Query re: Relationship with Animals

[Guest guest]

I recently resumed taking horseback riding lessons. I am writing because

I continue to think about whether this is a bad thing or not. I would

appreciate any perspectives on this, as I consider whether I will

continue.

 

My story is that I love animals--yes, including humans, even though humans

in particular make it VERY difficult at times. Anyway, before the lesson

I arrive early, and I take the horse out of its stall and over to where I

can prepare the horse for the lesson. I brush the horse gently, reaching

out to establish a relationship if the horse is willing. After brushing,

I massage the horse, then clean the horse's feet. (I keep saying " the

horse " because I ride different horses, but usually I ride the same horse

for several weeks and then switch as I progress (or regress)). (Today, I,

Sam, rode Sam--yes, that's right, they call the horse " Sam. " ).

 

Anyway, after the massage, I put the saddle on, making sure it is not on

too tight, and that it is placed appropriately--this will make the horse

more comfortable. Then I put the bit in the horses mouth, and head out

for the lesson. During all this time I talk to the horse, and I try to

attend to the horse's mood--is the mood excited, distracted, resistant, or

something else.

 

When the lesson occurs, I work very hard to assure I do not come down

heavily on the horses back as we are trotting. I do not weigh much, about

115 pounds, but I still think it can not be pleasant for the horse to be

slapped in the back by my weight. As you are supposed to come down gently

(I am told), this is a nice confluence of technique and care for others.

 

Also, I try to be *with* the horse, and I am quick to point out to the

teacher if I have done something that led the horse to fail to do

something the teacher wanted us to do. Also, while on the east coast I

was told to kick the horse--I refused. I find a gentle squeeze is

sufficient to get going, or to move into trot, or even cantor. That did

not work so well when I was back east, perhaps because the horse's had

been kicked.

 

Parenthetically, I worked hard to find human trainers, both here and back

east, who took care of their horses. Both east and west coast trainers

use the most gentle bits, have indoor training areas (especially so the

horse will not be at risk of slipping on snow or ice), lots of space for

the horses to roam outside their stall, and more.

 

All that is fine, but I really wish I could ask the horse directly whether

it is okay for me to ride. As it is, when the lesson is over, I repeat

the set-up ritual, taking off the saddle, brushing, massaging, cleaning

hooves. And sometimes I bring a special treat for my four-legged teacher.

 

I confess I am conflicted about this process. I have no plans to compete,

I just wanted to learn how to ride, and perhaps to jump. I thought it

would be fun to move as one with this graceful powerful being. And I

thought I would grow in spirit in the process, as I re-connected with

another, a very different being whose species I admire. But, I welcome

others' insights on this issue.

 

Thanks in advance for any helpful (including critical) perspectives you

can offer.

 

Sam