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As horsemen, we travel clinic to clinic, seminar to seminar, maybe even exploring different approaches in the search for the magic answer. Along this journey we meet and talk with others who have similar questions and are looking, as we are, for training that works consistently. Sometimes, we’d see and admire someone’s relationship with their horse. And sometimes we’d ask questions or wonder to ourselves. Who do you work with? Who’s your trainer? Whose method do you follow? Do you do that cowboy thing? Do these questions sound like some you’ve heard? Or maybe there are questions you’ve asked yourself. How will I know I’m doing the right thing? Why doesn’t this technique work with my horse when I’ve seen it work with others? How can I establish the best relationship with my horse? Are we truly a team? Full of questions. Sometimes short on answers. Have you ever asked yourself on the way to the barn: Is today going to be a good ride? Rather than asking that, we’d like to know as we walk toward our horse that today is always going to be a good interaction, whether it’s a ride or just cleaning the stall. These questions and more prompted a few individuals in New England to get together and to invite similar minded people to gather under an umbrella of learning, regardless of whose natural horsemanship method they follow. Consequently, instead of another clinic or seminar, we decided to establish a new organization, open to all and independent of discipline. We wanted horse facts, not marketing hype. This new group welcomes all who are looking for the same things: a training methodology that is consistently effective based in horse science, a forum that encourages learning from others and a form of competition that recognizes and evaluates our progress in our horsemanship. We named it the American Association for the Progression of Horsemanship (AAPH). This small group decided that the AAPH should not try to replace traditional disciplines but to enhance various methods by incorporating a fundamental knowledge of the natural laws, natural movements and natural communication abilities of our equine partners. The fundamental basis for most methods along the “natural horsemanship” road is an understanding that the core language needs to be the language of the horse. In July, 2004, a number of people joined the core AAPH team for the inaugural Alternative Open Horsemanship Meet held in Mendon, Massachusetts. There were a number of classes, including some just for fun, along with formal and informal opportunities for discussion, raffles, and a barbecue dinner with music enjoyed by all who attended. The meet featured a new format called Categories of Progression. The categories put the working relationship between equine and handler into a practical context from ground work through riding, as well as providing a framework for assessment of the application of skills and the understanding of the natural equine laws. In each category competition, each participating horse/handler team received an assessment from two evaluators (judges). These teams received coaching, encouragement and recognition for their effort, as well as an opportunity to compete without compromising their “natural horsemanship” training. It was especially impressive to see the variety of people who participated in the event, from young children through adults. The youngest equine handler was Madeline MacPhee from Long Meadow Farm in Rhode Island. At four years old (yes –four!), she was an impressive sight and proof positive that it’s not strength or size but a willingness to work and communicate as a team that matters. On March 13, 2005, AAPHNE offered a demonstration of its meet format, free of charge and open to all spectators and participants. On June 4-5, 2005, Spring Willow Farm will again host the second Open Schooling Horsemanship Meet.
Q: Where can I find out more about the Categories of Progression and the
scoring system? |