There already is a name for the riding ‘at a higher level’. It’s called “Forward Riding”. No exceptions. It is still taught by a few – unpopular- instructors that hold the rider accountable for their part of the ride.  Granted, most (if not all)  have to start on the ground level (literally) and do their personal work (as Klaus Hempfling is doing) before going to the horse. Correct Forward Riding requires a good, working understanding of the word consensus. And responsibility (respond – ability). And self-carriage. It may be necessary to get off your horses to learn all this. However,  I am a little disappointed that Stormy is not looking into doing more with her horses yet. Having identified the ‘razor blade in monkey paws’, she needs to be the one to demonstrate, and  lead us to  the correction. I sure hope this movement  doesn’t stop at sitting on a muck bucket in lotus position in the pasture and oohhmmming! Find the teachers of Forward Riding and LEARN how to do no harm. Maybe even discover that the two together are more than each alone (human and horse). Stop teaching your horse to be more human (play ball, spanish walk, play tag, etc) and bring out the natural horse-ness in them!  They are made perfect to begin with (as are you).  You have nothing to teach the horse. Only to learn – Forward Riding.

Forward riding is fun for both you and the horse!!!

I loved the interview although I was alittle taken aback by what seemed like Stormy's tentative responses. I loved the messages.  Many of us have seen when someone says one thing and does another. Sadly lables become marketing tools. In order to further the understanding of horses as sentient beings I feel we need to stay true to the values we know in our hearts feel right. When we get in touch with our core essence we know wrong by how it feels. Hopefully we can empower each other to stand up for what we feel is right for us.

I felt sad at the story of the purple cowboy boots and remembered when my nephews wanted to ride my donkey Sammy - it was hard but I made it clear that it would only happen if it was okay with Sammy and that it woud be nice to build a frindship first – they took to it like ducks to water.  They sensed when he was becoming tired and stopped and found ways to make him feel special. He was a king surrounded by childeren who loved and appreciated him. They carried that lesson with them to other riding opportunities eleswhere even when it was not asked of them to do so.

I have so many thoughts but wished to share this while I had a moment. Thanks for listening

Maureen