Today, November 5, 2010, almost 9 years to the day has passed since I wrote this article below. The core has not changed. On the contrary — this writing provides just that – the very core of horsemanship – the CORNERSTONE upon which to establish a spiritual connection with the horse that develops the true partnership between Horse and Human. It is that part of the relationship that I now seek to establish with every Horse and in doing so help others discover the same.  There WILL be a followup article written in this time, 9 years later. Remember — a Partnership takes time to establish and its always changing, always morphing always growing. Or – if not to be, then dissolving.  If we remember, thought, that we are exactly where we’re supposed to be at any given moment then our paths become well lighted and the vision and the gift of such a connection with an animal can fully blossom — opening one petal at a time.  Read below for Part I of this “Spiritual Side of Horsemanship”

On the Spiritual Side of Horsemanship
Nov 14, 2001 – © Gwenyth Browning Jones Santagate

Following a discussion on Dominance vs. Leadership …

Post: “However, it is quite a big step, in my opinion, to conclude that the “leadership” seen (in terms of herd movements) is =caused= by dominance.”

My reply: I don’t think I inferred that “leadership” is =caused= by dominance. On the contrary …”Dominance” brings forth “defense” caused by “fear” … whereas “leadership” brings on teamwork and partnership … THESE are the two “keywords” that describe what should be the ultimate gain/end when working with horses …

I see a huge difference between “dominance” and “leadership”. Let’s dissect these two words for a moment with some Funk & Wagnall’s definitions:

“DOMINANCE … derived from the word “Dominate” … 1. control; govern 2. tower above. 3. be dominant, as in power.

“LEADERSHIP … derived from the word “Leader” …1. one who or that which goes ahead or in advance. 2. one who acts as a guiding force, commander, etc.

I think is it REALLY important to play out the semantics between these two words as each one encompass VERY different plays, if you will …

I choose to be a “leader” with my guys which perpetuates the relationship of mutual trust, respect and security. I believe that to be a “leader” when working with horses it surpasses, far surpasses, the relationship of dominance/subordinate. However, it takes a bit of inner emotional work to get beyond the need to “dominate” … when we feel we need to be dominant aka “alpha, boss, whatever” we seek the “POWER” and ‘CONTROL’ that goes along with it in order to make ‘ourselves’ feel safe and secure. If we can “control” the situation of working with a 1200# animal that can kill us in a split second, then we feel OK. But, to be the “leader” and choose to regard the HORSE’S “feelings” in the situation, if you will, then we put our own “will” aside and first and foremost think of the horse. … are we explaining what we want to the horse is a manner which is clearly understood? Are we helping the horse to understand and execute the behavior which is being requested? Are we willing to step back when the horse is exhibiting behaviors which clearly tell us that it does not understand? i.e. … evasive backing, aggressiveness, prancing, jigging, throwing head, hollowing back, pulling, pushing, bolting, rearing, bucking, biting, … behaviors which are “negative” to humans but in equine language is SHOUTING so that we, the human, might better understand? No, I said that wrong … the equine does not view us as human or horse or anything else .. we “are” a predator. Baseline, that’s what we are … THE predator. Do we need to exhibit “dominance” as a predator to MAKE/FORCE the horse to comply with our wishes? Or … do we exhibit leadership as a ‘safe’ predator to form a working team relationship with the horse.

Why do we feel such the strong bond with a horse to begin with? What is it that draws us to seek even a spiritual connection with such a large, incredible animal. Now I’m really getting off topic/subject here but I think that when we discuss “dominance” vs. “leadership” .. these are things that we honestly have to ask ourselves and honestly answer before we can enter into a relationship with a horse honestly.

I believe that “dominance” is formulated through a baseline of fear. Yes, even with humans. A human has the need to dominate because if a situation is not in the “control” of the human, the human has to concede to feelings of being a “victim”. However, if human can understand that he/she does not need to feel victimized and can have the flexibility to change something that isn’t working aka … the “boss” is wrong … then the human can begin to guide, encourage, teach, learn and be a “leader”. The human EGO is taken out of the picture (need to dominate) … and a deeper level of understanding is opened in order to form a deeper working relationship with the horse (or person, or dog, or any other human-animal relationship)

I don’t want to go into a full dissertation on this and I have nothing more than my personal studies and experiences on which to base all of this … but if one were to be totally honest and true with onesself … then I think that this “stuff” will become so blatantly clear that there would be no questions on the difference between “dominance” and “leadership”. It is when we, as egotistical people dealing with our raw id, can bypass or work thorough our “selves” that we can then begin to see and work with other creations that do not have the egos … as equals and as friends. This takes risk. Heavy, high risk. But the end result? Cannot be surpassed!!!

No, humans are not horses and horses do not see us as horses. BUT … that’s part of the magic of it all, wouldn’t you agree? That species can cross relate with one another and find mutual ground on which to be honest and true friends and partners? How much we could learn from the animals if we’d only put our egos aside …