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For Humans and Their Horses
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and Your Horse.
Your mindset is essentially your attitude or way of thinking about something.
In the context of working with horses,
it can have a significant impact on us and our horse's behaviour and actions.
What's On Offer
Mindset Coaching
Horsemanship Skills
Personalized Courses
Connection for You & Your Horse
Le Prosper Equine-Assisted Holistic Retreat
The Power Of Mindset
Can You Hear Them Whispering?
Having a positive mindset can bring about positive outcomes it
allows for clear communication, trust, and a harmonious relationship between you and your horse.
On the other hand, having a negative mindset can lead to a lack of confidence, frustration, fear, and even danger when working with horses.
This is especially true if you have a preconceived notion that
horses can be unpredictable.
As the saying goes, "Horses reflect the mindset of their humans."
This statement holds true not only in horsemanship
but also in many other aspects of life and how we approach things,
our thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes can greatly affect our interactions with relationships, and the world around us.
Why Do Horses Express Bad Behavior?
Horses are majestic animals that have been domesticated by humans for centuries. However, despite being trained and well-behaved most of the time, there are instances when horses can display attitude and sassy behavior.
Some common examples of bad behavior (lack of trust) in horses include bucking, rearing,
biting or nipping, kicking, refusing to be caught, not picking their feet up,
not allowing you in or out of the stable or near food, not standing still while grooming, dragging you around, no space awareness or boundaries.
These types of behavior can be frustrating and even dangerous for both
horse and their handler.
But what causes horses to act out this way?
There are a few potential reasons why a horse may exhibit bad behavior, including pain, fear, lack of clear communication, and most importantly, Your Mindset.
Understanding the Relationship Between
Horse and Rider
When it comes to horses, there is more than just physical coordination involved.
The bond between a horse and its rider goes beyond mere technique and requires a deeper understanding of how the actions
and thoughts of both parties can affect one another.
Horses are highly intuitive animals, able to sense even the slightest changes in their environment and the emotions of those around them.
This makes them incredibly responsive to our body language, tone of voice, and even thoughts and feelings.
As such, it is essential to be aware of your mindset when interacting with them.
For example, if we approach them feeling anxious stressed, or guilty
etc.... they will pick up on this negative energy and become tense, fearful, or
even aggressive.
Showing us, how we are truly feeling inside, mirroring
our attitude towards them.
Conversely, if we approach them with a calm and confident mindset,
concentrating on the task at hand, in our now, they are likely to respond positively and remain relaxed which can create a sense of security.
The relationship between a horse and a human is built on a good understanding of the horse's natural instincts, how the natural herd works, and what makes them tick.
Like any relationship, it's built on respect, trust, and clear communication, never through domination.
Plus we all need a bit of love and affection.
Moreover, horses are incredibly perceptive to body language.
Even subtle changes in posture or movement can send signals to the horse,
affecting their behavior.
This is why we need to have a good understanding of our body language and how it may be interpreted by the horse.
In addition to being aware of one's thoughts and body language, it is also important for us to be present in the moment because horses live in the present and are highly attuned to their surroundings. If we are distracted or not fully engaged our horses can act out accordingly mirroring our true thoughts, feelings, and emotions at that precise time.
In conclusion, the bond between a horse and its handler/rider goes beyond just physical cues and commands.
The rider's mental state and level of awareness can greatly impact the
horse's response and behavior.
By being mindful of our thoughts, body language, and presence, we can cultivate a strong and positive relationship with our horses.
So next time you're with your horse, take a moment to check in with yourself
and see how it may be affecting your equine partner.
Fear can have a significant effect on
individuals when they are around horses.
Horses are large and powerful animals, and if you're not comfortable or confident in their presence, it can lead to various physical and emotional responses. Here are some common ways fear can impact people when they're around horses:
-
Physical Tension: Fear often leads to physical tension, including muscle stiffness, a clenched jaw, and shallow breathing. This can affect your ability to communicate effectively with the horse.
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Increased Heart Rate: Fear triggers the body's "fight or flight" response, leading to an increased heart rate and adrenaline rush. This heightened state of arousal can make it difficult to stay calm and composed, and remember horses can hear your heartbeat from 4/5 feet away.
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Loss of Focus: Fear can make it challenging to concentrate and pay attention to the horse's behavior and cues.
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Inconsistent Signals: Fear can cause unintentional inconsistencies in your cues to the horse. This can confuse the horse and potentially lead to miscommunication.
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Safety Risks: When fear is not managed properly, it can increase the risk of accidents and injuries around horses.
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Reduced Confidence: Fear can erode your self-confidence, making you doubt your abilities as a rider or handler.
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Avoidance Behaviors: Some individuals may avoid situations involving horses altogether due to fear, missing out on the joys of horsemanship and riding.
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Desensitization: can help desensitize you and your horse to the things that trigger fear.
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Breathing and Relaxation Techniques: Practice deep breathing and relaxation exercises to manage physical tension and anxiety.
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Professional Guidance: Consider working with an experienced coach who can provide guidance and support as you build your confidence. If your horse's behaviour is significantly impacting your relationship, please take a look at my 90-day mindset performance coaching program where I can guide and support you through the process of improving your connection, and skills and achieving your goals.
With the right approach and support, people can develop a more positive, confident, connection and relationship with themselves and become the perfect leader of their own life and for these magnificent beings.
Meet Anne
Mindset Performance Coach
Hello, my name is Anne Davis
I am a Mindset Performance Coach I help people identify limiting beliefs and emotions stopping them from doing what they truly desire and moving forward within themselves
their lives, and especially with their horses.
