Young horse

Keeping Curiosity in the Learning Process

By Gillian Warner

I’ve always felt drawn to working with young horses, and when I started my business a few years ago, I decided to focus my attention on bringing along and starting horses. I’ve been lucky enough to have been surrounded by mentors through the years that have guided me to better understand the process of starting to work with a horse, from groundwork to the first ride to developing a horse over fences or at a first show. In addition, I have had an education from mentors and organizations, such as Pony Club, to help me understand horse behavior and interactions.

Young horses have a natural curiosity that can be extraordinarily fun to work with; it encourages exploration and adventure, which I’ve found as an incredible tool to use in the learning process for bringing a horse along. When horses ask questions and want to understand, the educational opportunity for the horse to fully “get” the question asked, or the challenge placed before them, expands. Instead of telling a horse how to do something, or that they should, there’s a deeper grasp of the why and how, and more purpose and meaning in their response.

While I’ve prioritized and appreciated the need for curiosity in young horse education, I haven’t always given it the same appreciation and respect in my own learning. With so much going on, from maintaining the business, farm, and some hint of a normal sleep schedule, it’s easy to find yourself moving through the motions of the day-to-day, overlooking the opportunity to ask questions so you can grasp a deeper understanding of the why and how.

Gillian Warner with Mark Rashid
Allowing myself the opportunity to push myself in my own education, and ask questions to develop a deeper understanding, has allowed me to prioritize my curiosity, and jump back into my work energized and focused. Here I am with clinician Mark Rashid. Photo Courtesy Gillian Warner

As part of my goal this year, I’ve pushed myself to focus and prioritize my curiosity, try new things, and ask good questions. Most recently, this curiosity in my own education took me to Colorado, where I was an auditor for the Mark Rashid and Jim Masterson Collaborative Clinic. Both Mark and Jim have a natural curiosity and openness to new ideas, questions, or approaches, despite, or maybe because, of their years of experience and expertise.

Participating in the clinic led me to ask questions regarding contact, softness, and energy when working with horses. Once I allowed myself to have the space and energy to focus on my own curiosity, I opened doors to better understand my own passion and work, and I came away reenergized to answer more questions to better understand myself, my horses, and our work together.

As we continue through the year, and as all of the time constraints, responsibilities, and stress seem to close in, I’m going to continue encouraging myself to hold the space I need for my curiosity, and the curiosity of my horses, so we can all better learn and grow together.

The United States Pony Clubs, Inc. (USPC or Pony Club) is the largest equestrian educational organization in North America. Started in 1954, the organization has developed curriculum that teaches safe riding skills and the care of horses through mounted and unmounted lessons. Through Pony Club, members have fun with horses and make lifelong friends while they develop skills, habits, and values that extend well beyond the barn and last a lifetime. Many members apply what they have learned in the USPC program successfully in their careers, educational and volunteer opportunities, and other life pursuits.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Page generated in 1.165 seconds. Stats plugin by www.blog.ca