the leader's space unless it is allowed, you don't threaten, bite or kick the herd leader. Set me down in the middle of a herd of strange horses and they very quickly will recognize that I am a leader and respond accordingly. I demonstrate this time and time again in my videos and events. Horses are genetically preprogrammed to react in a set manner to horse leader- ship actions. I totally disagree. IMHO, it is NOT bullshit...it's a very important concept, and if you ignore it, you are missing something very important in the relationship between human and horse...something it took me years to understand and appreciate. I have worked with horses for over 50 years...my first pony-horse at age 8, working at NC State Agricultural barns, boarding barns, through many disciplines and many horses. Like most, I started off stupid...it's a wonder I didn't die. Through observation, working with a lot of different types and breeds of horses (and owners), and studying the methods and techniques of natural horsemanship clinicians, I learned a lot, discarded the things that didn't work for me, and adopted the things that did. It's an unusual day that goes by when I don't learn something new. Arabians were a revelation to me...their intelligence, gentle dispositions, and willingness to please...they have taught me a lot. What he said. Horses will never learn "human"...you must learn "horse"...and they DO treat you as another horse...how strongly that occurs depends on how much time you spend with a specific horse/herd. It's more obvious in smaller herds. Horses are strongly empathic and communicate in ways we still struggle to comprehend. They respect strength, and respond to pressure when it is applied in ways they understand. Weakness and timidity make them fearful. You teach by making it easy to do the right thing and difficult to do the wrong thing...they same way a lead mare teaches. For example a mischievous youngling will be chased out of the herd to live by himself on the perimeter. To be part of the "herd" he must learn the rules...enforced by the HERD LEADER. Marv "Wurks fo mee." Walker
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