A Lesson in Observation Skills

(we had a “class assignment” the other week to write about our thoughts, feelings, insights of the Evaluation we had the opportunity to observe. Herewith my submission, and following this is a post from fellow Featherette Peggy. Judy? Kristy?
Stay tuned for their posts!)

Where would I begin if I’m ever asked to help someone with their horse? It could be a friend who “just’ wants to learn to ride their new horse, or perhaps they have specific issues and problems with their horse and ask me for training advice. What would I do? Would I have enough confidence to say I could help them, and then how do I determine what the priorities are?

I haven’t given this much thought before because although Flicka and I started our training together almost 3 years ago, she’s now the who’s giving lessons to the humans! This doesn’t let me off the hook because the Tall One advises that not only are we becoming thoughtful, correct and effective riders and trainers, continually adding skills and knowledge into our “toolbox”, but at some point we’ll also find ourselves in the roles of teachers.

So it was a wonderful opportunity to be able to observe a full evaluation of horse and rider when our Equine Counselor (yes, Feather) invited Judy, Kristy, Peggy and me to attend just such a session.

Esperanza is a lovely bay Arab mare, and it was immediately evident that her human mom Victoria has treated her with kindness and gentle training. We watched as the pretty mare was led out of her trailer and walked around the outdoor arena, showing only a little distress at the new surroundings. It didn’t take long before she settled down and became intrigued with the tall human who approached and offered her a tasty apple cookie.

I did feel empathy for Victoria as I know how it is to be in the hot seat, so to speak. Having to work with one’s horse in front of an audience can really add pressure to being in the ring, the attention of the teacher/trainer focused entirely on you!
Both horse and rider handled it well, which was another indicator to me of Victoria’s relationship with Esperanza.

A teacher/trainer must mentally note all details; beginning from the exit out of a horse trailer, to the ground manners, groundwork skills, or lack of; equipment currently being used, from the type of headstall/bit to saddle and even the pad! Note the hoof and its care, whether barefoot or shod we should see good wall and angle. What is the feeding program and current exercise regimen?

Asking questions, quietly watching, discussing issues. Oh boy, now to the work!
Lets not forget to watch for mounting and dismounting issues. How is the horse’s athleticism? Nicely rounded, supple and bending, or stiff and hollow, crooked and leaning on rein? Is there lameness or soreness apparent when we watch the movement during groundwork or under saddle? And what of our rider? Why have they come to us and what is it they seem to be searching for?
I remember when I wasn’t even sure WHAT I was looking for, except to become a better rider. I didn’t have an inkling what that meant and where it would lead me.

We watched as Esperanza began her groundwork, the training foundation we build upon, and although she hadn’t been lounged much lately she soon settled into an easy walk and trot even in spite of a surcingle which did not fit too well (one of ours–seems like our horses tend toward an “ample” girth size!). Canter was more difficult for her, particularly the right lead, and our Equine Counselor spent some time with Esperanza using the long lines, watching and “listening” to the little Arab mare as she quietly worked with her.

The evaluation continued in the ring as we watched Victoria ride her pretty mare, working through up/down transitions, half turn on forehand/haunches, halt from leg. Watching a lesson from the ground got me to really look at what it is we actually DO during our group and private sessions. I thought about how much each of us has learned in the last few years, how far we’ve come and where we’ll be in another two years as we continue our education in horsemanship.

Just the word “Evaluation” and what it means to the trainer/teacher and to the student is pause for reflection . This was a thorough exam of a horse and rider that took place over several hours. Both teacher and student have time to ask and answer questions, the horse has time to settle down and perform without pressure or stress, and each party has the opportunity to come to an understanding of what they are hoping to achieve. As with all our own sessions, this particular one ended on a positive, happy note, with teacher, student, and horse all smiles.

Good work, Victoria and Esperanza! And thanks to our Tall One for another lesson in the quest to further our education in horsemanship. We don’t have to be the one in the saddle to gain knowledge or learn a new skill- take a break every now and then and observe a lesson from the sideline (and for something even more demanding….teach a class!)