When are Two Heads Better Than One?

Pushing/Pulling Contest

By Jane Zubia of Satin Gaits

I went to say hello to a participant of a clinic I was doing. While visiting with the rider I noticed her gelding was upset about being in a new location and I made a mental note to keep my eye on him.

I encourage riders to get their horses used to an arena before a session starts because it helps the horses to feel more comfortable and safe. When they feel secure they are better able to focus once the work begins.

During the warm-up I noticed again this particular horse and its rider were not operating well together. The rider had only minor ability to keep her horse on track so the gelding was taking charge and setting the direction he wanted to go. It reminded me of an animal in the Dr. Doolittle story that had 2 heads, one on each end of its body. Each head had a different idea of where they should be going which caused them to be constantly pushing and pulling. I was witnessing a similar situation because the rider was late in catching her gelding’s intent and ineffective in countering his desire which was causing him to become very irritated. During the clinic the conflict increased to the point where the gelding was backing up or going sideways trying to get closer to another horse. The rider didn’t realize she was confusing her horse or causing him to be frustrated.

One of the tools I use is a wheelbarrow because it allows riders to “feel” and gain new information about their gaited horse. After the wheelbarrow session and the riders remounted, I encouraged them to practice their new acquired knowledge. The “troubled” gelding once more tried to buddy up with another horse; however this time the rider could “feel” him in a whole new manner and was able to counter quicker the gelding’s intent and movement with a more effective approach. Each positive counter-move brought a smaller amount of stress into their relationship and improved the situation. What was most interesting (for me) was the gelding’s attitude. He was becoming less frustrated with his rider, more willing to be directed and had a reduced interest in seeking companionship with another horse. The pushing and pulling contest between them was decreasing all because the rider had gained more awareness besides a useful technique which helped her do a better job of directing. By the end of the clinic this pair was looking happier.

So when are two heads better than one?...when both heads are working together and focused on the same goal or purpose. Once you are capable of catching things earlier, you will find there will be fewer pushing/pulling contests and the power of two unified minds will be able to achieve some awesome results