'The principles of good horsemanship are universal' - Shane Ransley

Good horsemanship is fundamental to success with horses; for aspects of safety, fun, excellence and performance and is not limited to any particular sport or discipline.  Whatever your goals may be, a good foundation of horsemanship skill is essential.

The biggest obstacle that we see preventing many people from achieving success with horses, is that people think like people.  We anthropomorphosize the horse"s response to us.  In other words, we put our thoughts onto their actions.  To be successful with horses, we need to learn to think like a horse.  Therein lies to key to natural horsemanship.

Being prey animals, horses have a completely different set of instincts and responses to those of the human – the predator.  When they act a certain way through fear, confusion or dominance, we interpret that as them being ‘naughty’ or playing up.  What is simply their need for survival can lead to a whole set of ‘behavioural problems’ that can in turn become frightening, frustrating and down right dangerous.

Through Natural Horsemanship, we can learn to think like a horse, read true meaning into their reactions and ultimately achieve a successful partnership. 

80% of all horse owners are achieving ordinary results with horses –

expect more, build rapport, expect the extraordinary!

Our Educational Goal

As little as 100 years ago, our ancestors still relied heavily on the horse; in the work place, for transport, in times of war and in Australia, for the opening up of new territories.  In those times, the horse was an honest and hard working partner, upon whom we depended and often relied.  Horses were a part of the everyday life for many people and as such, good horsemanship skills were imperative.   By the simple nature of necessity, good horsemen inevitably emerged and their skills were passed from one person to the next.  

In recent times, with the advancement of technology and changes to the way we work and travel, our need for the horse has grown less and less until, for the most part these days they have become primarily a source of recreation.  Unfortunately, as the need for the horse diminished, so did the skills of good horsemanship, as many of the old horsemen passed on and took their knowledge to the grave.

Nowadays however, with many horses only being ridden on the weekend, and for the most part getting over fed and under-worked, the need for good horsemanship skills is more dire than ever.  With our modern fast paced world, where we can get everything we need at the push of the button, we no longer have, or are willing to take, the time needed to develop a partnership with our horses, build rapport and listen to their needs.  We have become impatient and demanding, expecting instant results and when they are not forth-coming, who do we blame...the horse.  Commonly, our first reaction when a horse ‘plays up’ is to head for the tack store and buy some gadget or other, that will tie the horse in and down, or constrain him in some way and force him to submit to our wishes.  Bigger bits, tie downs all types of gizmos that look as though they belong in a horror museum, are available with the swipe of a credit card.  Worst of all, in many cases, all these contraptions do is make the horse even more scared, confused, nervous and dangerous than he was before.  If only we would take the time to see things from the horses point of view. 

Natural horsemanship is about horses having options.  It is about learning the language of the horse, listening to his point of view and communicating with him in a manner that he understands.  Horses have a reason for everything they do; good, bad or ugly.  From a true horseman’s point of view, if a horse behaves in an undesirable manner, we look for what that reason is and take it away.  If you take away the cause there is no need to address the ‘problem’ as they do not eventuate.

Everyday people are seriously hurt or killed in a horse related incident.  According to a leading university study, more people get seriously hurt getting on or off a horse, or in float-loading situations than at any other time.  The most commonly broken bone in riding accidents is the collarbone …to close to the neck for comfort!  A vast percentage of horse related accidents are preventable simply by taking the time to learn a few simple principles of good horsemanship.

At Quantum Savvy, we feel the responsibility to help educate people so that they are not only safer around horses, but also have a more rewarding and fun relationship with their horse and achieve all the goals and hopes they ever dreamed of.  Through our programme, we teach people how to build rapport with their horses, understand them to a far greater degree and communicate in such a way that many people still believe is impossible.  We teach people to be safe by learning basic skills and strategies and the language of the horse; to develop a stronger more confident partnership through preparation and mutual respect; and to achieve all they ever dreamed of and much more, by developing their own personal savvy and winning the trust and respect of the horse.   In fact, all the traits of a true horseman! 

Find out more about the levels programme...