How Connection Makes Training Easy and Enjoyable

Being connected is what allows us to have a conversation with another, including our horses. When we are connected, we are engaged, paying attention and joined. This is what allows us to communicate effectively with another, with others. Without that level of connection, we will continuously fall into the trappings of working twice as hard trying to keep it. In this video, I will be working on both you and your horse. I will first show you how to develop yourself so your horse wants to connect and then show you how to develop your horse so they stay connected. Before I begin, I’d like to address the following questions about connection. 1. Why is connection so important to our relationship with our horse? First, connection allows us to observe our horses so we can best read and understand where they are, basically it gives us a baseline of information. And second, it allows us to communicate clearly and effectively which is important to the horse on many levels. Being clear and effective is intrinsic to horses because it builds trust and respect. 2. What does connection mean and how does it show up? Connection is very layered. It first shows up when two beings are paying attention to one another. As connection grows it becomes all consuming, meaning, the two beings become so tuned into one another and engaged they become one in mind, body and heart/soul. 3. Often, we have the best, or most, connection with our horse when we are just being with them and not expecting anything of them. Why is that so, and how can we change that so that we feel connection all the time and in everything we do with horses including our training? That is because when we are just Being with them, in the moment and not asking anything of them, we are naturally producing endorphins, the “feel good” hormone. Because horses are highly evolved sensory aware (prey) animals, they can sense this and it makes them feel safe, secure and comfortable. The next answer is learning how to develop this state of Being, where you are in the endorphin release, when asking our horses to join us, partner up and work with us. My work is all about this and teaches you how to develop this way of Being, so your relationship and connection with your horse exists in everything you do together. You can learn how to develop the depth of connection in your relationship and work with your horse in my Discovering the Spirituality of Horsemanship Online Course https://www.taoacademy-horse-training... We will now begin teaching you how to connect. This is important if you want to learn how to become what your horse needs and wants to connect to and with. 3 Steps to tuning in and connecting to your horse: 1. Become self-aware: Pay attention to how you feel and what type of energy you are projecting 2. Learn how to connect with yourself energetically through grounding and centering exercises: Develop your 1st and 4th Chakra energy. These 2 energies help ease us and our horses, making us feel safe and comfortable 3. Ask your horse to be with you, join you: Call them in through the power/energy of your mind, body and heart. Use the power of this energetic approach first and if that doesn’t work, “add” energy, movement, action to your request and until they hear you, respond Steps to tuning your horse into you: 1. Get their attention – step into a leadership position by becoming assertive. This helps you channel your energy more easily, basically guide your intention and energy. There are specific tools and techniques that will help you achieve this position but most importantly the level of connection and communication you see between me and my horses is achieved through the power of mind-body-heart connection. 2. Speak with your heart – ground or still your energy, breath and become present and focus on your heart and love of and for your horse. When this energy is developed it is strong enough for your horse to feel and respond to 3. Synchronize – in movement and through rhythm Click here to watch the full 60-minute training video on connection https://www.taoofhorsemanship.com/lea... Click here to learn my complete training method, how to start/re-start and finish horses: https://www.taoacademy-horse-training...