Are You Ready to ‘Go Natural?’

Millions of Americans read the book or saw the movie, “The Horse Whisperer,” and were amazed at the connection between trainer and horse. How can a human being communicate so effectively and intuitively with a creature that doesn’t speak our language? The answer is pretty straightforward- by learning to communicate like a horse. Natural Horsemanship is based on understanding the natural herd hierarchy or pecking order, how horses use body language to communicate and the understanding of horses’ ‘explosive flight’ instincts that have helped protect them from natural predators.

The movement has evolved from training techniques to tack and equipment that further instill the principles of Natural Horsemanship. For example, treeless saddles are constructed differently than traditional saddles. They allow a rider to actually feel the horse beneath them, creating greater communication between horse and rider. Because of their softness and flexibility, they’re also more comfortable for the horse. Bitless bridles are becoming increasingly popular as a gentler yet highly effective tool for riders to control their horses. While the practice of stuffing a metal bit into a horse’s mouth dates back centuries, today’s savvy equestrians are discovering that bitless bridles don’t compromise their control.

Zoe Brooks, a quality management consultant and horse farm owner, admits her first foray into owning a horse didn’t start with the mutual caring relationship she expected. Instead, her horse Hazel pushed her around. That’s when Zoe did some research and began using Natural Horsemanship methods. Hazel was content to take trail rides outfitted in a rope halter with no bit. But as soon as Zoe tried riding her with a bit and bridle Hazel’s personality changed and she became combative. That’s what led Zoe to design the Nurtural No-Bit Bridle.

“When you think about the mechanics of shoving a harsh hunk of steel into a horse’s mouth, it sounds rather barbaric,” says Brooks, co-founder of Nurtural Horse products. “Attila the Hun succeeded by teaching his army to control their horses with metal bits. While today’s bits aren’t as primitive, the fact is that much of our modern equestrian practice evolved from military training. The idea behind the bitless bridle is that if you remove the distraction and pain of a bit, the horse and owner are happier.”

Bitless bridles are gaining credibility among all sectors of the horse set; from the casual pleasure rider to the precision of Grand Prix Dressage riders, horse owners are discovering the difference ‘going Natural’ can make. They feel like their horses are calmer and happier to be with them.

While Natural Horsemanship is often viewed as a ‘softer’ way to train, it focuses on teaching the horse that the relationship is a partnership, with the human as the dominant ‘horse’ who must be respected. By catering to the horse’s innate knowledge and instincts, the animal feels secure and willingly turns to its human teammate for leadership.

While many horse lovers see the value in the Natural Horsemanship movement, they may balk at bitless bridles, believing they all look like a standard hackamore. The often bulky or rudimentary appearance of hackamores doesn’t seem to mesh too well with the grace and poise required when showing. But bitless bridles have become so refined and elegant in appearance, that at first glance, many riders don’t even realize a horse isn’t using a standard bitted bridle. “Once they see the responsiveness and control that a bitless bridle can offer, most riders become interested,” says Brooks. “After all, what horse owner wouldn’t want to find a more nurturing and gentle way to work with the horse they love?”

For more information visit www.nurturalhorse.com.