TRAINING

It is very important to learn how to correctly lead a pack string safely.

Learn from an expert with patience and specialized training on how to guide them over difficult terrain, reduce rider fatigue, prevent injuries to the horses and mules, and successfully cross rivers, switchbacks, and rocky conditions with care.

Topics Covered

• Knowledge of all equipment needed
• Technical use of hitches – learn the 5 different hitches: Box, Diamond, Barrel, Basket, and Blind George
• Horse & Mule behavior and observation skills
• How to lead a pack or string over difficult terrain
• How to set up camp for overnight safety: Highlining, Grazing Principles, Feeding, Weather, Rotation, and Leave No Trace Camping
• Feed and care in the backcountry
• Equine first aid – stay alert and ahead of symptoms of Colic, Dehydration, Hidden Injuries, Infections, Open Wounds, and Fatigue. Learn how to spot and treat them
• Shoe knowledge and hoof care – learn the physical attributes of the hoof, its function and benefits, and get the opportunity to practice shoeing
• Situational Awareness of the environment – Develop daily plans based on equine and mule health, weather, and destination
  

What is Natural Horsemanship?

For thousands of years, many cultures have forged a relationship with the horse. The horse has taken on the role of service, working alongside people in many ways. As this role has evolved, people have sought expert horse trainers who share their experiences on how to develop a deep, profound friendship with the horse.

Much of this relationship is based on patient kindness to understand and know the subtle communication of the horse’s natural way of being in the herd.

People today interact with the horse differently than as a past cavalry mount, plow for the fields, or pulling a buggy for transportation.

Today, research reveals more about the horse. Places like the Institute of Heartmath have studied how horses bring people into a more coherent state of being, making them feel naturally calm and in a truer natural state.

This is helpful in letting go of unhealthy learned habits or nervous system dysfunctions stuck in heightened, prolonged states of fight, flight, and freeze, which cause dis-ease, anxiety, or PTSD.

Having a more natural coherent state of being gives someone a reference point to heal and find their own normal calm true self. They attain confidence, feel clearer, and can navigate life more effectively as an empowered observer instead of unnecessarily reacting to external influences.

There are other related studies that say horses make people smarter. We will discuss why and how this is possible.

How Can We Grow and Learn?

Learning with your horse is meant to be relaxed, fun, and enjoyable, as well as safe. Nature and laughter are some of the best medicines!

We present ways to hear the whispers of your horse through subtle awareness, communication, and body language. You can build a successful rapport without words, and it is a very meaningful experience that many say nourishes their spirit deeply.

It starts with you knowing your own self better—understanding your thoughts, intentions, personality, and attitude. This includes the way you walk, your posture, how you relate to the space around you, and how you move, all of which make a difference to the horse. The unspoken nuances are tools you can apply to improve many aspects of your life experience.

A few examples of what we will explore include how horses see movement in their periphery, while we see more forward-focused as predators. Horses also have four legs on the earth, and we have two—this is helpful to understand as you learn.

With this wisdom and skilled foundation, you can add the technical aspects of riding to form a very unique, special friendship. For non-riders, it is also beneficial to improve and build on your unique friendship with life.