Real Horsemanship

Discussing Horsemanship the other day. Real Horsemanship vs Showmanship. Because of the popularity, I have a couple freestyle reining examples. Emmie Fisher 2014 Congress Freestyle Reining Winner and Dan James 2014 Kentucky Reining Cup Freestyle Winner. They have both stunned the crowd and became the goals of many horse owners. But which one is real Horsemanship? The answer is obvious.

Dan James is a Showman NOT a Horseman. He makes a living off domination training, which teaches horses not to think for themselves and to tolerate pain. To swallow their fear and accept domination. Basically turning horses into robots that we can climb on, stand on, humiliate, and dominate for our own amusement. This is the same kind of training that the popular Guy McLean uses as well, and the effect of this type of training was seen at Equine Affaire when his horse was run into a wall. Because these horses are punished for thinking for themselves, they no longer have a will and do not try to save themselves. This is NOT a bond and this is NOT Horsemanship. This is Showmanship, this is “look what I can make this horse do.”

Now let’s look at Emmie Fisher. This is Horsemanship. Riding with a saddle for the comfort of the horse, as opposed to bareback for the ego of the rider. And bridleless, that’s Horsemanship. Not relying on a big bit and pulling on the horses head, not trying to control the horse. The way the horse checks in with the rider is a clear sign that this girl allows her horse to ask questions, to seek comfort, to THINK. This is liberation of the horse and being a partner to the horse. This is a bond. This is Horsemanship.

It’s very hypocritical when I hear horse owners talking about how badly they wish they could have a bond with their horses and be a real Horseman. But they idolize people like Dan James and Guy McLean. You can’t have a bond with a horse that you treat like a slave. A Horseman always puts the horse first.

Video Links
Dan James: https://youtu.be/oHhKo0m312o
Emmie Fisher: https://youtu.be/ogICRhN6eU0