The reason I can help you is that I have been on a 40-year equine journey of transformation from helping many rescued fearful horses using a natural/holistic approach to horsemanship, turning around some aggressive animals to loving secure horses.
"Horsemanship is slowly progressing
from Domination to Communication,
and it all starts
with our mindset" 😊🐴
Years on, recovering from an unfaithful relationship and contracting Strangles on my yard the stress was too much I was depressed and having bad anxiety attacks.
I went to the doctors and found out I had fibroids, I had started an early menopause, and my thyroid was worryingly overactive so as you can imagine my hormones were erratic.
I was ill, and living a life of limitations.
Just goes to show you what a stressful mind can do to your body I was in a very dark place, with the ex-still playing his games and messing with my head.
In time with the all clear from Strangles and having that extra time watching the horses I realised they were constantly trying to help their humans, (including my horse, Kitty with me) horses I had lived and worked with and knew very well would act out of character at different times and days with their owners and carers.
I knew there was more to this natural horsemanship business and I had to do something to get out of this rut.
I eventually pulled myself together, found a coach I believed in, and trusted, and went on to become an Accredited, Equine-Assisted Therapist and NLP Master Practitioner
I am now the proprietor of Le Prosper Equine-Assisted
Holistic Retreat in the SW of France, I create Online Courses, and I have a constant source of inspiration and motivation to help others get out of their heads,
enjoy their horses without any drama, and move on safely and
happily in any discipline they desire.
Never give up on your dreams 🦄🤗
What Some Of My Students Have To Say
Sarah Toll
After suffering from severe anxiety, stress, and panic attacks for over a year, I was ready to try anything to help. I am pleased to say that after spending the day with Anne and her lovely horses I have seen a significant improvement and am feeling more relaxed.
I was surprised to see how much this had helped in contrast to medications.
I have tried various medications to help with the problem but have always suffered side effects some of which required hospital treatment.
It is such a shame doctors do not refer patients to these types of therapies if I had done this first I may not have needed to take medication and suffer as I have done.
This provides a real solution to the problem instead of just hiding it.
I have completely changed the way I think to be much more positive in only one session! I cannot thank Anne and her wonderful horses enough x
Dr Belinda Murphy
I’ve been working with horses and their humans for 30+years. Guided by Anne’s Mindset Performance Program I have been able to establish
even better relationships with my horses, enabling me to achieve greater results in less
time.
Following Anne’s course, I changed my focus and mindset from, thinking about what the horse is feeling, to, concentrating on what I was
feeling and subsequently observing the changes in the horses. This demonstrated how my internal
thought processes directly shape the external outcomes.
Katie Sachs
Doing Anne’s course has had such a positive impact on the way
I’m looking at some painful issues in my life.
Anne has shown me the tools to be able
to think about, manage, and approach things in a different way.
I can’t say enough about Anne’s amazing aura – strong, kind, wise, generous of spirit, and most of all – effective! I love the way Anne has been there to guide me.
With much gratitude and love. Katie.
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Who These Courses Are For...
Equestrians how are interested in, techniques, insights, and advice for developing a positive and effective mindset while
interacting with horses.
Covering topics like building trust, communication, managing fear, setting goals, and fostering a harmonious partnership.
It’s for those of you who are passionate about horses and want to improve their horsemanship skills.
Understanding the role of mindset is crucial.
A healthy mindset can greatly enhance the overall experience when
working/playing with your horse.
Who These Courses Are Not For...
Skeptics of Mindset Importance.
Some individuals might be skeptical about the impact of mindset on their interactions with horses.
They might not see the value in exploring this topic.
Those Seeking Technical Information.
Some people might be looking for purely technical information about horse care, training, or riding, and they might not prioritize the psychological aspect covered in a mindset-focused book.
An unhealthy mindset when you're with your horse can have several effects on
your interactions.
A Strong connection between a horse and his human
is crucial for building trust, effective communication,
and leadership.
Just Some FAQ
Do I need a horse to be able to take your mindset performance program?
No, You don't need a horse, you can take the Mindset Program without an Equine's help although horses make the experience even more powerful.
What role does Patience play in the mindset around horses?
Patience is crucial when working with horses. Rushed or impatient behavior can stress the horse and lead to misunderstandings. A patient mindset allows for better communication and cooperation.
How does Confidence Contribute to a positive mindset around horses?
Confidence helps you assert yourself as a leader in the horse's eyes. Horses respond well to a handler who exudes calm confidence, creating a sense of security for the horse.
What should I do if I feel Nervous around horses?
If you're nervous, it's essential to take a moment to calm yourself before approaching a horse.
Horses can sense anxiety, and a calm demeanor helps the horse feel more at ease
How does a Positive Mindset contribute to a successful training session?
A positive mindset fosters a cooperative atmosphere during training. Horses respond well to positive reinforcement and encouragement, which can lead to more effective and enjoyable training sessions.
What are the dangers of approaching a horse with a negative or aggressive mindset?
A negative or aggressive mindset can provoke defensive or fearful reactions from the horse. This can lead to dangerous situations for both the handler and the horse.
Why is it important to be Present and Focused when around horses?
Horses require attention and awareness. Being present and focused helps you anticipate and respond to the horse's behavior, fostering a safe and positive interaction.
Keep an eye open for my new video (coming soon) on Boundaries and Connection.
Remember that each horse is an individual, and the right mindset may vary based on the horse's personality, past experiences, and current environment.
Developing a consistent, positive, and respectful mindset will contribute to a successful and enjoyable partnership with any horse.
