Several well known and lesser known trainers around the world teach what is called "Natural Horsemanship". In doing so, they may provide their students with a set of rules that are supposed to be "gentle" and based on how horses really interact with each other and think. But is this all true? Before thinking about that lets look at some of the ways natural horsemanship is criticized.

The first thing that comes to mind is the notion of "games". When you learn natural horsemanship, one of the first thing you get started on with your horse is a set of games you play with your horse. I've heard a lot of horse people say that the games are just a gimmick. A common criticism is that the games actually keep people from doing what they ought to be doing-which is riding their horses!

Another criticism about natural horsemanship is that its trendy. Its nothing more than a fad, people say. When this criticism is put forward, the viewpoint is really that natural horsemanship is a gimmick designed to sell people products.

The third and final criticism I'd like to mention is that its just a way for people to make money. A trainer says he or she is "natural horsemanship" and its a label they use to generate business.

I want to focus on the first criticism mentioned above, that the games are a gimmick that keeps people from riding their horses. I think this is far from the truth. The first benefit of the "games" which might not be obvious to old experienced horse people is that the natural horsemanship games provide a safe, systematic framework for newbies. That is, its a way for new horse owners to learn how to handle a horse on the ground safely. It builds confidence, and gives people something to do with their horses when they aren't quite ready for riding.

The second benefit-which is more important-is that good, solid groundwork is VITAL for safe horsemanship. If you can't control your horse on the ground, how can you possibly expect to be safe in the saddle? Every horse owner should be putting LOTS of time into their groundwork. The investment will pay back in spades later because they will have a responsive, safer horse.

And what are the games? Critics say the games (which might just be called groundwork exercises by various trainers-not trying to single out Parelli) are a bunch of BS that has nothing to do with horses. Nothing could be farther from the truth. In fact the games are based on how horses interact with each other. They help the rider, i.e. the human learn to communicate with horses more effectively. Again, this leads into a more responsive horse in the saddle. And beyond that, it helps you develop a relationship with the horse so that the horse can trust you and follow you as a leader, even when you're riding her in a scary situation.

Now I hope that groundwork or games doesn't keep anyone from riding their horse. If you're new to horses and a little wary of riding, get on up there and do it! Just keep up with the groundwork too!

OK so is Natural Horsemanship TRENDY? I hardly think so. For one thing, its gotten so big that it seems here to stay. I don't know any hard numbers but it seems like more and more horse owners are turning to natural horsemanship as a way to work with their horses. This is for the best in my opinion, because it lets people deal with their horses in a gentler kinder way instead of relying on brute force.

Another factor is that more horse owners these days are women, and women are going to be drawn to natural horsemanship more than say, old cowboys. That's not to say some women aren't old cowboys or that an old cowboy can't learn natural horsemanship, I'm just saying for a displaced suburbanite who discovers horses once living in the country, natural horsemanship is going to be an appealing path. I think more and more women will be getting into horsemanship this way, and I think its healthy.

Next, I think that contrary to criticism, natural horsemanship does in fact focus in on how horses really think, feel, act, and behave. Many groundwork techniques or the "games" are based on this, which is why they are so effective. Given this fact, Natural horsemanship isn't going to be a fad or trend. The overall approach to the techniques used means its going to be with us for the long haul, because it WORKS. No matter what you say about it, its hard to dispute that.

I would like to conclude by saying don't just view your horse as an ornament out on the lawn or a motorcycle with fur. Horses are living, spiritual beings although they are very different from us in some ways. Take the time to establish a relationship with your horse. If you do, you'll enjoy many safe years with your horse riding and just being with them. Natural horsemanship is a great vehicle to accomplish this goal.